I have been training at Grounddwellers for a year and a half, and if it weren't for Eddie, I probably would not have the same love for jiu jitsu that I do now.
Eddie provides a laid back and friendly atmosphere, he promotes individual growth and experimentation, and is open minded when it comes to showing and learning new techniques and styles.
Eddie is not only a great coach, but also a selfless friend. I cant imagine training with anybody else, and I look forward to the day when I can tell people that I recieved my black belt from Eddie Avelar.

Katy Haight
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=627584304

(May '09)
I've been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for about 8 years. In that time, I've trained at a multitude of schools and seen plenty of instructors. No one holds a candle to the school Eddie Avelar has built. The environment is neither too silly nor too serious; he manages to find the middle zone, the "play" zone, most conducive to learning. I've learned more about the art of Jiu Jitsu with Eddie at Ground Dwellers than anywhere else. He cares for each of his students, taking as much time as needed to make sure they're getting what they need to grow, while also keeping them safe. I can safely say that, in my experience, Ground Dwellers has the lowest rate of injury I've seen; this isn't by luck, of course, but by the careful watch of the instructor. Indeed, his care for the safety, progress, and wellbeing of his students is what kept me at Ground Dwellers.

Pearson Cooper