Academy of Grind

In Loveland, Colorado, Academy of Grind is shaped by the leadership of owner and head coach Matthew Wargo, a Purple Heart recipient, USMC veteran, and former law enforcement officer. Wargo didn’t start the academy from scratch—he took over an existing gym and dedicated himself to building a place the local community could be proud of. He leads 28 classes each week for both adults and kids, showing up for every session and focusing as much on character and belonging as on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique. Instruction at Academy of Grind is rooted in the Robert Drysdale lineage, with black belts Mike Terpstra and Daniel Bartyzel leading adult classes. Terpstra, a first-degree black belt under Drysdale, brings a background in wrestling and more than a decade of jiu-jitsu experience. Bartyzel has been training martial arts since 2005 and is known for his ability to guide students of all ages and skill levels. Coach Josiah Thiemann adds further depth, drawing on a career that spans karate, Muay Thai, boxing, Krav Maga, competitive wrestling, and BJJ. Thiemann, a brown belt under Renzo Gracie, Finnie McMahon, Bob Drysdale, and Mike Terpstra, also serves as a SWAT Team Leader and law enforcement instructor. The schedule at AOG blends tradition and practical training. Adults can train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in both gi and no-gi formats, with dedicated fundamental classes and open mat sessions. Youth programs are a core part of the academy’s mission, and a homeschool gi class is also available. Every class reflects the Drysdale lineage’s technical standards and the academy’s emphasis on discipline and resilience. Drop-ins are welcome for most adult classes and open mats.

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