Simply the Most Effective Form of Self-Defense.

Over the last 15 years, there has been a dramatic shift in the martial arts, particularly in the United States, but also in the world in general. When no-rules competitions like the Ultimate Fighting Championships clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of grappling arts, especially Gracie Jiu-jitsu, there was an almost instant demand for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu classes.

At The Academy of Martial Arts, we train our students for self-defense. This means that training is conducted in a safe and friendly atmosphere. We realize that our students still need to go to work on Monday morning. Some of our students do compete in the NHB circuit, but this is not required or emphasized.

This is one of the reasons Gracie Jiu-jitsu is such an appealing art. Jiu-jitsu literally means “the gentle art” or “the way of gentleness.” Winning a Jiu-jitsu match is about out-thinking and “out technique-ing” an opponent, not out-brawling. This significantly minimizes injuries, and allows for much more realistic training. This doesn't mean that students don't get in shape and that training isn't challenging. It does mean Gracie Jiu-Jitsu fighters are technicians, not brawlers.

The effectiveness and fluidity of Gracie Jiu-jitsu makes it especially appealing to children or adults who would like to be able to handle a much larger opponent without necessarily beating someone into submission. Because of the nature of this art, students often find themselves able to completely dominate an opponent, without causing any serious harm (other than perhaps some hurt pride).

The curriculum at The Academy is the Pedro Sauer curriculum. Belt advancements are usually done by Pedro Sauer himself.