I think the instructors make or break a school. These are the best I've seen (for the adults and kids' programs). The kids program is awesome. It's the perfect blend of old-school respect and discipline, mixed with high-energy enthusiastic coaching. In this day and age, kids need both. I simply can't say enough about the instructors.

The skills these kids learn are awesome. Though not the primary goal of the program, I pity the school bully who decides to mess with one of these kids. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been proven to be the most effective martial art, especially when people are different sizes. I'm reminded of this each time my (now nine year old) daughter tries to choke me out or put me in an armbar! As a father, it's a comforting feeling knowing my daughter can take care of herself, even if her opponent is bigger and stronger than she is. She feels invincible, and that's half the battle.

It's fun watching the kids interact with each other as well. These kids have some of the best character I've seen. The bigger kids help the smaller kids along. The more skilled kids patiently work with the less-skilled. It is very clear they're all on the same team, trying to help each other become better. It's fun watching the kids accept and help a new student. As a parent it makes you feel proud of all of them. This attitude starts at the top, and is a tone set by their instructors (coaches). Frankly, anything less would not be tolerated.

At this point, my entire family trains at Zingano's. The adult program reflects the kids' in many ways. The instructors are awesome. There is absolutely NO ATTITUDE! To me that's the most important part of a martial arts gym. Nobody at Zingano's has anything to prove. There's no "tough guy" attitude. It is one of the most humble gyms I've been to. Every student becomes a teacher and works cooperatively to help you become better. When sparring, the upper belts allow the lower belts to work on their technique and they teach--rather than just kick your butt. It's a great environment with a huge mix of people. Some people are there just to stay in shape. Many compete in tournaments; and some are professional MMA fighters. The cool thing is-- everyone blends well and gets along with each other.

I was told when I started at the gym it was like a family. I have found that to be true. If someone were looking to join a gym, I would enthusiastically recommend Zingano's.

Wayne R

"As a 40+ year old with a busy schedule, I was determined to get in shape and wanted to try something different than the typical gym routine. I found my calling at Zingano Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where there were others like me enjoying proven, world class martial arts instruction, and the camaraderie of group that both welcomes you and constantly challenges you to improve your game. I have found no other pursuit as fulfilling as Brazilian Jui Jitsu, which provides me with the demanding workout I need, the self-defense technique that I value, and a framework for constant improvement that never, ever gets dull. I''ve trained at several Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools over the years and Zingano tops them all."

Cheers,

Adam

"I started doing Muay Thai because for me, it looked like a good way to lose a few pounds and keep in shape. Little did I know that it would change my life forever! I completely fell in love with Muay Thai! It not only taught me self defense that I believe every women needs, but it also taught me how to fight. Eventually I want to fight, I know not every person would like to, but I feel that now I have to tools to go out there and perform to the best of my ability. And since the introduction of Sakmongol to the academy, my Muay Thai has improved ten-fold. He is the best instructor for Muay Thai hands down. He is willing to stay an hour late and make sure that every student understands the technique. Zingano Muay Thai is the ONLY place to learn Muay Thai. Whether you are coming to lose weight, learn self defense or fight, you need to come to Zingano Muay Thai!"

Kim

"I have never considered myself athletic and truth be told, I have always been a bit clumsy and uncoordinated. Regardless of this fact, I have always been driven and keen to attempt new activities no matter the challenges presented.

I look forward to getting to know and train with our new coach, Sakmongol, and look forward to the continued success that Zingano Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Zingano Muay Thai will certainly master."

~ Stacy Smith

"Growing up, I was very athletic. However, through the years, life found its way of beating me up and I lost all motivation. Now in my 30’s I was looking for something to get back into. Just to be involved somehow. Never would I have thought I would be enjoying fighting so much. About two years ago, a very good friend of mine suggested I go into Zingano’s to try a Muay Thai class. I reluctantly went, not sure of how I felt about fighting. After attending one class, I instantly feel in love with the sport. Professor Zingano and the coaching staff are amazing to work with. They all love what they do and are willing to help in any way they can. The personal attentiveness is more than anyone could ask for, whether you are training for a fight or just there for the exercise. I am and have been very impressed with the academy. My life has definitely changed for the better since starting Muay Thai. I find myself more confident in my day-to-day life, more conscious about my health, and just all around happier with life and myself. My training days are the best part of my week. I am extremely happy I found Zingano and Muay Thai."

Toni A.

"In a short period of time since enrolling Anthony in your classes I've seen a significant increase in his confidence. As you know, middle school can be rough on kids especially when they're smart and/or they're smaller than the bullies, just like in Anthony's case. I wanted to share two recent life changing stories about Anthony, which I credit Zingano BJJ.

I've been impressed with your outstanding coaches and I'm grateful to them for their contribution in changing my child's confidence. They should be proud of what they do because they're truly making a difference."

Jeanette & Michael Pidanick

"Since I first met Professor Zingano in 2004 my life has been completely changed.  When Professor Zingano first started the team, with only a few students, I have watched him nurture and grow the student body with great care.  As a result of his meticulous attention to detail, his style (being a master technician), and his ability to work with students of all abilities he has subsequently built an Academy that many of us call home.  After my first class with Professor Zingano I was hooked.

Practicing BJJ has now become  a lifestyle and a lifestyle I would not trade for anything.   I have been fortunate enough to have trained under one of the best practitioners and teachers around. This is a combination that is not easy to find.

One of the most important things Professor Zingano has accomplished is he has created an environment to train at that is friendly, clean and loaded with excellent people.  So if you are looking to compete, train MMA, shed some pounds or just channel your energy into into a positive creative process Professor Zingano can help you get there.  I could ramble on and on about the benefits of training, but my suggestion would be to stop by, try out class for a week for free and find out for yourself.  Hope to see you on the mat."

Mike M.

I was a year shy of 30 and growing tired of spin classes and Stair-masters that did nothing for me. I needed something different. Something that would get me into shape, increase my confidence and be fun. I emailed Professor Zingano to see if I could swing by and try a Jiu Jitsu class. I made it through my first class and came back the next day for a Muay Thai class. I made it through both and was hooked. I canceled my gym membership and joined the Zingano Family. It truly is a family. The coaches have always been there for me whether it is at tournaments, providing little tips or some extra motivation to try harder. I was afraid that I would be the testing dummy for more skilled students. Instead, I found a culture of teaching and respect that permeates everything at the gym. From the first timer to the most experienced person, everyone looks out for each other, which allows everyone to be their best.

I have been training at Zingano's for 5 months now. I lost 53 lbs, regained my confidence and have had an incredible time training. The Family I found at Zingano's means the world to me and I am so glad I dropped in for that first class."

Brian Leftwich
Manager- HandsOn Network

"Zingano bjj has completely changed my life in more ways then one. Before I started doing jiu jitsu all I did after work is play video games or act like I knew what I was doing at the local fitness gym. I started doing bjj weighing around 215 pounds and have since dropped to 150 pounds. This sport gives me something to look forward to after work not only for the health reasons, but also for the atmosphere that is created. Team Zingano is not just a team to train with but is a family atmosphere where everyone feels wanted and no one is outcast. The knowledge spreds like a wildfire because everyone is always helping each other and noone is made to feel like they can't do a technique. I know personally I plan on training here for years to come."

Rick Blea

"I had been looking for some time for a new type of workout to stay in shape outside of traditional weight lifting and cardio routines.  I had tried several different workouts and found myself getting bored quickly with them.  I had been wanting to try out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for several years, but the idea of starting up something along those lines without knowing anyone there was nerve racking.  When I finally went in to Zingano BJJ, I immediately wished I had come in years before.  The training partners immediately made me feel at home and welcome.  The coaching staff seemed to not only care about my BJJ development, but me as a person.  Training at Zingano BJJ has had a significant impact on my life.  I am in the best shape of my life, and the training I get is not only a significant stress reliever in my life through exercise, but the friendships I have formed there have become second to none."

Mike F.

"Our experience has been amazing! The instructors at Zingano are great at what they do and truly love sharing their knowledge with the kids The classes did more than just teach them BJJ, it gave my daughter the self confidence to try out for the wrestling team at her middle school and it taught my son how to be more disciplined not just with BJJ but also with his schoolwork.

For myself, being a part of the Muay Thai class, has been an awesome experience. It not only helped me lose weight and manage stress better, but it also helped bring up my self confidence.

From day one, we have been treated like family not students. We have had a great experience and gladly recommend Zingano BJJ to everyone that has an interested in learning BJJ."

Sonja Villalobos

"We all have our own reasons for training, but whether you want to get in great shape, compete, challenge yourself physically and mentally, improve your self defense skills, or just learn the most practical and useful martial art in existence, you will become addicted to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

I train at Zingano BJJ because we are a close-knit team where everyone helps everyone else.  As a result, I have personally seen my BJJ game make huge advances in the short time I've been here, and I've enjoyed helping my teammates progress as well.  Between the team environment, top-notch instruction and huge facility, you will not find a better or more legitimate place to train in Colorado."

See you at the academy,

Kieran

"My name is Andre Capritta, and I am a Computer Engineer. My six-year-old son Dylan and I have been doing Jiu-Jitsu at Zingano BJJ for about seven months now. We are absolutely addicted to it. We have found that we were welcomed into Mauricio's school from day one, and as time has passed we have only grown to be like family members. Mauricio is an amazing professor and we learn something new every time we step on the mat!"

Dylan and Andre Capritta

"I enrolled my 2 Grandsons Emilio 6 and Elijah 5 with Zingano about 6 months ago and the experience has been wonderful. Their instructors are patient and fun with an upbeat attitude always, not only are they taught the skills needed but lessons about the proper time and place to use their skills. The amount of skills they pick up is amazing and they are having fun the whole time they are learning. Mauricio Zingano is always available and helpful and you can tell this academy is his passion. We have enjoyed the experience so much that we signed up again and I hope they will want to continue for years to come."

Sincerely,
Steven Bell

"My name is Mike Jasper I have been going to Mauricio's School for about a year now. I absolutely love it! I love it so much that I put my kids Harley and Vincent Jasper into the school.
They both have also fallen in love with Jiu Jitsu.

My kids now have something that they enjoy doing that their dad has been enjoying for years.
They look forward to every time that they have the opportunity to go."

Mike, Harley and Vincent