Small Axe Jiu Jitsu

Just did my first class last night, was amazing. Now I finally have new fitness goals and someone to help me achieve them! Tim was seriously one of the nicest people I have ever met!

I’ve trained at a handful of schools and Small Axe has all of the makings for an awesome Jiu Jitsu program and school. Professor Tim Sledd is a true professional and is a great instructor. I checked out a few other schools in the area prior to coming to Small Axe. While the other locations I looked into seemed decent enough, I wasn’t completely satisfied for whatever reason. When I came and checked out Small Axe it felt like home. As soon as I walked in the door I got a great vibe about the place and Professor Tim was very inviting. The folks that come and train here routinely are like a small extended family. Everyone is very courteous and the environment is definitely conducive to learning. The mats are always clean and the people always pleasant. Professor Tim’s instruction is great and I have certainly picked up a lot since coming to the school. Highly recommended!!!

Tim is an awesome instructor and a great guy. Small Axe is an Atos affiliate which means you are getting the best instruction in SD. If you’re trying BJJ for the first time or you’re a veteran to the sport give Small Axe a visit. You won’t be disappointed. Great learning environment with good vibes. Thank you Small Axe!

POSITIVE VIBES ALL AROUND! Such a great environment at Small Axe BJJ. Professor Tim Sledd has treated my husband, son and I like family since they first stepped foot in the door (or should I say on the mat? Lol). On their first day, my husband and son talked non-​stop about how much they enjoyed their jiu jitsu classes that night. My son could not wait to get back in there!
I cannot stress enough how much fun (yet educational) their youth classes are. The professors here are so great with the kids and I really appreciate the time and love they put in to teach them.
Perfect schedule and very clean facility! My family is very happy to be a part of the Small Axe family!

My 4-​year-​old (almost 5) has been taking classes here with Tim and Brian for about 2 months now. It really has helped with her coordination and confidence. They are so great and patient with her, and it only took a few minutes for her to become comfortable with her coaches. My goal was for my sometimes shy «princess» to become assertive and confident, and be able to defend herself if she ever needed to. I think this gym has been a perfect fit for her. Highly recommended for kids!

I was so happy to have a BJJ family to train with while I was out here. Tim and everyone at Oceanside welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home. I got a great workout, learned a lot, and had tons of fun while I was there. Tim Sledd is a top notch instructor, and a great man. He teaches Jiu-​Jitsu that works for mean and women of all ages and body types. I definitely encourage you to check out his school if you are in the area. You will not be disappointed.

I had the privilege of training at Small Axe Jiu Jitsu/​Atos Oceanside while I was visiting town. Professor Tim Sledd and his students welcomed me with open arms (and lots of submissions!).
As a fairly new white belt female, I am still somewhat cautious about training in gyms I am not familiar with. However, I felt totally comfortable at Small Axe. Everyone– students and Professor Sledd– were incredibly respectful and supportive. Professor Sledd went over some great techniques, and put up with my (many) questions.
The overall vibe was very laid back and relaxed until the class started, then everyone definitely worked hard! I got in some great rolls, and again, felt safe and comfortable the entire time.
For any females in the area looking to train, definitely check out Small Axe. There was a changing area separate from the bathrooms, which I always appreciate, and good luck finding a dirty spot in that place! The post-​class mat (and walls!) clean up/​disinfecting process was incredibly thorough.
I also stuck around one day and watched the kids’ class– those kids knew more than a lot of adults! It was also great that they got to actually spar with Professor Sledd. What an awesome opportunity for a kid– getting to work one on one with a Black Belt!
I really can’t say enough great things about Small Axe/​Atos Oceanside, and again I thank them for for the great experience.

I have trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for three years, at a variety of academies in the US and Brazil. Two words describe the Small Axe Jiu Jitsu academy: quality instruction.
Instructor Tim Sledd’s teaching methodology is clearly something he has put a lot of thought into and takes great pride in. His teaching philosophy emphasizes systems of techniques and concepts, each building upon each other. Tim is great at communicating the small details that make a technique work — as well as describing them with colorful language that makes them easy to remember. This talent distinguishes him as more than just a high-​level practitioner (which he certainly is, google Andre Galvao, who awarded him his black belt, as a reference), but also an outstanding instructor.
It also helps that Tim’s class goals align with my personal reasons for practicing BJJ:
1. Have Fun
2. Learn Something New
3. Get a good workout
Small Axe is a young and growing academy. The small class sizes mean lots of focused attention from a teacher committed to seeing each of his students achieve success. I would highly recommend Small Axe to anyone interested in starting to train jiu jitsu, or anyone new to Oceanside looking for a place to train.

Professor Sledd’s approach to BJJ is unique: his commitment to his students’ success is unparalleled. By thoroughly and carefully breaking down each technique, his teaching style promotes a solid understanding of the concepts. I’ve personally benefited stupendously from his insistence on drilling as it creates consistency in one’s game and reinforces muscle memory.
I drove all the way from LA to attend one of his classes and was warmly welcomed and treated with agreeable hospitality from the get-​go. The atmosphere in the gym was relaxed, friendly and convivial, as it is in all the Atos Affiliates. Not to mention that Professor Sledd’s is Andre Galvao’s first North American belt.
I extensively enjoyed learning from him and would certainly urge anyone who would like to start or develop his BJJ endeavor to stop by for a class, fun times and serious learning guaranteed!

Small Axe Jiu Jitsu is an Atos school in Oceanside. The instructor, Tim Sledd, is one-​of-​a-​kind! I had the pleasure of training with Professor Sledd and having lunch with him after. I was incredibly impressed by his training philosophy and coaching methodology, and I was especially inspired by his positive attitude and willingness to share his knowledge. You don’t find a lot of jiu-​jitsu instructors that are looking to give so much to their students, and Oceanside is lucky to have this gem of a school. If you’re in the North County San Diego area and you’re NOT training at this school, you’ll regret it!

The best BJJ in Oceanside — Professor Tim Sledd’s deep understanding of the BJJ game mixed with his infectious positive attitude make Atos Oceanside/​Small Axe one of the best places to learn jiujitsu for sport or self-​defense. His extensive competition resume and receiving his black belt from Andre Galvao prove that he is the real deal. Anyone in North County should DEFINITELY swing by and give this place a shot.

Small Axe Jiu Jitsu is conveniently located in Oceanside and the only Atos BJJ affiliate between San Diego and Costa Mesa. Professor Tim Sledd is a BJJ black belt under the world renowned Andre Galvao. His skill set, attention to detail, and work ethic make him a highly sought after Jiu Jitsu coach. Full of integrity, motivation, and a sense of community service, he genuinely cares about his students reaching their full potential; not only in BJJ, but in life. Classes always close with the same three questions: «Did you have fun? Did you learn something? Did you get a good workout?» I have yet to hear anyone answer «no». Look for big things in the future from Professor Tim Sledd and Small Axe Jiu Jitsu /​Atos Jiu Jitsu Oceanside!

Tim had a studio in Indiana before moving to CA. I cannot rave enough about what an awesome experience my 9 year old had during the year and half he attended. The studio was always clean, class was organized and regardless of how many children were in the class… they ALL were listening and ready to learn. It was a sad day for my little guy when Tim left Indiana.

Being a fellow instructor I really appreciate an enthusiastic, motivated and attentive Brazilian Jiu-​jitsu instructor. Tim Sledd is definitely all of these things, as well as being incredibly skilled. I’ve watched him in action with his students and it’s clear that he is loyal to them and their success.
Anyone looking to receive top notch BJJ instruction in a great atmosphere should check out Small Axe BJJ.