Bow to Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, This Week's Readers' Choice Winner

We'd like to announce the winner of —best place in Redmond for kids to learn martial arts—with a mighty Hi-yah!, Aiyah! or Eeee-yah!, the traditional battle cry.

We hereby also bow to , a new studio that's already impressing the community and won our contest by bringing in the most positive reviews on the  and second-highest number of votes in our reader poll. (See attached PDF for complete scoring information and contest rules.)

Here is what a couple of our voters said about Elite, which is located in southeast Redmond and owned by 5-time Jiu-Jitsu world champion Miriam Cardoso:

Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a great family atmosphere and allows for all skill levels eliminating intimidation for a beginner. The members and instructors are welcoming and friendly making it a fun place to learn and workout!

—Heather Crivello

The owners of BJJ-REDMOND are parents first, they have created a great environment for the whole family. Great addition to our community...

—Charles Grimmett

But we also must bow to our runner-up, Aikido Kids. The poll was a tight race from the start, and we know from the results that Redmond boasts at least two very well-regarded martial arts schools.

Aikido Kids grabbed the most votes in our poll, but fell just slightly short in the review count on Patch Places. One parent left this glowing comment:

We have been with Teacher Nancy at Aikido Kids! for over two years now, and my son still looks forward to going to every class. In addition to learning important self-defense skills (and I think, more importantly), the kids are learning a lot of life skills as well... Can't say enough about the great experience we've had being part of Aikido Kids!

—Laura K.

So congratulations to both, Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Aikido Kids!

And on with the fifth in our series of 12 Best of Redmond polls: best burrito in town! And gosh, we have plenty to choose from, at restaurants such as , , and plenty others. 

A story announcing the new poll will post here at 5 a.m. on Monday. We've already begun compiling our list for the poll, but would gladly accept and appreciate suggestions and nominations. Please reply here with a comment, email the editor, Caitlin.Moran@Patch.com, or let us know on Facebook.

Thanks to all who have participated so far! As you know, Patch is not a one-way street. We expect and encourage everyone to comment, review and post announcements, as well as post events on our calendar.

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