NYC Gym Series 05: Vitor Shaolin BJJ
Facility / Location : Let's be honest, I absolutely hate the Theater District. It's congested, tourist-filled, and there's something putrid in the air. However, Vitor Shaolin's school is a safe-haven from the ruckus. Though the studio itself is smaller the bigger NYC schools, it's not off-putting. It fashions a modern theme with deep-slate gray mats, complimented by air-con, art-work, a large-reception desk, clean lockers with two showers, and open-factory windows that make the gym feel like a New York loft. It's truly immaculate. Instruction: One of the brown-belt instructor warms us up with standard plyometrics. However, the warm ups are eerily quiet with no music and just shy of fifteen students for today's class. After we're done, Shaolin takes the stage. He's the consummate 'brazillian jiu-jitsu professor': short-and-stocky, cauli-eared, a Rio de Janerio brown complexion, and still with a noticeable Portuguese accent as he ext