Joe Verdi - MMA Instructor - Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Joe Verdi - Insight BJJ

Lineage:
Mitsuyo Maeda –> Carlos Gracie Sr. –> Helio Gracie –> Carlos Gracie Junior –> Renzo Gracie –> Alex Henley –> Joe Verdi

MMA Instructor

BJJ Blue Belt

Bio Coming Soon

Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu / Renzo Gracie - Bastrop

4.9

Based on 70 reviews

Justin Taylor

00:34 06 Mar 24

Great Jiu Jitsu gym. Really Good environment for families and younger competitors. Instruction is top notch, one of my... favorite places I’ve ever visited! Alex and his other instructors really know their stuffread more

Michelle Reynolds

01:51 23 Jan 24

Alex is so great with the kids! He is a wonderful coach and really takes time with all the students . The facility is... always very clean and welcoming. We have been very happy here!read more

Jacqueline Dixon

23:49 22 Jan 24

Coach Alex and his team are incredible instructors. They get on the ground and really guide the students through each... skill. It’s evident that they really care about each student and their futures. My son has been going to classes since August. He has come so far in such a short amount of time. We look forward to every class!read more

Dominique White

23:03 19 Jan 24

We loveeee Insight! We are a new homeschool family and the homeschool community here is amazing. The instructors are... amazing with the kids and the parents. The kiddos made my son feel like he has been friends with them forever. This was a game changer for a family coming from a big city to a small town. Grateful for our time here:)read more

Koji Bamba

22:44 14 Jan 24

THE place to train in the Bastrop area. Professor Alex welcomed me with professionalism and warmth when I dropped by to... train while my kids were in camp nearby. As a visiting Blackbelt, it can sometimes be an “interesting” experience dropping into other academies. Not so at Insight. All of his students were professional, kind, and skilled. Professor Alex and I rolled, and I was able to feel his skill first hand. Extremely impressed, but also not surprised given his reputation. I’m also very familiar with teaching and coaching kids BJJ, and I can attest that his students show impeccable technique and sportsmanship on the competition mats. Highly recommend.read more

Alisha Cardenas

00:33 13 Jan 24

So far, it’s great!! Alex is amazing. Nice but stern and that is great when it comes to children!! He treats them all... with respect! Definitely recommend!read more

Don Underwood

02:29 11 Jan 24

It will be 4 years in March that I’ve been going and training at Insight BJJ. Professor Alex is not just a top... competitor but a great teacher and has become a great friend and we feel like he is part of the family. All the coaches and Professors are top notch. Alex and the other coaches make Kid classes fun and they learn important lessons on how to defend themselves. Go check it out you just might like it.read more

Donnie Thurman

03:47 10 Jan 24

I have been training for over 3 years there and what a great place to train and learn. I am so thankful that this is... the gym in which I began my jiu jitsu journey. As well as being personable and relatable, gym owner Alex is a great teacher He makes it easy to not just learn, but also helps you to find your place and fit in. Coaches Keri, Stuart, and Don are also great teachers that are willing to take extra time with new people and help them to feel welcome. It is a great community and everyone there shows patience and grace to those starting out. Are you wondering if you too could do it? Yes you can!read more

Brady Webster

02:07 11 Oct 23

I’ve trained at Insight for the last 3 weeks and from my visit, trial period, and beyond I have been treated with... respect, care, and a desire by everyone I’ve worked with to see me improve. Professor Alex is very knowledgeable and shows concepts/techniques in relatable ways. Professor Jackson is very attentive to the needs of his class and shares his knowledge as well. I’ve been to PM, AM, and lunch classes and the experience is the same with multiple folks. Each of the multiple instructors have been patient to take time with other students as well as myself. There is a clear passion for the multiple arts taught and practiced at Insight and it drives the professionalism and commitment to the team!read more

Wayne Rainwater

16:33 27 Sep 23

Hi my name is Wayne Rainwater owner of rapid waters jiujitsu in Beaumont TX. I am fairly new to the insight bjj team... but professor Alex has treated me and my team as if we’ve known each other for years. I have never had the level of mentorship from anyone else I have been affiliated with. He is always brainstorming with me and helping me think of new ways to improve my business and my own jiujitsu game. I looks forward to many years under his leadership and I’m very happy to be a member of team insight!!! You want find a better instructor anywhere believe me.read more

Travis Moore

00:51 16 Sep 23

Wow, I truly cannot believe an academy this amazing exist in the Bastrop area. Professor Alex Henley and his crew are... incredible. Alex is an impressive competitor in his own right, and now has dedicated his love for his craft into passing it on to others. World class instruction, in a family friendly environment. No egos, no drama, just amazing fun Jiu Jitsu. If you’re in the area, please try Insight. I travel around the world to train and compete, and this place is one of the best !read more

SeizeTheEternal

18:58 24 Aug 23

I’ve been training at InsightBJJ in Bastrop for around a year and a half. At the most fundamental level, I love the... school. As a life-long martial artist, I’ll say that I look at 3 aspects of a great school: The people. I felt welcomed by the students and instructors at InsightBJJ. Folks there respect that “iron sharpens iron”…so folks invest in the growth of their teammates. We roll like savages…but, in the end, we’re not competing against each other, we’re competing to benefit each other. The instruction. Despite being a life-long martial artist, I still get to learn at InsightBJJ. The school offers classes in BJJ (gi and nogi), Judo, Boxing, and Muay Thai; and, the instructors deliver from fundamentals to intricate sequences and strategy. Lots of options for scheduling to meet my schedule. The facility. Clean mats and lots of them. Heavy bags and air shields for our strikers. Crash pads for when we really want to practice hitting folks with the Earth. Glad to train at InsightBJJ…great peeps…solid instruction…nice facility.read more

Amanda Barney

23:10 17 Aug 23

Coach Alex is wonderful with the kids! He's an amazing instructor, offering thourough lessons, but he is also very... compassionate when kids are having a rough time. He takes the time to teach everyone so no one is left behind. The facility is great, too. Tons of comfy places for adults to relax while their kiddos train. I especially appreciate the homeschool times. The kids in that class are so respectful, and they work hard to succeed. It's a great place!read more

Lela & Nathan Derr

23:26 10 Apr 23

5 years with the Insight studio and team. Professor Alex Henley is a great teacher and takes being a member of the BJJ... and Bastrop communities very seriously. Classes for kids are fun and engaging while being focused on fundamentals. Adult classes make beginners feel welcome while challenging experienced students. Great variety with Muay Thai Kickboxing and other classes offered for kids and adults. Love the Insight Team!read more

Juana Mabry

23:07 10 Apr 23

I would love to share my family's experience with Insight BJJ. My son started at insight about 5 years ago he was 5... years of age when he first signed up. As soon as I saw how much effort and passion the coaches showed to the class and each student individually. I knew my children would Excel! Soon after his sibling joined, I couldn't be more happier with the technique the coaches are teaching my kids. Coach Alex has been more like famiy and I truly appreciate that!read more

Melanie Hamby

14:28 06 Mar 23

My son has had a great year and learned a lot at Insight! Coach Alex is super friendly and great at breaking down the... instruction for the kids so that they understand what they are doing and have success trying each skill. Sit in on one class and I’m sure you too will be impressed!read more

titus overman

14:40 31 Jan 23

My kids have been going to the Homeschool class for about a year now. Alex is a great coach and an even better dude. ... Insight is very tight knit and family friendly.read more

Jerry Bies

00:13 27 Jan 23

I started my adventure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when I had just celebrated my 81st birthday, Since then (four and a half... years later) I've experienced only encouragement, support and friendship from everyone I've come in contact with at Insight, both other students and instructors alike. It's never too late to begin this journey of discovery!read more

Fernando Galvan

15:31 25 Jan 23

I have had the pleasure of training here since June of 2020 it’s a great place to train! Welcoming atmosphere, great... instruction, and I’ve met some great people. My 5 year old has recently started training here and I have been given the opportunity to help coach, I truly enjoy this. I highly recommended Insight BJJ! Don’t wait give Alex a call today!read more

Seth Louey

20:50 20 Jan 23

I've been going to Insight for almost 3 years now. It's one of the most well rounded gyms with education and instructor... disciplines that have decades of experience. One of the greatest things about joining Insight is that you can visit any of the affiliate gyms to train with different people and instructors. My only regret with Insight is that I didn't start training Jiu Jitsu earlier. I love the gym, my training partners, and the affiliate locations. I'm hooked for life.read more

Tamara Maceri

13:40 20 Jan 23

Every instructor is so intentional about helping students find success. Over the past year I’ve met some amazing people... who’ve become like family. I love that this is a place you can bring your whole crew and everyone is always welcomed. Highly recommend this amazing craft.read more

Javier Lorenzo

20:12 04 Oct 22

I see the reviews and I’m happy with what I’m seeing. I want to attend one of your classes for adult Jiu Jitsu, but I... have no experience at all in any sorts of Jiu Jitsu is there beginners classes?read more

Chelsea Ibison

22:33 18 Sep 22

Our entire family loves this place. As a woman it’s important that you feel safe and comfortable where you’re training,... and that your children are taken care of and in a clean environment. Insight takes professionalism, safety, and respect to a whole new level.read more

Johnny Mamba

22:07 18 Sep 22

The family and I just moved to the area and with me already being a Black belt I had to make sure I was choosing a good... gym for the family and myself. Insight is hands down one of the best gyms I've been in. Amazing training and people. There is a place there for the entire family.read more

Matt Turner

02:17 18 Sep 22

I've walked into a lot of martial arts gyms through my life. Never have i walked into one so welcoming. Nobody trying... to size me up. Instead just helpful. My son takes classes with Professor Alex and its been amazing to watch him open up and really take something on. Alex is the best coach a dad could ask for. He's a gregarious and fun coach, who also becomes serious when it is needed. Earning genuine (not demanded) respect from the kids. He's also one of those queitly confident people. A trait i want my son to learn. This trait has been shown on all the instructors I've met their so far. Nobody boasting or bragging. This is unusual in a group of competitive winners as team insight is. Long story short, its worth your money and time to check out their gyms.read more

paul b

16:27 17 Sep 22

My grand daughter contracted lice from this facility not once but twice. Owner denies any responsibility for this... problem. Owner claims he just fixed the A/C but since I have been dropping off and picking her up going back to March, there has been no ventilation. Owner has gotten indignant about both subjects and has charged a cancellation fee plus a month and a half rent when we decided to discontinue training, plus threatened to file with collection agency if we did not pay up. NICE!! Beleive who you want.read more

Concept BJJ

20:02 17 Aug 22

Best school in Bastrop, and probably all of central Texas. If you live in Bastrop, you really have no idea how lucky... you are, unless you happen to train already at Insight, and then you already know... And I say this as a guy who owns another gym in Central Texas. We are fortunate enough to train with Insight and their affiliate in elgin regularly. This place cant be beat, in terms of: Facilities, people, instruction, competition, or atmosphere. If you are on the fence about trying insight and/or trying out BJJ , just go ahead and jump over that fence to Team Insight, you can thank me later.read more

Carol Schumacher

15:06 30 Apr 22

Perfect host and friendly people. A clean and wide open space.

Ann Wilson

02:44 18 Sep 21

Excellent place for training both children and adults. Very friendly and definitely know what they are doing.

Coty Dudley

15:46 15 Sep 21

Awesome place. Great instruction, well priced it's a great value. All the instructors are great with kids and have lots... of patience. Thanks Insightread more

Lin Chang

22:38 12 Sep 21

Great clean facility, welcoming students, and amazing instructor. Thanks for having me 🥰

John Healy

01:06 06 Aug 21

I took my first class after a 5 year break from BJJ, I previously trained in San Antonio for about 6 months, then life... happened and I had to stop. I am very glad I stopped in to try a class! I felt at home, everyone was very helpful and didn't make me feel like a "new guy". If you are in Bastrop or LaGrange I would HIGHLY recommend trying a class!read more

Jennifer Mendoza

18:44 21 Jun 21

Insight Brazilian Jiujitsu has excellent training classes, professional coaches with a family friendly atmosphere. Will... help improve athleticism and put you on a positive trajectory. Can help chanel energy that can create a healthy lifestyle. Come try it out for a free week. Everyone is very welcoming and ready to help.read more

Roberta Petersen

00:09 19 Jun 21

Wonderful place for anyone wanting to learn or advance in BJJ

Catherine Bleish Bonandin

13:33 16 Jun 21

My daughter loves attending the homeschool BJJ classes. We initially signed up for my son, but she quickly became... interested and involved. I enjoy the way coach Alex teaches, it's so different from how I parent 😂 I love watching the kids learn and roll together. I hope she wants to attend for years to come.read more

Pedro Migliano

17:37 09 Dec 20

Excellent gym with a friendly environment and exceptional instruction. I've trained all over the US and even in Brazil... and this gym is one I highly recommend for anyone in the area.read more

Chad Petersen

15:47 22 Nov 20

Insight BJJ is a top notch place with quality instructors and an awesome owner. I first met Professor Alex when we... competed against each other. I was so impressed by his friendliness, sportsmanship and professionalism that I ended up training at his school. All coaches at Insight are just as friendly and professional as Professor Alex and all teach quality techniques. Insight is the only place I would train at or allow my kids to train at in the Bastrop area.read more

Shelly Belinko

03:49 20 Aug 20

High quality instruction. The kids classes are not just fluff... the coaches here teach real skills, body awareness,... focus, and discipline. The classes are both demanding and super fun. We have been members for years and will continue for many years to come.read more

Nick Riley

23:46 11 Jun 20

This place has changed my life. I have lost 40 pounds and I'm in the best shape of my life. My wife and I both train... together and we have now extended our family with the amazing people here. Everyone is caring and humble and is willing to teach. I highly recommend.read more

John Otts

16:09 11 Jun 20

I have been training at Insight for little over 4 years ! I originally started because I wanted to do something that... kept me in shape and learn a new skill. I believe everyone should know how to defend themselves. Over the years I realized how Great BJJ was for relieving stress and how much FUN it is ! I was worried there was going to a super macho vibe but INSIGHT Has been awesome ! They have become an extension to my entire family ! I couldn’t ask for a better Gym. I also realized as I started competing a little bit that your coaches matter. Your coaches and teammates skill sets matter tremendously - As I have won many Golds - It wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t being taught from other World Class Coaches !read more

Steve McMahon

22:51 29 Dec 19

Highly recommend! I stopped in while traveling and was welcomed in by everyone at the school. Highly technical... instructor and students, combined with a really friendly and welcoming atmosphere. If I lived locally I’d definitely be here regularly.read more

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