Testimonials

At the Bushido Jujitsu Academy we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality and most realistic martial arts training we can to our students. We are very proud of our students both on and off the mat and we realize that without them we would not have a successful school. As instructors, we are constantly striving to improve our own abilities and continue to hand down what we learn through our training to our students. Below are some student testimonials regarding what they think about the training we provide at Bushido Jujitsu Academy.

I feel it is a true privilege to be a student at Bushido Jujitsu Academy. It has been the finest martial arts training I have ever had. I only wish that I could have started my training with Rob Magao and Jim Kodzis sooner. In class, even though the level of expertise between student and teacher is profound, the attitude between us is more of a peer relationship rather than that of a hierarchy; everyone is just trying to get better at Jujitsu and it works for the learning and training benefit of all.

Roman Slevinsky

" I have attended several of Rob Magao's ground fighting seminars and self defense classes. As a law enforcement officer with 23 years of experience and a fifth degree black belt with 30 years experience and training I would not hesitate to recommend his classes to anyone wishing to improve his/her fighting skills. I was most impressed with Magao's expertise, his dedication, and his commitment to his students. I was also pleased with his teaching method which enables students of all levels to comprehend even the most advanced techniques. Anyone looking to improve their chances of survival in a physical confrontation need to take his classes. They are a must for anyone serious about coming out on top and going home alive!"

The Bushido JuJitsu Academy in Manchester, CT has been hands down one of the best experiences for me as a martial artist. I have been involved in the martial arts since I was a child, and have seen many schools; but the Bushido JuJitsu Academy under the instruction of Sensei's James Kodzis and Robert Magao has been the most fulfilling, unique and most practical martial arts school I have been to. Since I joined close to a year ago, I have gained more confidence, higher fitness levels and the knowledge that in a real fight I would be able to quickly and comfortably defend myself and my loved ones. I would strongly recommend to anyone interested in pursuing a realistic and effective style of martial art that they attend the Bushido JuJitsu Academy, there is nothing else like it in the New England area.

Rob Magao has been instructing our SWAT team and our In-service training for over 5 years. His arrest and control training has enhanced my safety awareness exponentially. Rob trains each student to their physical and mental limits. Rob doesn't give 20 different complex techniques that the student will not remember under the stress. He teaches the basic movement /techniques and does it under the limited training time allowed in our department. The student becomes proficient in a few defensive/offensive moves. Rob has shown me that at certain times its better to become the aggressor and attack the ambush. I have found out firsthand that the attacker is not expecting an immediate brutal counterattack.

Training at the Bushido Jujitsu Academy is great. Being a Law Enforcement Officer for 10 years in Massachusetts I have been taught to stay in shape through various means. Throughout my life and career I have done weightlifting, cardiovascular training and a 16 week basic police recruit training course. All of these workouts pale in comparison to the workout I get through the Bushido Jujitsu Academy. The level of instruction is superior and physically it is challenging. I have also learned that Jujitsu training has a mental component as well. It forces you to think and simultaneously incorporate these thoughts into the physical techniques you've been taught. I've only been active in the Bushido Jujitsu Academy for 8 Months, but I feel if need be here. I am confident I’ll be able to incorporate what I've been taught and use it practically and efficiently on the street when the time comes (and it will). The Bushido Jujitsu Academy is truly a martial arts school I'll be involved with for the rest of my life as well as my son's after me.

I started training at The Bushido Jujitsu Academy after attending a police arrest and control course taught by Sensei Rob Magao. I have been involved in several intense street fights in my 13 years as a cop as well as numerous "routine" struggles with suspects. I started training in Ju Jitsu as a way to increase my chances of coming home to my family at the end of my shift. The tactics taught at Bushido Jujitsu Academy and the rigorous training could very well save my life one day.

I have had the honor of serving with Rob Magao as a Police Officer for nearly 7 years, 4 of them on the SWAT Team. I can say without reservation that there are few others I would want watching my back. This is in no small part due to his incredible work ethic and martial arts background. Rob has trained our SWAT team in arrest and control and ground fighting on many occasions. These classes are grueling to say the least. During these classes I’ve sparred with my partner for hours and by the end of the day I’m ready for bed. Rob on the other hand has sparred with everyone on the team and shows no signs of slowing down (and will go to the dojo for several more hours of training after training us for 8 hours). This is a true testament to his conditioning and commitment to making each Police Officer better able to handle themselves.

Rob, I am writing you this Testimonial because I believe that your approach to teaching Police Officers will save lives.

I am looking forward to attending any future L.E. training you offer because I know it will either save my life or another's. I WILL GO HOME AT THE END OF MY SHIFT! Again I wish more officers would take advantage of your training and not rely on possibly outdated, unrealistic training or their "macho" personalities to keep them alive. Good job and keep it coming, I'll be there.

Two years ago, Rob Magao approached me at work and offered me the opportunity to "work out" on the mats with him. While I knew Rob had been a martial arts practioner for years, I truly believed my strength and fitness level would allow me to at least keep up with him. 1 1/2 hours later I had experienced an epiphany. After being submitted by Rob every 5 seconds, I found out first hand that for 33 years, and particularly the last 7 as a Police Officer and member of a SWAT team, I was not prepared for real hand to hand combat. In this one "work out" with Rob, the confidence I had achieved in my time in the Army, weight lifting, Police and SWAT training had been replaced with the realization that I was nowhere near prepared for an aggressive, motivated and skilled attacker. Towards this end, I have spent the last 2 years or so training under the tutelage of Rob Magao and James Kodzis. During this time, I have learned a myriad of skills and techniques. From striking, to grappling, self defense and takedowns, I have begun to achieve that level of TRUE profiencieny that I lacked for so many years.

While I know the journey will never end and my skill level has light years to go, I do know that Sensei Magao and Sensei Kodzis training has made me much more capable in protecting myself and giving me the skill and mental confidence I need to survive and win in an every increasingly dangerous world. I say to one and to all, that the training you receive at the Bushido Jujitsu Academy is second to none. It's intense, it's challenging, it's exhausting but most of all, it's real.

J. Clark

CT Police Sergeant, SWAT Member and Bushido Jujitsu Academy Student

"I have trained with Rob Magao as a student and fellow trainer. Rob's skill and expertise in LOCKUP and ground fighting are exemplary. His teaching skills, and those of his colleague James Kodzis, are professional and modest. It's hard work, but beneficial to all who train with them. They are both committed to preparing officers for victory."

Pat Buckley.

Sgt. Patrick J. Buckley
Training Supervisor
Farmington Police Dept.

I have trained with Rob in defensive tactics and SWAT procedures over the last several years. After going a few rounds on the mats with Rob you become very humbled quickly. His expertise in hand to hand combat and ground fighting is immediately apparent. He quickly immobilizes his opponents through superior skills and techniques. As a state certified defensive tactics instructor and a first degree black belt in Kempo Karate I have found Rob's ground fighting techniques made me a much better fighter and more prepared for my job as police officer. Rob is not only an instructor, but more importantly a teacher to all levels of ability and age. I have had Rob instruct members of the SWAT team that I'm currently a team leader of over the last three years and all members have given nothing but positive remarks to Rob's abilities and teaching techniques. I would personally recommend if you are looking to learn defensive tactics and self defense that Rob is second to none and to train with him is truly a honor.

Officer Jeffrey Peltier
Avon Police Department- Dept. Training Officer
Team Leader- North Central Municipal Tactical Team

I have trained with Rob Magao at SWAT and in departmental In-Service training for many years. I also live in the same neighborhood with him, so I train with him off-duty as well. I can say without a doubt that he is one of the most physically fit humans that I have EVER encountered. This includes my time spent in the military. His martial arts skills are phenomenal, but his ability to teach them to a variety of learning curves is what really stands out. However, in the true spirit of Bushido, he does not proclaim his abilities. They speak for themselves. If you want a humbling workout coupled with a potentially lifesaving lesson in unarmed combat, look no further.

Lt. Stephen Estes

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I have been a practicing martial artist for over thirty years and although I continue to practice my traditional martial arts systems I have only focused on the true combative aspects of the arts. L.O.C.K.U.P. Police Combat is a combative system designed to be performed on the street under high levels of physiological change. As in all aspects of hand to hand combative engagements you must learn to fight from multiple levels. Rob Magao is an outstanding warrior trainer. He has fined tuned and help re-design the ground fighting component of the L.O.C.K.U.P. system. When is comes to ground fighting he is my surgeon! He and his partner Jim Kodzis are that good that I have asked them to take Lead Instruction of the Ground Fighting Programs of policecombat.com.

Great job guys!

Your Friend

“K.D.”

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