You’ve probably seen the videos. Some guy in a white belt walks into a gym, looks totally lost, and then proceeds to effortlessly tap out every seasoned grappler in the room. It’s the classic "BJJ Prank" trope.
Well, the guy often behind those viral clips is Alex Aristides. He’s the face of Maxum Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and honestly, if you’re looking into training on Long Island, his name usually pops up pretty quick. But there’s a lot more to the Islip Terrace academy than just YouTube views and clever hidden-camera setups.
A lot of people think BJJ is just about sweaty dudes hugging on the floor. It’s a common misconception. In reality, places like Maxum are basically human chess clubs where the pieces are your own limbs.
Why Maxum Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Hits Different
Most martial arts schools feel like franchises. You walk in, there’s a corporate logo, a front desk person who doesn't train, and a vibe that feels like a suburban dentist's office. Maxum isn't really like that.
Located at 2995 Sunrise Highway in Islip Terrace, it’s got this "gritty but welcoming" energy. It’s a specialized MMA hub that doesn't just stick to the gi. They do the whole spread:
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (obviously)
- Muay Thai
- Wrestling * Judo
The head honcho, Anthony Snoble, is a black belt in the Victory MMA system. He’s a pro fight coach. That’s an important distinction because it means the BJJ taught here isn’t just "sport jiu jitsu" designed to win points in a tournament. It’s rooted in actual combat.
I talked to a guy who started there three years ago. He told me he was terrified to walk in. He thought he'd be "fresh meat" for a bunch of cage fighters. Instead, he found a bunch of dads, blue-collar workers, and a few high-level athletes all helping each other not get choked out.
The Alex Aristides Factor
Let's circle back to Alex. He’s a Serra BJJ black belt—meaning his lineage goes back to Matt Serra, the first American to beat Georges St-Pierre. That’s a heavy pedigree.
🔗 Read more: NASCAR All Star Race Schedule: Why the Move to Dover Matters
At Maxum, Alex brings a specific kind of detail-oriented coaching. He’s known for being a bit of a "renaissance man" in the BJJ world. He isn't just showing you a move and walking away; he’s explaining why your hip needs to be two inches to the left so you don't lose the position.
It’s that attention to detail that separates a "McDojo" from a real academy.
What Actually Happens in a Class?
If you’ve never stepped on the mats, the first 15 minutes are basically a fever dream. You’re doing "shrimping" drills across the floor, which looks like a bunch of people having a synchronized seizure.
But there’s a method to the madness.
At Maxum Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, classes usually follow a pattern, though they’re not robotic about it. You warm up. You drill a specific technique—maybe a scissor sweep or a rear-naked choke. Then comes the "live rolling."
This is where the real learning happens. You spar. You try to apply the move you just learned against someone who is actively trying to prevent you from doing it. It’s exhausting. It’s humbling.
Honestly, you’ll probably "die" (metaphorically) about ten times in your first month. But that’s the point. You learn that losing a round isn’t the end of the world. It’s just data.
The Kids' Program: More Than Just Anti-Bullying
Maxum puts a ton of energy into their youth programs. They call it a "timeless treasure of inner confidence," which sounds a bit poetic, but the results are pretty practical.
I’ve seen kids walk in there who wouldn't make eye contact with anyone. Six months later, they’re leading drills. They use a specific curriculum designed to neutralize bullies without necessarily having to throw a punch.
It’s about leverage. Not just physical leverage, but the mental kind.
The Islip Terrace Community
One thing people get wrong about Maxum Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is thinking it’s an exclusive club. It’s actually pretty integrated into the Long Island scene. They offer discounts for:
- Active Military
- Police
- Families
- Groups of friends
They’re open seven days a week. That’s actually kind of rare. Most gyms take Sundays off or have weird mid-day breaks. Maxum runs over 100 classes a month.
If you’re a night owl or a shift worker, that’s a big deal.
Does Lineage Even Matter?
In the BJJ world, people obsess over who gave you your belt. "Who’s your professor?" is the first question anyone asks.
Maxum’s connection to the Serra/Renzo Gracie line is legit. But honestly? Lineage is mostly a safeguard against frauds. What actually matters is the "mat culture."
I’ve been to gyms with "famous" lineages where the instructors were jerks and the students were arrogant. Maxum has a reputation for being "tough but fair." The training partners are high-level, but they aren't out to break your arm on a Tuesday night.
Common Misconceptions (Let's Clear the Air)
"I need to get in shape before I start."
This is the biggest lie people tell themselves. You don't get in shape to do BJJ; BJJ gets you in shape. I’ve seen people lose 40 pounds in six months just because they stopped thinking of exercise as "cardio" and started thinking of it as "not getting crushed by a 200lb man."
"It’s too dangerous."
Look, you’re gonna get bruises. You might get a "gi burn" on your neck. But compared to football or even soccer, the injury rate in a controlled environment like Maxum is surprisingly low. You tap out when it hurts. It stops. Simple.
"I’m too old."
There are guys in their 50s and 60s at Maxum. They aren't trying to win the ADCC World Championships. They’re there for the community and the mental sharpenss.
Actionable Steps for the Curious
If you’re sitting there thinking about trying it out, don't just show up unannounced.
First, check their schedule online. They usually offer a free "QuickStart" program or a day pass. Don't go out and buy a $200 gi yet—they’ll probably have a loaner for you.
When you get there, leave the ego in the parking lot. You’re going to be bad at it. Everyone is bad at it at first. The people who stick around are the ones who are okay with being the "nail" until they eventually become the "hammer."
If you're in the Islip or Bohemia area, just walk in. The hardest part isn't the workout; it’s actually opening that front door.
Once you’re in, just focus on breathing. Don’t worry about winning. Just try to remember one thing you learned. If you can do that, you’re already ahead of 90% of the population.
Training at Maxum Brazilian Jiu Jitsu isn't just about the fighting. It’s about finding out what you’re actually made of when someone is sitting on your chest and you’re tired. Turns out, most of us are a lot tougher than we think.