BJJ Gyms in Pennsylvania, United States

Academia Jiu-Jitsu

Academia Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling network where the styles of BJJ, Judo, and Wrestling are practiced with black belt instruction.

Anthracite Combat Club

Anthracite Combat Club was founded in 1993 by Jeff Walcott in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The club's origins trace back to when Jeff began studying under a top Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor in Philadelphia. After receiving a solid foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jeff brought his training home to Schuylkill County, starting with small groups of close friends and gradually expanding into a formal academy. The club offers high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction certified by both the IBJJF and JJGF. Training emphasizes a systematic progression of techniques combined with proper repetitions and conditioning. The academy has built a strong competition pedigree, with team members consistently placing in the top three positions at tournaments. In 2004, the team expanded into mixed martial arts competition, achieving notable success in the cage. Today, Anthracite Combat Club serves over 60 members with programs for ages 5 through adult, including specialized classes for kids, teens, and women's self-defense. Head instructor Jeff Walcott holds a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and brings decades of experience since beginning his training in 1993. He is joined by Matt Melusky, a 2nd degree black belt in BJJ and brown belt in Judo. The academy is also supported by co-owner Lisa Walcott and club manager Kristin Polston. The team continues to travel and train with top-level instructors to bring the latest techniques and approaches back to their students in Schuylkill Haven.

CAA - Combat Arts Academy

Combat Arts Academy (CAA) began in August 2012 when an empty warehouse at 5050 Delridge sparked the vision of creating something special for the Seattle martial arts community. Originally known as West Seattle Fight and Fitness, the gym evolved into Combat Arts Academy through dedication to sharing knowledge and helping others achieve their goals. Founded by Sonia Sillan, who experienced the life-changing impact of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu firsthand, CAA was created to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds could experience similar transformation. CAA's training philosophy centers on treating every person with kindness, respect, and compassion regardless of race, age, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical and mental abilities. The academy offers comprehensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs divided into Introduction to BJJ for beginners (focusing on fundamental movements, positions, and techniques in a supportive environment) and Level 2 BJJ for advanced practitioners (featuring more complex techniques, positional sparring, and live training). Additionally, CAA provides Muay Thai classes in a safe environment to learn the art of eight limbs, along with specialized programs for kids, women, and LGBTQ+ communities. The coaching staff at Combat Arts Academy includes Head Coach Sonia Sillan (founder), along with BJJ coaches Garrett B., Kirsi S., Joseph R., Daniel G., Ryan F., Ian L., Michelle C., Molly R., Andre P., Carl O., Sonia H., and Noah T. Muay Thai instruction is provided by coaches Joseph F., Austin D., and Marquez G. The academy emphasizes community and family atmosphere, where members support each other in reaching new heights while maintaining a judgment-free training environment. CAA is located in the heart of Seattle's Delridge neighborhood, with a sister gym Delridge Strength next door offering strength training and conditioning programs.

Apostle Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Apostle Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school located in Sierra Vista, Arizona, offering comprehensive training programs for children, teens, and adults. Founded by Professor Francis Blesa, the academy provides a welcoming environment for students of all skill levels to learn the gentle art of BJJ. Professor Francis Blesa, the owner and head instructor, holds a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and brings over 40 years of martial arts experience. He also founded El Apostol Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Academy in Mexico. With a distinguished 30+ year background in security and as an International Firearms Instructor, Professor Blesa has trained military personnel, police officers, and tactical teams across more than 20 countries. His BJJ journey began in 1986, and he has trained and competed internationally in countries including Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, and throughout Latin America. Throughout his career, he has shared the mat with BJJ legends including Rickson Gracie, Royce Gracie, Renzo Gracie, Roger Gracie, Carlos Machado, Jean Jacques Machado, and many other world-renowned practitioners. The academy is supported by a dedicated coaching team including Professor Abi Hernandez (black belt), Coach Josie (blue belt, 2 stripes), and Coach Rey (blue belt, 1 stripe). Apostle Jiu-Jitsu Academy offers both gi and no-gi training, with specialized programs for different age groups including Little Samurai (kids), Teen Samurai, and adult classes. The academy also offers a scholarship program to provide tuition assistance for children who need financial support, demonstrating their commitment to making Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu accessible to the local community.

Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu

Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu is a modern, comprehensive martial arts and fitness facility located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Founded by Professor Jason Elliott, a lifelong resident and black belt with training since 2007, the academy is dedicated to delivering world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu using modern, science-based training methodologies. Unlike traditional "1995 BJJ" gyms, Allegiant employs Ecological Dynamics and the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA), focusing on adaptability over memorization through dynamic, task-focused games and live problem-solving rather than static drilling. The academy offers comprehensive programs for all ages: Little Cubs (ages 5-7), Juniors & Teens (ages 8-13), and Adult Jiu-Jitsu, with both gi and no-gi training available throughout the week. Tuesday and Thursday classes are dedicated no-gi days, and the academy also offers Striking/MMA classes. Beyond the mats, Allegiant features a dedicated on-site fitness center for strength training and conditioning, providing a complete athlete development experience under one roof. Professor Jason Elliott, the owner and head instructor, brings extensive experience from his background in Judo and Wrestling since 2007. His mission is to mentor and inspire others, creating a supportive community built on discipline, respect, and growth. Coach Kat Elliott, a Self Defense Instructor since 2017, serves as Owner and Head Instructor for women's self-defense programs and also coaches youth and adult classes. The academy emphasizes zero ego training, maximum efficiency, and building instincts through modern training methods that respect students' time and accelerate skill development.