It's one of the most common questions we hear from people considering martial arts for the first time:
"Should I start with BJJ or Muay Thai?"
Both are legitimate, effective martial arts. Both are taught at Excel Combat Academy in Aguadilla. But they feel very different — and depending on your goals, one might suit you better to start.
Here's an honest breakdown.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): The Ground Game
BJJ is a grappling art focused on taking a fight to the ground and controlling your opponent through joint locks and chokes. It was developed and refined to allow a smaller, less physically powerful person to defend themselves against a larger attacker.
What training looks like:
- Learning to fall safely (breakfalls)
- Guard work: controlling someone with your legs while on your back
- Passing the guard: working to get past someone's legs to a dominant position
- Submissions: joint locks (armbars, kimuras) and chokes (rear naked, triangle)
- Live rolling: practicing techniques at full resistance with a partner
BJJ is great if you:
- Want practical self-defense skills
- Like problem-solving and strategy (BJJ is often called "human chess")
- Prefer to go at your own pace — no striking means less fear of getting hit
- Are drawn to competition (gi and no-gi tournaments are widely available)
- Want to build functional strength and flexibility without heavy cardio
The tradeoff: Progress in BJJ can feel slow at first. The learning curve is real, and you may feel lost for the first few months. That's normal — everyone does. Coach David and our team are with you through every stage.
Muay Thai: The Art of Eight Limbs
Muay Thai is a striking art from Thailand that uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes — hence "eight limbs." It's known for producing some of the most effective strikers in combat sports and fitness.
What training looks like:
- Stance, footwork, and guard
- Basic combinations: jab-cross, push kick, roundhouse kick
- Pad work with a partner holding Thai pads or focus mitts
- Clinch work: controlling and striking from close range with knees and elbows
- Sparring (light contact, always with gear and coach supervision)
Muay Thai is great if you:
- Want a high-intensity cardio workout that doesn't feel like cardio
- Prefer striking and staying on your feet
- Like the rhythm of combinations and pad work
- Are interested in kickboxing, MMA, or fitness competition
- Want fast results in conditioning and body composition
The tradeoff: Muay Thai involves contact. Sparring is always controlled and supervised — we never throw beginners into hard sparring — but if you're anxious about any physical contact, BJJ may feel more approachable at first.
So Which One Should You Start With?
Honestly? Try both.
Our Adult All-Access membership gives you access to all BJJ and Muay Thai classes for one monthly price. Many of our members train both, and they reinforce each other in ways that make you a more complete martial artist.
That said, here's a quick guide:
| If you… | Start with… |
|---|---|
| Want practical self-defense | BJJ |
| Love cardio and conditioning | Muay Thai |
| Are uncomfortable with any striking | BJJ |
| Want to get competition-ready fast | Muay Thai |
| Have kids who are interested in martial arts | Kids BJJ (Mini Warriors) |
| Just want to get in shape and have fun | Either — or both |
What Our Members Say
With over 150 five-star reviews from families in Aguadilla and across western Puerto Rico, one theme comes up repeatedly: the coaches make the difference.
Coach David Perez Padua has been training and teaching martial arts for over 30 years. He's affiliated with recognized federations in both BJJ and Muay Thai. When you train here, you're learning from someone who has seen what works — for beginners and advanced students alike.
Try Both for Free
The best way to find your answer is to get on the mat. We offer a free 2-week trial that includes access to all classes — BJJ, Muay Thai, and Kids.
No experience required. No pressure to commit. Just come in, move around, and see what clicks.