Oswego Jiu Jitsu

At Oswego Jiu Jitsu, we believe in empowering individuals through the art of Jiu Jitsu. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a beginner stepping onto the mats for the first time, our school offers world-class training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling. Our experienced coaches are dedicated to helping you reach your personal goals, whether it's mastering technique, building confidence, or preparing for competition. Join our welcoming community and experience top-level instruction in a supportive, high-energy environment designed to push your limits and unlock your full potential.

About Us

Oswego Jiu Jitsu

At Oswego Jiu Jitsu, our mission is to build stronger individuals and a tight-knit community through the art of grappling. We are dedicated to offering world-class training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling, with a focus on personal growth, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. Our goal is to help each student, regardless of skill level, achieve their full potential on and off the mats. Through hard work, respect, and resilience, we aim to cultivate champions in both sport and life.

Philosophy and Approach

At Oswego Jiu Jitsu, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that grappling is more than just a sport—it’s a journey of self-discovery, personal development, and mental toughness. We focus on creating a positive training environment where students can thrive, whether they’re here to stay fit, learn self-defense, or compete at the highest levels. Our approach is student-centered, meaning we tailor our coaching to each individual’s needs, helping them set and achieve their own goals. With a focus on technique, discipline, and consistent practice, we aim to develop well-rounded grapplers who are not only skilled on the mats but also strong, confident individuals in life.

Our Story

Oswego Jiu Jitsu was born from a passion for martial arts and a desire to bring world-class grappling training to our local community. Founded by a group of dedicated martial artists, our school began as a small group of students eager to learn and grow. Over time, we’ve expanded into a full-fledged academy that welcomes beginners, hobbyists, and competitors alike. What started as a simple dream has evolved into a thriving community where students of all ages and backgrounds come together to train, improve, and challenge themselves. With a commitment to excellence, Oswego Jiu Jitsu has become a place where discipline, respect, and camaraderie are at the heart of everything we do.

Oswego Classes

Training programs designed to enhance your Jiu-Jitsu skills.

Oswego Beginner Jiu-Jitsu: Start Your Journey

Embark on your martial arts journey with Oswego Beginner Jiu-Jitsu program. Perfect for newcomers in Oswego and the surrounding areas, our classes offer a solid introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll learn essential techniques and develop a strong foundation in the art. Step onto the mats and start your exciting path in martial arts with Beginner Jiu-Jitsu at Oswego Jiu Jitsu.

Oswego Jiu Jitsu:

Wrestling

Take your grappling skills to the next level with Oswego Jiu Jitsu Wrestling program. Our classes are designed to provide athletes of all experience levels—from beginners to seasoned competitors—with the techniques and strategies needed to excel on the mat. Led by skilled coaches with extensive wrestling backgrounds, you’ll develop explosive takedowns, powerful control, and improved conditioning. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills for competition or improve your overall fitness, our wrestling classes offer a dynamic and challenging experience. Join us at Oswego Jiu Jitsu and learn the art of wrestling in a supportive and motivating

Oswego Jiu Jitsu Kids Program: Shaping Confident Leaders

Discover the transformative power of our Kids Program at Oswego Jiu Jitsu. Designed for children in Oswego and the surrounding areas, our engaging classes focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a fun and impactful way to build confidence, discipline, and teamwork. Led by expert instructors, our program offers a supportive space where kids can grow both physically and mentally. Join us in nurturing the next generation of confident, empowered martial artists in an encouraging and exciting environment.

Coaches

Joe Gorsuch

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/ Wrestling Coach

Coach Joe has been training jiu jitsu since 2016, teaching youth and adults since 2020, and earned his Brown Belt in 2021. He has been wrestling since 2008 and is a SUNY Oswego NCAA Division III Wrestling Team Alumnus.

He has helped train top level jiu jitsu and wrestling competitors, like Jason Ladd who most recently took 2nd

Place in his division at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Gorsuch has remained a top ranked jiu jitsu athlete, climbing to the top 15 of the world rankings for his division at Brown Belt. He has made the podium at nearly every International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) tournament since earning his blue belt in 2017, along with placing at multiple Grappling Industries and Fuji Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions.

Before adding jiu jitsu to his martial arts repertoire, he secured 104 career wins as a wrestler at Newark High School in Newark, New York and took 1st place at the Section Five High School Wrestling Championships in 2013. At SUNY Oswego, he earned a place on the podium at the New York State Collegiate Wrestling Championships in 2015, which included NCAA Division I, II, and III athletes.

In his spare time, Gorsuch can be found hiking in the Adirondacks with his dog Raven or eating an acai bowl at Whacko Gringo in Oswego, New York.

Jake Rodriquez

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/ Wrestling Coach

An Oswego native and Marine veteran, Coach Jake is a jiu jitsu Blue Belt and USA Wrestling Coach with over 15 years of grappling experience.

At Oswego High School, he competed across the east coast as a member of the wrestling team. In the Marine Corps, Rodriquez found a love for jiu jitsu in Australia and continued to train in California for years before returning to Central New York to continue his love for grappling.

Coach Jake is an active International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) competitor, most recently taking the podium at the 2024 IBJJF New York Spring International Open Championship.

Brandon Ashby

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/ Wrestling Coach

Coach Brandon Ashby is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, awarded by Professor Enrique Watson in 2020. A proud native of Fulton, NY, Brandon has been a dedicated martial artist for years, competing in Marine combatives, IBJJF, and various regional tournaments such as the Crystal Coast Open in North Carolina. Currently serving as a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps, he balances his military career with his passion for teaching Jiu Jitsu.

Coach Ashby’s experience is extensive, having trained with renowned figures like Jocko Willink at Victory MMA. Since 2020, he has also been an ambassador for the Ronin Foundation, helping veterans through martial arts.

His instruction at Oswego Jiu Jitsu focus on technical mastery, discipline, and fostering a positive training environment. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned practitioner, Coach Ashby is committed to helping you grow both on and off the mats.

Gideon bernstein

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/ Wrestling Coach

Gideon is a blue belt that has been training Jiu Jitsu since 2016 and started wrestling at the age of 7. He wrestled until his senior year of high school, placing 5th in section 1, and 6th in Westchester County.

After graduating high school, Gideon began training Jiu Jitsu under Renzo Gracie Black Belt - Julio Cruz. He made the podium at Long Island Pride and won gold at grappling industries as a white belt. He earned his blue belt from JT Torres Black belt - Weiss Sakhizada.

Upon graduating SUNY Oswego, Gideon relocated to Syracuse, NY where he is currently training at Team SAS under black belt Diego Ramos.

Kaitlin Gregory

Women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach

I began training BJJ in 2012, and have spent time training MMA, boxing and Muay Thai. I’ve spent time competing at white and blue belt level at NAGA, Global Grappling and Grappling Industries, and intend to continue competing. I’ve been passionate about Jiu Jitsu since my first class, and having even trained through pregnancy. I enjoy Jiu Jitsu because it allows smaller individuals an opportunity to train self defense against larger opponents without relying strictly on strength. Over the years I’ve spent training, I’ve trained with people of all different shapes, sizes, and skills, and I’m a big advocate for training with everyone. However, I still firmly believe that as a woman, training with other women is inherently different from training with men for a number of reasons, and it offers different opportunities that all women should experience. Also being a mom that works full time I understand what it's like to train with a crazy schedule.

I’m currently a road patrol Deputy and I have seen the benefits of using BJJ on the job first hand, and it’s multiple applications to the job. Jiu Jitsu was initially my biggest motivation to pursuing Law Enforcement, and has given me the confidence to be more proactive than I probably would have been without it, while also allowing me to gauge my limitations much more accurately. I think Jiu Jitsu is the number one self defense for Law Enforcement, as well as women who are looking to learn self defense because it can be trained safely, and it can be adjusted to suit everyone’s individuals needs.

Vanessa Maike

Judo Instructor

Coach Vanessa has been training judo since 2014, and earned her sankyu (3rd level brown belt) in 2024, officially validated through the United States Judo Association (USJA). An E-board member of the CNY Judo organization, she has had a passion for judo since an early age, even though she only had the chance to start practicing in college.

Born and raised in Brazil, Coach Vanessa began training judo in her alma mater, the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and later had the opportunity to gain competition-oriented training with the highly competitive team of the Medical School students. In 2017, she was regional and inter-regional champion in the Sao Paulo state non-professional championships.

Coach Vanessa loves to promote judo as a sport and as an inclusive activity that teaches useful skills for all stages of life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers To Commonly Questions

Do I need any prior experience to join?

No prior experience is required to embark on your Jiu-Jitsu journey at Oswego Jiu Jitsu. We believe in the transformative power of martial arts for individuals of all levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned practitioners. Our welcoming and inclusive environment ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or fitness level, can experience the numerous physical and mental benefits of Jiu-Jitsu. Our expert instructors tailor classes to accommodate varying experience levels, focusing on fundamental techniques for beginners and providing opportunities for growth as you advance. Join us at Oswego Jiu Jitsu, where the journey begins anew for each individual, fostering a sense of community, empowerment, and lifelong learning.

What should I wear to Jiu-Jitsu classes?

To attend Jiu-Jitsu classes at Oswego Jiu Jitsu, it's ideal to wear a comfortable and well-fitting Jiu-Jitsu gi, comprising a jacket, pants, and a securely tied belt that denotes your rank. Ensure your gi is clean and in good condition for each session. Practitioners typically go barefoot, and maintaining good personal hygiene is essential for a positive training environment. Some may opt for a rash guard for added comfort. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, adhering to these guidelines ensures a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience on the mats at Oswego Jiu Jitsu.

How often should I attend classes to

progress?

To make meaningful progress in Jiu-Jitsu, consistency is key. Attending classes at Oswego Jiu Jitsu regularly, ideally two to three times per week, provides a balanced approach for skill development and physical conditioning. Consistent attendance not only reinforces techniques and strategies but also helps build muscle memory and improves overall fitness. Additionally, participating in open mat sessions or supplemental training activities can further enhance your progress. Remember that progress in Jiu-Jitsu is a journey, and by maintaining a consistent and dedicated training schedule, you'll steadily advance your skills, understanding, and overall proficiency in this dynamic martial art.

Is Jiu-Jitsu suitable for all ages?

Jiu-Jitsu is a remarkably inclusive martial art, making it suitable for individuals of all ages. At Oswego Jiu Jitsu, our classes are thoughtfully structured to accommodate practitioners from children to adults. For youngsters, Jiu-Jitsu instills discipline, builds confidence, and promotes a healthy lifestyle in a playful and engaging manner. Adults, regardless of age or fitness level, find Jiu-Jitsu to be a rewarding practice that enhances physical fitness, mental acuity, and self-defense skills. The art's adaptability ensures that each student, regardless of age, can embark on a fulfilling journey of personal development, camaraderie, and lifelong learning through Jiu-Jitsu at Oswego Jiu Jitsu.

Do you offer competitions or belt promotions?

At Oswego Jiu Jitsu, we enthusiastically embrace the spirit of competition and the traditional system of belt promotions. Regularly organizing and participating in Jiu-Jitsu competitions allows our students to test their skills, build resilience, and foster a sense of community. Our skilled instructors are dedicated to guiding each student through their Jiu-Jitsu journey, providing the training and mentorship needed to progress through the ranks and achieve well-deserved belt promotions. These events not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also strengthen the bonds of our martial arts community, creating an environment where growth, achievement, and camaraderie thrive. Whether you're aiming for victory in competition or advancing to the next belt level, Oswego Jiu Jitsu is committed to supporting your goals and celebrating your successes.

Are there any fitness requirements for

Jiu-Jitsu training?

Jiu-Jitsu at Oswego Jiu Jitsu is designed to be inclusive, with no stringent fitness requirements for entry. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a newcomer to fitness, our classes cater to individuals of all fitness levels. As you progress, you'll naturally enhance your physical conditioning, strength, and flexibility through the dynamic movements inherent in Jiu-Jitsu. Our expert instructors understand the varied starting points of our students and provide guidance that aligns with individual capabilities, fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. The beauty of Jiu-Jitsu lies in its adaptability, making it a perfect avenue for improving fitness, regardless of your initial level of athleticism.