Claudio Franca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is Readers' Choice for Best Martial Arts

In what was a tight battle until Friday Claudio Franca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu beat Sandro Batata Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for best studio in Santa Cruz, according to Patch readers.

Franca's studio, at 21507 East Cliff Dr. got 54 percent of 345 votes cast, or 206 votes.

The martial arts studio offers classes for women, men and children of all levels. According to its website:

"Our community-based method of instruction integrates beginners into ongoing classes with advanced students. Newcomers learn not only from the class instructor, but also from more experienced students, providing a wider pool of knowledge, wisdom and technique.

"Advanced students, in turn, gain insight by helping beginners to progress. All classes are taught by qualified instructors. We choose our instructors based on teaching ability, technical knowledge, personal integrity, patience, and dedication to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu."

Second place went to Sandro Batata, who teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, considered the gentle martial art, at his studio at 2330 Mission St.

He has a range of classes for men, women and children as well as private lessons.

His studio got 128, or 34 percent of the votes. It had been leading before a last-minute rush by the winner's supporters.

Supporter Matt Wong left this comment:

"The school is fantastic because both owner/instructors find time to interact with each and every student to improve their skills in jiu jitsu. Moreover, Julio and Sandro are fantastic role models promoting a positive attitude towards establishing a healthy lifestyle."

The Martial Arts Readers' Choice poll got our biggest response yet, but nothing like the one in Los Gatos, which closed after 80,000 votes were registered, which is about 2.5 times bigger than the city's population.

Claudio Franca recently opened a second studio in Watsonville, and .

Previous Readers' Choices in Santa Cruz included t sandwich, for best preschool and