After operating in the area for two years, Team Viper Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is expanding in a new location.
The team has set up shop in a bigger space at 129 Brenda Lane, Camden, and still is offering great rates and training under black belt Jon Garfield from Annapolis, Md., all falling under Master Pedro Sauer from Virginia.
Unlimited kids classes cost $50 per month, adults are $85 and families cap out at $150, with numerous benefits like regular conditioning sessions at CrossFit Dover at discounted rates.
Owners Alberto Perez and Mike Estrada sad down with the Dover Post Sept. 1 to discuss what Team Viper is offering.
Q What can people expect when training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A Estrada: If people are interested or familiar with the UFC, we pretty much train like that. But we specify in the ground fighting aspect.
Perez: Sometimes Jiu-Jitsu gets so associated with [mixed martial arts] that it has kind of a negative vibe to it. It’s really self-defense and something that anyone can do.
Q What are some of the benefits of training in Jiu-Jitsu beyond the physical aspect?
A Perez: You’ll hear a lot of times that Jiu-Jitsu is comparable to wrestling. But Jiu-Jitsu is chess where wrestling is checkers. The mental clarity you need and focus translates, say in kids, when they go to school to focus on the task at hand and apply themselves.
Estrada You gain confidence too in the way you carry yourself. They’re not afraid of being bullied. Of course we’re always going to walk away from a fight, though.
Q How do you guard that confidence from turning to cockiness?
A Perez The kids here, it’s one of those things when even if they’re one of our best students there’s always someone better than you. Your cockiness is kept in check because there’s someone that will put you in your place when you’re training. We strive to make each other better.
Q Is Jiu-Jitsu a dangerous activity?
A Estrada One thing about it, as opposed to the striking in MMA, is you can get knocked out in striking but when we’re doing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and you get in a choke hold or an arm bar, you tap and they’ll release you.
Q Do you also sell equipment here?
A Perez We provide any equipment or just lifestyle brands in our pro-shop. We have T-shirts and shorts, and the shorts we have are all fighter-approved. We have kids stuff, stuff for the guys and girls competing and even stuff for the parents.
