Waza Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

I went for my 1^st class on Tuesday really not believing all the rave reviews. I went with an open mind and I was very impressed. Derek and the students were very welcoming I’m sure understanding I was intimidated and nervous. I was very impressed with how the students wanted to help along with the coaching from Derek. I will review again at my 6 month mark, but I do highly recommend this school as a start for anyone seeking Jiu Jitsu!

Absolutely top-​noth instruction with friendly staff and students. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would return.
I visited Waza while spending the weekend in Sacramento with my girlfriend’s family. Her mother expressed concern that my GF’s 13-​year old brother wasn’t receiving enough exercise. Being the BJJ freak that I am, I immediately suggested we take him to a jiu jitsu class. I looked up Waza, called, and was soon warmly welcomed into their academy.
Derek invited little man to join the kids class, and even welcomed me to join as his training partner (little man is shy). He also offered us a clean, high-​grade (Inverted Panda) loaner gi. Derek’s instruction was wonderful. He was great with the kids and made sure everyone understood the technique. Good times all around.
We left with an invitation to join again the next morning. I sang Waza’s praise to little man’s mother and will absolutely return on my next visit. Thank you, Derek!

Absolutely love it here, everyone treats you with respect and comes over if you need help, The instructor is very professional, kind, and wise. He’ll help you with anything you have questions on. I HIGHLY recommend coming here for your first time or if you’re a experienced martial artist.

I’m new to BJJ and a little older than a lot of students, so I was a little nervous about starting such a physical sport.
My experience has been all positive with Waza BJJ, Derek the head coach and owner is very friendly and helpful and also informative on many other subjects. The other students have all been exceptionally friendly and helpful also, taking the time to roll with beginners and correct mistakes. The dojo is clean and spacious with bathroom and changing area.
If like I was you are a little intimidated to step into the BJJ world then fear not, Waza BJJ was welcoming to me and others who started. Definitely check this place out!

My 6yo son and I joined Waza together last year so we could have some something fun to learn together, but also for the exercise and self defense. We visited several other local martial arts schools but selected Waza because of the ego free and relaxed environment and the excellent instructors. Derek takes considerable time acclimating you to the facilities and personally instructs you for the first few sessions to help you understand the basics. Derek’s instruction is impeccable, drop dead simple to understand, and he ensures that you have an opportunity to see each technique several times before drilling it with a partner. He answers questions with no sarcasm or false bravado. By the end of my first complimentary class, I was 100% sure that this was something that I wanted to learn more about and Derek was who I wanted to learn it from. Over the last year, I’ve quickly become addicted to the sport and spend all my waking free time thinking about it. The community of men and women that attend the daily classes have become a second family for me. The culture, fostered by Derek, is one of friendship and shared improvement. There are no secret techniques or tricks that are kept from the uninitiated.
My son’s class is led by John McClean who is excellent at leading a class of rowdy 3+ y/​o kids. He captures their attention and quickly gains their respect, all while making the learning part fun. He invited me to help out with my son’s class… which my son loves… but it is equally beneficial for me as every technique that he teaches is useful for kids and adults alike.
Bottom line: If you have any interest whatsoever in learning a martial art, getting in shape, or just getting a good workout, make sure you give this school a chance.
Hope to see you on the mats!

I’ve trained jiu jitsu for over 4 years now been at Waza’s for the last year and a half it’s hands down one of the best schools I’ve ever trained at. It has a great atmosphere with great people. Derek is one of the most understanding and respectful individuals I have ever come across. I love this place!

I started training in Brazilian Jiujitsu about five years ago in the bay area. What I loved most about my school there was the sense of family. Everyone was there to have a good time and grow in the art of Jiujitsu. No one was trying to become the next MMA superstar and people genuinely cared about their training partners. I moved to the Elk Grove area a year and a half ago.
I was reluctant to try a different school until a friend told me about Waza BJJ. I walked in and spoke with the owner and instructor Derek DiManno, a black belt under Cassio Wernick, about class times and prices. Derick’s instruction is top notch, meticulous, and thorough. I attended two classes before I signed myself and my son up. The students are welcoming and just like my old school, everyone is a big family. Derick rolls with all the students and stays well after closing time to go over details or just talk about Jiujitsu. There are plenty of classes to attend and they are all a great workout, starting with the warm ups, which still get me every time. Derick teaches every class and as I said it earlier he really nails down the fine points to every position.
If you’ve trained before and are looking for a new place, just want to get in shape, in the area on business, or just moved here like me; I highly recommend Waza BJJ.

I now have two of my three kids in the kids class. There are three different classes, one for the youngsters which is 3 – 6 years old on Tues and Thurs, older beginner kids 7 – 12 on Tues and Thurs, and non beginner kids 7 – 12 on Mon Tues and Wed. (please confirm with with instructors about ages days and time, I’m just going off memory).
The kids love the classes since they are fun, educational, and they learn self defense. If you are interested definitely have your kids try a couple classes and see how they like it.

Derek DiManno, owner and head instructor, makes it worth the drive from Stockton every time I go to train (an average of 3 times a week). He was extremely welcoming, hospitable, and understanding. I had a pretty rough experience with another jiu jitsu studio, where I felt very unwelcome (that’s a story too long for this post). Derek and the rest of the Waza crew took me in like family from day 1, and I haven’t looked back. Is it worth if if you’re in Elk Grove? Absolutely! Is it worth the 30 minute drive? Without a doubt.
Força e honra!

After training BJJ for over 6 years and visiting many schools, I have been extremely pleased with Waza BJJ and have made it my permanent home. You won’t find better instruction or a more welcoming environment.
Derek (owner/​instructor) teaches every class and is always available to train with his students. He spends the time to make sure each student understands the concepts before moving on to the next technique. Each week he has a planned curriculum so he’s not just making things up as he goes (which is painfully obvious at some schools). If you go to multiple classes each week you’ll see very little overlap from the previous day’s/week’s instruction because of this.
Waza will prove to be a safe and friendly training environment for you and your family. If you’re in the area and have wanted to learn BJJ come by Waza and give it a try. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

I’ve been a student here for several months. I’ve never had any formal «ground training» before and was hesitant to start classes as I didn’t know what to expect. Like most I’ve spoken with who haven’t attended a class, most are concerned with their own levels of physical fitness and the big gym egos. After a while of debating if I should take classes, I decided to go in and at least talk with Derek, the instructor. I was pleased to find Derek very helpful and extremely friendly. He mentioned that the best way to start was to take advantage of two free classes. I bit the bullet and started going. It’s been about 7 months now and I’m hooked. Derek’s instruction is based on technique and he teaches his class in a manner that is very easy to understand. I find that the students in his class are very open and friendly and HAVE NO EGOS! I believe that this is a direct result of good instruction with an emphasis on a maintaing a professional, and safe environment. Not sure if Jiu Jitsu is for you? Fine, try out two classes and find out. They’re free! Not sure if you can keep up physically? No problem, go at your own pace. We all learn at different levels and have various physical capabilities and limitations. You’re never looked down on for not finishing warm ups or sitting out a few rounds «sparring.» Ultimately, you get what you put into it. Now log off of Unilocal and get your rear on the mat!

I normally train at Infinite Jiu Jitsu in Rocklin, but I have now had the opportunity to train at Waza Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on a couple of occasions. This is a great facility; the gym itself had plenty of room to roll, it was very clean and comfortable, and had men’s and women’s changing rooms. Derek Dimanno is the owner and an amazing instructor; he is a high level black belt under Cassio Werneck and has competed and excelled at the highest level. All of the students are very friendly and welcoming. In the adult class, there is a good mix of students of different ages, sizes and abilities, which is good for teenagers or guys in their 40s like me. The kids class is available 3 days a week — I watched a whole class and Derek has a great rapport with the kids in his class. If you are in the Elk Grove or Sacramento area and looking for a place to train Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, or just looking for a fun way to get in great shape, or even if you are looking for a good activity for you child that will provide excercise, respect and build character, I highly recommend Waza BJJ!

I have been studying at Waza Jiu Jitsu for almost a year now, and I all I can really say is that I’m hooked on Jiu Jitsu! Whether you just want to learn something new or you want to get in better shape (I’ve lost 60 pounds myself) this is the place for you. From day one the students here are happy to see you every time you show up and encourage you every step of the way, But the main reason that I am having this much fun learning is because of Owner/​Instrutor Derek DiManno. Not only does he have a vast knowledge of BJJ, but he teaches in a way that you can understand, whether if it’s your first class or you have been there for a year… Just trust me and give it a week, I know you get hooked as well!
*****UPDATE******
(08÷20÷2012)
Still going 2 – 3 times a week… have had more laughs then I can count and made friends that have turned into a second Family. I have not had one regret since signing up!

Great academy that is instructed by a great instructor, Derek. He is very knowledgable and cares for his students safety at all times. Classes are offered 6 days a week, morning and night time so there is no excuse to miss a class. Mats are cleaned on a routine basis, there are male and female lockers, a bathroom and padding on the walls. Derek is very dedicated to his academy and goes the extra mile to help students wanting to learn more. The student environment is very welcoming to new students, so dont be scared to ask questions. The location of the academy is very convenient and close to many restaurants if your looking to grab a quick bite after training.

This is probably one of the best places to learn BJJ. The Coach Derek is a great guy who knows what he is talking about. The training area is very clean and well put together. The students are friendly and very helpful. A great place to learn and train.