Kraken Jiu Jitsu - BJJ & Self-Defense

Kraken Jiu Jitsu - BJJ & Self-Defense in Belmont, Michigan is led by Professor Tony Erard, the highest-ranking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from West Michigan and the only IBJJF-certified black belt from Grand Rapids. Professor Tony’s lineage traces directly through Royler Gracie and Rodrigo Pinheiro, with over 10,000 hours of professional training under Professor Pinheiro in one of the world’s toughest competition rooms. His background includes hundreds of competition wins at every belt level, including international gold in Rio de Janeiro, multiple national medals, and coaching athletes to Pan American, Nationals, and World Championship gold. With a parallel career in the military and experience training US Special Warfare members, Tony’s approach blends elite technical standards with a practical focus on real-world self-defense. Day to day, students at Kraken Jiu Jitsu work through a structured mix of gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The adult program includes both traditional gi classes and no-gi sessions, with dedicated time for live rolling. Kids can start early in the Little Krakers classes, then progress through Level I and II youth BJJ, offered in both gi and no-gi formats to suit different learning stages. There’s also a women’s self-defense and jiu-jitsu program, reflecting Tony’s belief in making effective training accessible to everyone. The academy welcomes drop-ins and is wheelchair accessible. Kraken’s teaching team draws from both competitive grappling and wrestling backgrounds, with instructors like Coach Jayk and Coach Dennis helping younger students build confidence and life skills alongside athletic ability. The facility features a unique spring-loaded mat system, designed by Professor Tony to reduce injury risk—a practical detail that reflects the academy’s focus on long-term development. Kraken Jiu Jitsu also supports veterans through its partnership with the We Defy Foundation, hosting fundraisers and providing scholarships for combat-disabled veterans to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Amenities