Lotus Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Lotus Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is led by Pete Loncarevich, a 6th-degree black belt under Joe Moreira, a UFC veteran and respected grandmaster. Pete has practiced BJJ for over three decades and taught for more than twenty years. After moving from Southern California to Medford in 2004, he founded Lotus Academy in 2005, establishing the longest-running BJJ school in Southern Oregon. The academy traces its lineage through Mitsuyo Maeda, Carlos and Helio Gracie, Francisco Mansor, and Joe Moreira, reflecting a traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu heritage grounded in practical self-defense and competition. Training at Lotus follows a clear progression from fundamentals to advanced techniques, emphasizing the principles of timing, leverage, and mental focus. Classes accommodate students of all ages and skill levels, with dedicated instruction for adults and children. The academy offers gi training as its core practice, supplemented by specialty classes such as situational drills led by Josh Wilson, a black belt under Pete and experienced MMA competitor. Open mat sessions are regularly available, allowing students to drill techniques and spar freely. The facility is wheelchair accessible, supporting inclusive participation. The academy places particular focus on self-defense alongside sport competition, reflecting Pete’s belief that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu equips practitioners to handle real-world challenges. Several black belts promoted at Lotus, including Peyton Woods and Andreas Met, illustrate the school’s commitment to producing both skilled competitors and confident individuals. Andreas Met, who began training later in life, credits the academy with helping him win major IBJJF tournaments and develop a practical approach to BJJ that balances self-protection with effective competition strategy.

Amenities