# Buffalo BJJ Academy > Buffalo, United States ## Overview **Name:** Buffalo BJJ Academy **Description:** Founded in 2005, Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Buffalo, New York. The academy was established by Professor Charles "Chuck" Anzalone, who brought the art of BJJ to Buffalo with Grand Master Carlson Gracie Sr. Under the guidance of these legendary instructors, Buffalo BJJ Academy has become home to Buffalo's first and highest-ranking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, creating a welcoming environment for everyone from hobbyists to world-class competitors. The academy's training philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, live sparring, and continuous improvement. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is taught as both a self-defense martial art and combat sport, focusing on ground fighting techniques that enable practitioners to defend themselves regardless of size or strength. The curriculum accommodates all skill levels and ages, with dedicated programs for both children and adults. Training includes both gi and no-gi grappling, preparing students for sport tournaments, mixed martial arts competition, and real-world self-defense situations. Professor Charles Anzalone is a distinguished black belt who received his rank from Master Ricardo De La Riva, making him the first and only American black belt under the legendary De La Riva. Anzalone's training journey began in Chicago under Grand Master Carlson Gracie Sr., where he lived and trained twice daily. His lineage traces through two of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's most influential figures: Carlson Gracie Sr. and Ricardo De La Riva. After Carlson Gracie's passing, Anzalone continued his development under Master de la Riva, who awarded him his black belt in August 2008. Professor Anzalone has also received degrees from Master Cyborg Abreu, further cementing his credentials in the BJJ community. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 22 French Lea Rd, Buffalo, NY, United States of America Buffalo, NY 14224, United States **Phone:** 716-771-3046 **Website:** https://www.buffalobjj.com **Social Media:** - YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/BuffaloBJJ ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Thursday: Closed - Friday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ## Pricing ## Instructors ### Charles Anzalone - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Professor Charles 'Chuck' Anzalone began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in Chicago, training under Grand Master Carlson Gracie Sr. He lived with Carlson and trained twice daily, immersing himself in the art. After Carlson Gracie's passing, Anzalone continued his development under Master Ricardo De La Riva, who awarded him his black belt in August 2008, making him the first and only American black belt under the legendary De La Riva. He has also received degrees from Master Cyborg Abreu. In 2005, Anzalone brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Buffalo, New York, founding Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy and becoming Buffalo's first and highest-ranking BJJ black belt. ## Programs ### Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Our Kids program is designed to teach valuable life skills to your child through the art of jiu-jitsu. They will learn self-confidence, self-esteem, discipline, commitment, problem solving, goal setting, honesty, integrity, communication and many other skills to help them excel in life. Our kids don't get bullied and don't bully others. **Classes:** ### Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a self defense martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting with the goal of ending a fight by gaining a dominant position from which to apply a submission hold. The art enables a smaller, weaker person to defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant by using superior body positioning, leverage and technique. BJJ can be trained for self defense, sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition. **Classes:** ### No-Gi Grappling **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi grappling focuses on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques without the traditional gi uniform. This style is essential for MMA competition and provides a different set of challenges and opportunities compared to gi training. --- **Last Updated:** March 03, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/new-york/buffalo/buffalo-bjj-academy)