“Jiu jitsu has been a large part of my life for almost a decade now. I have dealt with PTSD / mental health issues and slowly declining physical health throughout the years resulting from deployments with the United States Navy and the grind of being an emergency medicine physician.  I do my best to find some degree of balance in life, but it can be difficult while trying to take care of my family at the same time. There are few things that I do strictly for myself, and training at Sindalu is one of them. I have been to multiple BJJ gyms across the country over the past 10 years, but none have provided me the level of welcoming camaraderie and sense of family that I get from Sindalu. Our team is an awesome mix of different backgrounds from high school and college kids to middle aged hobbyists like myself. We also have a significant number of current/former military, police, and first responders, which always makes me feel right at home being with individuals that has been through the same challenges that I have. Although the training is always hard, it has added years to my life and given me back the confidence and drive that, at one point, I thought I was starting to lose.”

- Lieutenant Commander Keith Dungo, USNR, Purple Belt

“I was introduced to the guys at Sindalu by a friend while on TDY to Albuquerque for a month and a half. Having never been to the area with few people I knew around, I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to meet and train with so many supportive and like-minded people. The way they handle business and treat each other creates a welcoming environment that encourages growth and commitment to the sport. Because of this, I was able to continue to train and cope with the many stressors I was dealing with, all while making a handful of lifelong friends. I would recommend Sindalu to anyone looking for a BJJ family and look forward to training with them again.”
- SSGT Michael Rusciolelli, USAF, White Belt

“Over the past 2 years, while stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base I have trained at this amazing gym. I have never seen a BJJ school with this type of atmosphere that builds camaraderie, teamwork, and dedication as quickly as Sindalu. BJJ has helped build my confidence and ability to manage the stressors that I deal with daily and I recommend BJJ and Sindalu to everyone. Joel and Ox are amazing instructors and offer a wide range of experience and styles to learn from, so you won’t be disappointed when you start your journey here.”

- Chase McCall, USAF Ret, Blue Belt

“Jiu jitsu has deeply impacted my life and Sindalu has definitely been the catalyst of change for me. As a firefighter for the local fire department, I am exposed to several stressors that lead to many medical and mental illnesses. Sindalu has helped me establish a community outside of work of similar-minded individuals who challenge me and make me feel whole. The proof is in the pudding, and when I’m training I’m no longer dwelling on my problems. Lastly, as a Lieutenant within my department it is critical to remain calm in stressful situations to keep a level head for my crew and the public. Sindalu has definitely assisted with my level of confidence and performance in these situations. I highly recommend Sindalu to anyone seeing personal growth and community.”

- Ruben Bustamante, Blue Belt

“Training at Sindalu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym has been nothing short of transformative for my life and overall well-being. The physical exertion of rolling and drilling is a fantastic outlet for my stress, allowing me to leave the day’s worries on the mats. Each session challenged me in different ways and overall pushed me towards becoming a better version of myself. Training with the members there allowed me to stay present, focus on the task at hand, and find solutions under pressure, all skills that have carried over into my daily life. The mental clarity I felt after training was unmatched, and it’s has been a great therapy for managing stress and maintaining balance. Along with the staff, the people I had to privilege to train alongside were amazing. I developed a lot of good friendships with the members there and all of them were incredibly supportive during my time training. The sense of camaraderie at the gym has been incredibly uplifting and the bonds I’ve formed with my training partners have created a strong support network that extends beyond the mats. I loved every second during my time spent at Sindalu training under the tutelage of Joel and Ox. Training BJJ has truly been a life-changing experience.”

- Christian T. Oxendine, SrA, USAF