Gyms Details:

Head Professor: Jason Ratchford

Details: Pride Lands was established in 2009 by Jason Ratchford. In its initial years, Pride Lands began as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a martial art based on grappling and ground fighting, emphasizing the skill of controlling your opponent through techniques that force him or her to submit. Since in Judo, the Japanese forefather of BJJ, it was common practice to wear a gi, the tradition was passed to BJJ. Using the gi, there are a series of submissions that were developed using clothing grips and ranked belts. Though Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is still offered at our academy, after decades of training in the Gi and the recent rise of MMA, Pride Lands has made a dominant shift over to American Jiu-Jitsu. American Jiu-Jitsu, or AJJ, originated from BJJ. The sport is identical in foundation and objective, however, American Jiu-Jitsu makes the separation with new trends in submissions and ditching the gi for typical athleisure wear. No matter what form of jiu-jitsu we are discussing, at our academy, we find both branches of jiu-jitsu to be incomparable as jiu-jitsu is a combat-tested, self-defense system based on techniques that work against an aggressive opponent and is specifically designed to allow a smaller person to defend against the attack of a larger and stronger challenger. It provides students an opportunity to learn lifelong lessons, establish personal discipline, build self-confidence, and improve their physical and mental health. Along with embracing different aspects of jiu-jitsu, over the years at Pride Lands, we have found ourselves integrating striking more frequently. We have classes in classic Western boxing and, bearing more similarities to Muay Thai, we also offer kickboxing. These striking forms continue to push our students who have goals ranging from fighting professionally to just wanting to lose weight. This is what has lead to our academy being branded as “Pride Lands MMA” currently, even though our focal point is on jiu-Jitsu. Our students are encouraged to explore every form of martial art we have to offer at our gym and become as well-rounded of a fighter as possible. An aspect of our gym we take pride in is our inclusiveness of participants from every age, background, and skill level. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, actively compete in formal competitions, add some discipline to your life, or relieve some stress after work, jiu-jitsu and training here offers men, women, and children a way to have fun, develop a valuable skill set, and build instant comradery with instructors and students. The classes we offer, may it be BJJ, AJJ, submission wrestling, boxing, or kickboxing, it is the ultimate character builder and as an evolving sport, the limit to what you can learn and how far you can push yourself is up to you. Mastering jiu-jitsu may be one of the most difficult accomplishments you can achieve in your life, but the self-confidence, determination, and knowledge gained on your journey will positively influence every other aspect of your life. We are continuously welcoming people of every background imaginable and would love for you to join our team.

Kids Program Url: https://pridelandsmma.com/programs/

Kids Program Detail: We believe that Jiu-Jitsu is beneficial for individual development and personal growth. Strength, self-awareness, respect, discipline, and responsibility are common core values taught within our kid’s program. In our Little Lions program, our coaches have developed a system to introduce children to the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu and use their natural abilities to develop students into the best grapplers they can be. The class is structured around a focus on teaching technique, drilling movements, and sparring live with teammates. Along with the discipline of an adult class, we also integrate a series of functional games aimed to improve your child’s agility in a fun and interactive manner.

Other Programs Available: MMA Striking

Schedule Url: https://pridelandsmma.com/schedule/

Email: pridelandsmma@aol.com

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

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pridelandsmma/

Video Url: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CqmYZTWace0?feature=share

Awards: Jason Ratchford - 2015 Keystone State Judo Games Gold Medalist - Heavy Weight Division; Liberty Judo Classic Silver Medalist- 220lb Black Belt Division; NY Open Champion – Brown Belt, Light Heavyweight, and Absolute champion; Beast of The East Champion – Brown Belt Heavyweight Division; PA Judo State Championships – Bronze Medalist; 10 time NAGA Expert Division Champion

Country: United States