Professor Thalys and Professor Abbi are absolutely wonderful. My little sister has been attending classes for over a year and she loves it. If you’re considering doing BJJ, there is no better place to go than TAP!

I started training Jiu-Jitsu in March of 2025 at 38 years old as a mother. Going in, I did not know what to expect as I have never trained in martial arts before and not athletic. I started off with going to women's class on Tuesday nights and training with Professor Abby for the first few months, in which is beyond amazing. I started in women's class because this was a safety concept for me. After those few months and speaking with Professor Abby, I later transitioned into adult's class with Professor Thalys as a mixed class. Initially, I had a few concerns being in the adult's class with men. But Professor Thalys's level of professionalism, patience and care made that transition super easy. Now, I train multiple days with unlimited classes, while still attending women's class on Tuesdays. Jiu-Jitsu is not just about martial arts...it shows you exactly who you are as a person. I cannot sing enough praises about both Professors. If you are reading this post, this is your sign to join and become a part of the TAP family. Remember, it's never too late.

This review has been a long time coming, because it is difficult to put into words what TAP Jiu Jitsu Academy and Thalys have meant to our family.As parents, we hear so much about the benefits of Jiu Jitsu for children. The physical strength, discipline, coordination, confidence, focus, problem-solving, and mental resilience are all incredible. But after having my children at TAP for almost two and a half years, I can tell you that what happens here goes far beyond learning Jiu Jitsu.My youngest son began being bullied at school when he was only in kindergarten. He is such a sweet boy, and as his mother, it broke my heart to watch him go through that at such a young age. I wanted him to have the ability to protect himself, of course, but even more than that, I wanted him to develop the confidence to believe in himself.My daughter, who is now almost 18, originally joined because she wanted to learn self-defense.Fast forward almost two and a half years, and I have watched both of my children grow in ways that extend far beyond the mat. My son is confident not only in his ability to defend himself, but in so many other areas of his life. He has developed skills, discipline, resilience, and a mindset that I know he will carry with him throughout his life. My daughter has become more confident in herself and has developed a greater sense of pride in what she is capable of accomplishing.And so much of that comes back to Thalys.Thalys genuinely LOVES his students. You don't have to wonder whether he cares about your child. You see it in the way he teaches them, encourages them, challenges them, and pays attention to who they are as individuals.He teaches respect, confidence, discipline, and skill, but he also provides a level of love and care that continues to astound me. He puts his heart, mind, body, and energy into these children. He has tremendous patience and understanding, and he goes far beyond teaching what happens on the mat.There have been times when Thalys has specifically asked us how our child is doing outside of Jiu Jitsu because he wants to understand what is happening in their life and how he can help. That means more to me as a parent than I can adequately express. He recognizes that he isn't simply teaching children a sport. He understands that he has an opportunity to help shape the people they are becoming, and he takes that responsibility seriously.You can tell that Thalys truly loves what he does. This isn't simply a business to him. He is invested in these kids. He supports them, believes in them, celebrates them, and gives them a place where they can become stronger physically and mentally while knowing that someone is genuinely in their corner.There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. As a mother, I have learned just how true that is. The people we allow to teach, influence, encourage, and pour into our children matter tremendously.I am honored and incredibly grateful to have Thalys and the entire TAP Jiu Jitsu Academy as part of our village.Thalys, thank you for loving our children. Thank you for believing in them, teaching them, challenging them, protecting their confidence, and helping them discover what they are capable of. Thank you for everything you give to your students and their families.From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Thalys did an awesome job at teaching a single leg take down and neutralizing the opponent. Was my first time stepping onto a mat and he was patient and committed to the correct technique. There was two other members there and they definitely made it a welcoming environment especially for a newbie.

Update: 2 years in and 2 kids in the program now. The growth has been incredible and my oldest lives the opportunity to share his skills with newer champions. My smallest is loving learning new techniques. Both are developing a strong sense good values. For anyone looking to learn Jiu-jitsu in the rock hill and surrounding areas, check it out!Over a year in and loving the results were seeing in our son. Not only is he demonstrating resilience but his focus has also significantly improved. This was our 3rd location we had tried, and felt right at home here.

A caring environment, where our children have been able to grow in self confidence, discipline, courage, self-control, and physical & mental strength. And in the process I am confident they can smash a bully without a second thought. Incredible teaching methods are evident at every practice and all kids have an opportunity to shine at TAP.

TAP is a phenomenal academy with great instructors. It was my first time trying Jujitsu and I immediately felt very welcomed. Foundations and step by step instructions were given for every step from beginner level to more detailed instructions for others. I will definitely be trying it again and recommend for anyone wanting to explore it to do so as well!

If you wanna learn the best jiujitsu of the area that’s a great place for you improve your skills and became a better version of yourself

If your looking a space for you child to learn at a rate that is perfect for them and not to tough. TAP academy is the place you’re looking for. Professor Thayls is AMAZING with children. He takes the time to learn them and help them to grow at the rate they need. He’s super gentle in all the areas that need gentleness while teaching the rough skill of jiu-Jitsu. They really make you feel like you belong here. He know how to push them in their comfort zones to help them to grow. You really couldn’t ask for a better professor than him. They offer more than children’s classes and allow you to partake on certain days as well. It truly is more than just a class here.

This place is awesome. I love how they teach children and keep them engaged and the children think they’re playing games and they don’t even realize that they’re learning the beginning stages of how to defend themselves. My daughter is always excited and she comes and tells me and shows me what she’s learned and I am impressed. I have been to a couple of classes when I’m able to come due to work schedule and I’m highly impressed of how they handle everything!!!!!

El mejor campeón del mundo!🙌🏻Fans desde México 🥊🥋