Gyms Details:

Head Professor: Todd Meighen, Gregory Hammerton

Details: The GT Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy started in Tallmadge on May 5th, 2014, moved to Akron in 2016, moved to Tallmadge in August of 2018, and moved to the current location in Tallmadge in July of 2023. Head Instructors are Nova Uniao Black Belts, Todd Meighen and Gregory Hammerton. They were awarded their Black Belts from their longtime Instructor Eduardo "Dudu" Barros on May 6, 2013. The school was formerly known as the "Dudu Barros Jiu-Jitsu Academy". The name may be new, but the school has been around the Northeast Ohio area since the late 1990's. Eduardo "Dudu" Barros grew up in Brazil, and began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 11 years old. He started at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, training under the legendary Carlson Gracie Sr. He eventually began training with one of Carlson's top students, Andre Pederneiras. Eduardo received his Black Belt from Andre in 2005. Andre Pederneiras is the leader of the Nova Uniao Team in Rio. The Nova Uniao Team is home to former UFC Champions Jose Aldo and Renan Barao, and former Bellator Champ Eduardo Dantas. In 1997 "Dudu" relocated to the United States and created the Dudu Barros Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The first school was located in his parents' basement. The school continued to grow over the years, and "Dudu" relocated the school several times throughout the Akron area. In early 2014, Eduardo decided that he wanted to pursue other interests in his life, and he decided to hand over the reigns of the Academy to Todd and Gregg. The Academy was renamed GT Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Eduardo's blessing. New name, new location, but the same great quality of instruction! Todd and Gregg are excited to continue Eduardo's hard work!

Kids Program Url: https://www.gtbjjohio.com/kids-bjj

Kids Program Detail: Aimed at kids ages 6-15 yrs old, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Kids Program integrates physical education and self-defense technique with conditioning and skill-building games aimed at improving coordination, motor skills, agility and flexibility. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the only Martial Art that will teach your child practical and proven self-defense techniques that can work in real life situations, even against a larger or more physically strong aggressor. Unlike other Martial Arts like Karate or Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu advocates for minimal punches and kicks in self defense settings. This asset makes our martial art an ideal choice for children as it teaches the student to control the situation through grappling without the need for strikes. We will prepare your child to defend themselves against bullies, without turning them into one! Our program helps young students develop important character traits and values, including: Excel in Academics & Athletics; Boosting Self Esteem and Confidence; Goal Setting/Achieving; Discipline; Leadership Qualities; Responsibility. Unlike instruction given at "McDojos", Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training does not foster a false sense of accomplishment. BJJ teaches personal accountability and responsibility for rank advancement. Our program does not promote students simply for "participation". Life doesn't hand out ribbons or trophies just for showing up, and BJJ helps them to understand that the real world, like Jiu-Jitsu training, will only reward them for their own hard work and dedication to achieving their goals. Students progress through the ranking system through the judgement of the instructor and is based on attitude, work ethic and understanding of the concepts displayed in class. There is no test. It takes years to progress through each belt and they must be earned and evaluated using a large number of both relative and fixed standards. In fact, the informality and high standards of Jiu-Jitsu is something that is very characteristic of the art itself. THERE ARE NO 10 YEAR OLD BLACK BELTS HERE! Any school that has a Black Belt under the age of 18, is definitely not looking out for the best interest of the parent or child. Most schools are just trying to take your money! We aren't selling belts, we are selling knowledge, safety, and peace of mind to the parents.

Woman Only Program Url: https://www.gtbjjohio.com/female-strong

Woman Only Program Detail: Can Women learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Absolutely! Women can safely experience the benefits of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, even if they have little or no experience in sports or Martial Arts. As a Martial Art designed to allow the weaker to defeat the stronger, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a perfect fit for women who are interested in learning how to protect themselves. Female Strong classes are designed to introduce women to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, relaxed environment. Most Martial Arts classes are male dominated, and this can be intimidating for Women. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be even more intimidating because of the close personal contact involved while learning the techniques. Women may feel uncomfortable training with a male, may be afraid of injury or they may feel so intimidated that they don't even want to try a class. However, seeing a class full of women training can be more inviting and put a beginner more at ease. This allows females to accelerate their learning by training with other women, similar in size, and by eliminating some of the difficulties that beginner women face training with men. This class will empower Women to learn how to protect themselves, but it is also a great form of exercise. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students will notice an increase in flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, and general well being. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will change your life forever!

Other Programs Available: Shuai Chiao, Tai Chi, C4CPJJ Police Jiu-Jitsu

Schedule Url: https://www.gtbjjohio.com/schedule-and-rules

Email: todd@gtbjjohio.com

Facebook Url: https://www.facebook.com/gtbrazilianjiujitsu

Country: United States