What Others Have to Say!
Nothing could serve our purpose better than testimonials from former Instructors, Students and Current Students, here is what they have to say:
"I have known John since my arrival here in the United States and his involvment with the Israeli Martial Arts such as Krav Maga and Kapap. John has always been humble and honest since he first became involved with Israeli Martial Arts, even after having worked with many "Grand Masters".
John has remained humble and a good student and is highly respected by me, as he still thrives to learn, study and grow in the Israeli Martial Arts field, I recomend him to everyone."
Avi Nardia, Kapap Instructor
"John assembled an excellent security detail for my trip to Africa. They were well trained and professional, I wouldn't hesitate to use them again."
Kurt P. Kerns,
Ariagno, Kerns, Mank & White, L.L.C.
"John's attention to detail and on-going emphasis on the fundamentals is an integral part of my own training philosophy. Without the foundation of these ideals, jiu jitsu fails."
Jason Bircher, Black Belt, KCBJJ
"I have known John Castillo since he first started training BJJ, he has proven to be an exceptional instructor, and has a great eye for detail, which is important to making your techniques effective. I highly recommend the Castillo Jiu-jitsu School to everyone, especially since I am very familiar with it's history."
Allan Hopkins, Black Belt, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (Pedro Sauer)
"I am proud and honored to write about my personal experience with John Castillo and Castillo Jiu-jitsu. John is one of the few individuals who is open minded enough to understand the benefits of cross training and knows the importance of conditioning, both physical and mental. He understands the complex rules of martial arts and survival. He is truly a technician of interventions and a vehicle for those interested in coming "out of the box".
By working and training with John I have gained insight into the martial arts as well as eye opening experience in the importance of daily strategies on the streets of our real world. John's classes help us seperate fantasy from reality. John is a no nonsense down to earth, REAL individual, a true "diamond cutter" of martial arts. I wholeheartedly recommend John and Castillo Jiu-jitsu's Personal Protection Course."
Philip Caldwell, Kenpo 3rd Degree Black Belt, Mu Do Kwan 6th Degree
Black Belt
Chris's Testimonial
If you're interested in Jiu-Jitsu, here's why I believe you should sign up at Castillo Jiu-Jitsu as soon as you're done reading this:
First off, John Castillo is an amazing instructor. He breaks things down step-by-step, makes advanced moves simple and works with beginners at their own pace. He's also patient and never forgets what it's like to be a white belt. In contrast, I've seen instructors at other schools bombard you with techniques - one after the other - which you forget the minute you step off the mat. Not John. He has the uncanny ability to both challenge you with the techniques he teaches...but at the same time etch those techniques into your long-term memory so you retain them permanently. He's the best instructor I've ever seen.
Second, Castillo Jiu-Jitsu has a different approach than most other Jiu-Jitsu schools. How? Unlike other schools which only promote sport Jiu-Jitsu, Castillo encompasses both sport as well as self-defense Jiu-Jitsu. After all, Jiu-Jitsu is a self-defense art first and foremost. By focusing on self-defense in the Gi and No-Gi classes, it brings a life-like feel to the classes and gives a context to what you're learning. It also reveals why the basics are so important.
Finally, the other students at Castillo Jiu-Jitsu are very welcoming. The higher ranks do whatever they can to help the lower ranks advance. They freely give their time and expertise right alongside John and this creates a fun, relaxed, "family" atmosphere. Everybody is moving up through the ranks together. I always look forward to class.
Don't get me wrong: Jiu-Jitsu is tough. It's a mental as well as physical challenge - especially if you're over 40 like me! But over the last year with John, I've lost 15 pounds, gained a ton of flexibility, increased my endurance (I could barely last a half class when I started) and discovered some amazing self-defense techniques. Bottom line: I'm in much better shape than when I started and I'm really glad I found John and his school. I can't think of any exercise that is as practical as Jiu-Jitsu...and at the same time such a great workout. Fitness experts say one of the secrets to long-term fitness is finding an exercise routine that keeps you challenged and isn't boring. For me, Jiu-Jitsu fits that bill perfectly. It's something I look forward to doing for a long, long time.
Chris Whamond
Steve's Testimonial
Dear Mr. Castillo, I am writing to thank you for the months of Jiu-Jitsu training you have provided for myself and my daughter Amanda.In my line of work as a bond recovery agent, getting into a fight from time to time is inevitable. It always will be. Even with my previous martial arts background I brought from Las Vegas, a fight was a fight. Since I have trained in your class there have been no fights - only beatings. Just weeks ago I confronted a three hundred fifty pound man with a history of violence. This guy beat the hell out of A GROUP of bounty hunters the last time he was arrested. I tracked him down and walked up to him knowing I could more than handle the situation.
As for my daughters training, as far as I am concerned it has been more valuable than mine. Not only has it given her more confidence, it has helped provide her with the ability to achieve in highly competitive fields. Her resume at age sixteen is mightily impressive, and there is no doubt She will go very far. Thanks again John
From my heart
Steven Borders
