"Master Roger Machado and his family are pioneers of BJJ in the United States, and from the most respected family in Brazil. Roger is one of the finest and most patient coaches you can find anywhere, and his school is one of the best in the country."
- David Meyer
"Smooth as silk technical high level Jiu Jitsu. Roger is one of those unique black belts that not only is highly proficient in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but an excellent instructor. Classes are organised and practical."
"Let me start by saying that Roger Machado is a gentleman, and head and shoulders above the curve with profound and clear teaching of his family's jiu jitsu. I have been coming here for almost three years now and have been welcomed into the fold right from the get go. No one has ever made me feel like a punching bag, or tossed me around just because they could. A small, personal, very relaxed school atmosphere, free from the traditional formal karate / kung fu style bowing / etc...many schools have adopted in the states. Nothing but respect for Roger and all of his students.
If you a looking around for a school, and checking out different teachers ( much like I did before I committed to a school ) , do your self a service and have yourself a free class with Roger Machado before you decide."
- JW (South Pasadena, CA)
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"Words cannot describe the gratitude I feel for my experience thus far since joining RCJ Machado Jiu Jitsu in Pasadena, California. The X factor in my opinion that makes RCJ Machado so special and separates them from other Jiu Jitsu academies is absolutely Professor Roger Machado himself. The grace and dignity with which he carries himself permeates the attitude throughout the entire school. He is a legend in Jiu Jitsu (from what I've heard, read, and seen) yet he is there personally teaching and instructing classes all of the time. He is extremely patient, detail oriented, and always willing to explain both the physical/technical as well as spiritual breakdown of the art. I've only been a student there for a little over a year now but in that short time, the camaraderie and brotherhood I've experienced there, the technical expertise which is taught there, combined with the personal hands-on loving approach from Professor Machado that pervades the entire school there, has made my experience there amazing & extremely special. I absolutely recommend RCJ Machado in Pasadena and I'm very excited personally about being a student there and continuing my education in the art of jiu jitsu."
- Sean Corrigan (Altadena, CA)
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"My son turns 5 in a month. He started training about three weeks ago, going to the twice a week kids' class taught by Professor Roger Machado, himself. The man is a legend. His dojo is clean and has a strong positive, calm vibe. He is incredibly knowledgeable, yet so kind, patient, and loving towards all the children. My son loves going so much that he refuses to miss a class, and if he couldgo every day, he would. I, myself, hope to start training in a month or so. I've watched the adult class after my son's and met some of the students. They work hard, but really enjoy all they are learning. I have also witnessed black belts with their own schools bring their children to learn here under Prof. Machado. Do it for your child, to become bully proof. Do it for yourself, to be able to protect yourself no matter what your age or weight or muscle make-up."
- DC (Temple City, CA)
"I have been researching a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu place for awhile and had been eyeing this place. I read a positive review on yelp and decided to check it out. Mind you I was really intimidated. However, as soon as I joined I was in for a surprise. The guys here are super friendly and easy to talk to. Roger is so patient and everyone here wants to help you out. Being a woman, this was really very important to me. Everyone is professional. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it and I certainly wasn't sure if I would stick with it. But I have for 5 months and will continue to do so. I would highly recommend this to everyone, especially to those women out there who want to try it out."
- Saku J (Pasadena, CA)
"Top notch BJJ instruction from one of the famous Machado brothers. Roger never holds back with technique and information. He is very helpful with any problem your game may have."
- Rodrigo Reyes (Pasadena, CA)
"Where to start? Roger and the RCJ school saved my life. When I walked in I was a very scared and angry mess of a man! I was over 230 pounds and ready to explode in every scene of the word. My relationships were as stressed as I was. It was then I had decided to try something that was completely opposite of any path I had ever considered. I did my research and decided to call and make that leap. When I came in and met Roger and took my first class I was so surprised and happy about just how nice and individual the instruction was. No ego just truth and impeccable knowledge taught in the kindest manor by Roger himself. It's been almost a year now and I can honestly say I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. My future is much brighter and my relationships are healthier. I've lost about 35 pounds and gained a life with more purpose and a life long passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. My only regret is that I didn't start when I was thirty years old instead of 40 years old. So much love and respect goes out to Roger and my brothers at RCJ Machado. I am forever grateful and I'll see you soon."
- James Kruse (Los Angeles, CA)
"Roger Machado is an amazing grappler and person. Every time I fly out from Michigan to California to train with him, he has new techniques and concepts that he has developed. And his rolling is the smoothest and most beautiful that I have ever seen or experienced. Besides his incredible Jiu-Jitsu, Roger is one of the kindest people on the planet. I am proud to call myself his student."
- Ryan Fiorenzi
"Accept no substitutes! RCJ! Coming from the highly-ranked Gracie Jiu Jitsu academy as a Blue Belt, I needed somewhere closer to my home. I looked past the many Gracie Barra schools in my area because I had heard about their teaching styles. To my surprise, Roger Machado Jiu Jitsu was only a mile away from my house. Shoot, I can walk there rather than driving 45 minutes to Torrance, which don't get me wrong, is worth it. However school schedule has forced me to relocate. Anyways, the review. The classes are curriculum oriented, providing a fast paced yet easy approach to learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I like it because everyone is so helpful to each other. This way we achieve great results in a short amount of time. Skills taught are realistic for self defense and great for increasing fitness and stamina. Roger is a great instructor. Very patient. And after I told him I came from the Gracie Academy, he was very nice about placing in my proper level."
- Dave A (Los Angeles, CA)
"I have been a student in RCJ Machado for about five months now and I have to say that it has been an excellent journey from day one. Roger is an accomplished instructor and practitioner of the sport for over 40 years. His easy-to-learn approach as well as his hands-on techniques have made my experience unparalleled. Aside from that, every student I met is down-to-earth and patient when it comes to explaining a technique. I am so lucky that I work a block from the studio and I can attend the morning lessons.
For those people that are being wanting to start practicing the sport, but that they haven't done so because they are shy and afraid other advanced students might make fun of you, this is the place to begin as there are not big egos or show offs. You will see that everyone will make you feel like family from day number one. Come and try this awesome sport."
- Said B (Pasadena, CA)
"Roger Machado is the best kept secret in BJJ! It's Not everyday you get to train with a legend!"
- Joey Alvarado (Highland Park, CA)
"Roger has had the greatest influence on my Jiu-Jitsu training. He is an incredible instructor and example of how to live the BJJ lifestyle. I am proud to be his student."
- Eric Smith
"Professor Machado is unique. Rarely do you pack so much skill and knowledge into a person and they are so humble and kind. That is the kind of person I want my kids to look up to and become. A kind spirit with the heart of a lion."
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