Yamasaki Academy Springfield

Both my kids go here for Judo, and they love it. They have great instructors!

Professor Neto is a great instructor and the training environment is very welcoming. Tons of high level judokas and jujitsu practitioners train here and its easy to see why. I highly recommend training at Yamsaki, especially if you are interested in learning Judo and Gi BJJ!

Really loved this gym! Dropped in for an evening during work trip in the area and had a great time, everyone was friendly and really loved the Professors’s teaching style. Thank you!

I think there are some great positives but also some significant negatives. My intent is to share a balanced review. My daughter is 5 years old, and she really liked the classes. The two instructors for the kids/beginners' class are great. They're patient, they really work with the kids, and they help them learn to fall properly, which is great for them both in terms of physical confidence and safety. If the review was just about these instructors, it would be five stars. The negatives I experienced are with respect to billing and the owner. After being out of town over the summer, we ended up back in town for one more year before we leave the area for good. We have a busier schedule now, and my daughter was only able to come to class once every two weeks at best. The publicly available billing options include the ability to pay for individual classes, which I did for a couple of months, until the owner told me I was not welcome to do this anymore. I asked why, and he said that while it isn't written, the individual class payments are intended for people who are visiting town. Since i lived in town, I could sign a monthly contract, or I could not come back. We could not afford a monthly contract while only attending twice a month. I explained this, and he sort of shrugged and said those are the rules. I thought this wasn't very nice, to put it mildly. In effect, the owner was enforcing the rule not at written, but as he apparently intended it to be, and simply didn't care that it would negatively impact us. I also just genuinely don't understand it, since we were paying him about $80 a month to attend just two classes, and it would seem better to make $80 a month than 0. But perhaps he thought he would successfully pressure me into paying $150+ for a monthly membership, despite being able to only attend two classes? Anyway, my daughter remains disappointed and misses one of the instructors in particular. She asks if we can go back, but I just don't feel welcome there anymore. It's also unfortunate and difficult having to explain to her that we can't afford to send her there anymore given what seem to be very avoidable circumstances.

I've had the privilege of training under Professor Neto in Jiujitsu, and it has been an extraordinary journey. His expertise, patience, and dedication to teaching are unparalleled. Professor Neto possesses a deep understanding of Jiujitsu, blending technical skill with practical application in a way that makes learning both engaging and effective. His ability to connect with students, regardless of their skill level, is remarkable. What truly sets him apart is his commitment to the personal growth of each student. He not only teaches Jiujitsu techniques but also instills values like discipline, respect, and perseverance. I've followed Professor Neto from Washington D.C. to Springfield, a testament to the high regard I have for his teaching. Each class is a new learning experience, filled with challenges that push you beyond your limits while ensuring a safe and respectful environment. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, Professor Neto's classes offer something valuable. If you're seeking a place to learn Jiujitsu with a supportive community and an exceptional instructor, look no further. Yamasaki Academy is the place to be. His passion for Jiujitsu and his students' success is evident in every class. Highly recommended!