Oswego Jiu Jitsu

At Oswego Jiu Jitsu, we believe in empowering individuals of all ages 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 Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, and Striking. 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.

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About Us

Oswego Jiu Jitsu

At Oswego Jiu Jitsu, our mission is to build stronger individuals and a tight-knit community through martial arts. We are dedicated to offering world-class training in Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, and Striking with a focus on personal growth, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. Our goal is to help each student, regardless of age or 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 martial arts 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 students 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 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 with over two-hundred students 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 Jiu Jitsu Classes

Training programs designed to enhance your Jiu-Jitsu skills.

Beginner Jiu-Jitsu:

Start Your Journey

Embark on your martial arts journey at the Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals Program. Perfect for newcomers in Oswego and the surrounding areas, our fundamentals classes will help you gain confidence in the basics of the art. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll learn key concepts and effective self-defense skills. Step onto the mats and start your exciting path in martial arts with Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals at Oswego Jiu Jitsu.

Wrestling for Jiu Jitsu:

Improve Your Takedowns

Take your grappling skills to the next level with our Wrestling for Jiu Jitsu Program. These classes are designed to provide athletes of all experience levels—from beginners to seasoned competitors—with the proven techniques and strategies needed to excel on the feet. Led by skilled coaches with extensive college wrestling and Jiu Jitsu backgrounds, you’ll develop strong hand fighting skills, explosive takedowns, 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 environment.

Kids Jiu Jitsu 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 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 community leaders in an encouraging and exciting environment.

Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Build Self-Defense Skills

Led by a skilled female instructor, our Women’s classes offer a welcoming and empowering space for women of all experience levels. You’ll learn effective self-defense, sharpen your technique, and build confidence alongside a supportive community. Whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or looking to level up your game, this class is designed to help you grow, both on and off the mats. Come train with us!

Judo Class:

Cross Training Builds Champions

At Oswego Jiu Jitsu, we believe in building well-rounded martial artists, which is why we’re proud to offer Judo classes free to our members.

Why? Judo and BJJ complement each other perfectly. Combining the stand-up precision of Judo with the ground-game expertise of BJJ creates a well-rounded martial artist. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills for competition or just expand your training, integrating both sports into your routine will elevate your performance.

MMA Striking Class:

"Strike First. Strike Hard."

Oswego Jiu Jitsu’s MMA Striking program teaches practical, effective striking for self-defense, MMA, and overall athletic development. Training draws from boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and karate, with a focus on proper technique, movement, timing, and control.

Students learn punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, along with footwork, defense, and distance management. Classes are structured to show how striking connects with grappling, making it a strong complement to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

All experience levels are welcome. Come train, build confidence, and sharpen your skills.

Coaches

Joe Gorsuch

Gym Owner/ head coach

Coach Joe has been training Jiu Jitsu since 2016, teaching youth and adults since 2020, and earned his Black Belt under Professor Ben Tallini in 2025. He has been wrestling since 2008 and is a SUNY Oswego NCAA Division III Wrestling Team Alumnus. Joe also holds a Yellow Belt in Judo.

He has helped train top level Jiu Jitsu and wrestling competitors, like Jason Ladd who took 2nd Place in his division at the 2024 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and Doug Miller who brought home two bronze medals from the 2025 Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championships and 2nd Place at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships.

Gorsuch has remained a top ranked Jiu Jitsu athlete, climbing to the top 10 of the world rankings for his weight division through Brown Belt. He has made the podium at nearly every International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) tournament since earning his blue belt in 2017, including 3rd place at the 2025 Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championships, along with placing at multiple Grappling Industries, American Grappling Federation, and Fuji Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions.

Before adding Jiu Jitsu and Judo 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 2014, 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.

Doug Miller

gym manager/ coach

As a passionate and dedicated coach, Doug brings a wealth of experience in wrestling and MMA to Jiu Jitsu. With over 10 years of training and competition, he has not only honed technical skills but also developed a deep understanding of the mental and physical aspects of these martial arts. Most recently, Doug took 2nd Place at the World Jiu Jitsu Championships, 3rd Place at the Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championships, and secured the win over his opponent at the inaugural Studio Kame No-Gi Super Fight.

Doug wrestled for the Fulton, NY varsity team for 4 years and was a part of 2 state placing teams. He also competed in Greco Roman and freestyle wrestling tournaments in the off seasons. Then Doug began his journey in martial arts at 18 years old transitioning from wrestling to MMA. Competing in MMA matches up and down the east coast for 5 years. He ended up taking some time off but came back to Jiu Jitsu in the beginning of December 2024, earning his blue belt after a stellar performance at Grappling Industries Saratoga Springs, having won 7 matches without a point being scored on him.

At Oswego Jiu Jitsu Doug focuses on fostering a positive and supportive environment where athletes of all skill levels can thrive. He emphasizes the importance of technique, strategy, and mental toughness, helping students not just to become better fighters, but also to grow as individuals.

Whether coaching beginners, kids or advanced competitors, Doug is committed to helping each student achieve their personal goals, instilling confidence, discipline, and respect.

Kaitlin Gregory

Women's Jiu Jitsu Coach

A Jiu Jitsu purple belt, Coach Kate began training BJJ in 2012, and has spent time training MMA, boxing, and Muay Thai. She has spent time competing at white and blue belt level at NAGA, Global Grappling, and Grappling Industries, and intends to continue competing. She's been passionate about jiu jitsu since her first class, and having even trained through pregnancy.

She enjoys Jiu Jitsu because it allows smaller individuals an opportunity to train self defense against larger opponents without relying strictly on strength. Over the years she has trained with people of all different shapes, sizes, and skills, and is a big advocate for training with everyone. However, she still firmly believes 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, she understands what it's like to train with a crazy schedule.

Coach Kate is currently a road patrol Deputy and has seen the benefits of using BJJ on the job first hand. Jiu jitsu was initially her biggest motivation to pursuing Law Enforcement. According to Coach Kate, "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."

Cody Hogan:

Jiu Jitsu and MMA striking Coach

Coach Cody has been training martial arts including Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Jiu Jitsu for 20 years. He has competed in several amateur MMA and combat Jiu Jitsu matches, and is an active IBJJF competitor. As a local law enforcement officer and Jiu Jitsu blue belt, he is passionate about bringing Jiu Jitsu to the law enforcement community, promoting it as a vital tool for control, safety, and confidence on the job.

Cristian Brown:

MMA striking Coach

Cristian Brown has been training in Kyokushin Karate for the last 20 years. He earned his first degree black belt in 2015 from Kancho Henri-Oh, head of the North American Kyokushin Organization. Cristian continues to train and develop his skills under Douglas Brown and Charles Burger. He has competed in well over 100 knockdown style fights against fighters from around the world. Cristian currently also trains in Jiu Jitsu at Oswego Jiu Jitsu since 2024 and is an active competitor. He is looking forward to passing on his experience in striking arts, not only how to hit but how to get hit and keep moving forward.

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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.