Ocean State BJJ

Ocean State BJJ is led by Professor Benjamin "Panda" Piela, a black belt under Danny Savery with over 14 years on the mats. Piela’s lineage traces back through Danny Savery to André Almeida, Ricardo De La Riva, and ultimately to the Gracie family and Mitsuyo Maeda. Based in Jamestown, Rhode Island, the academy operates within Balance Sport & Fitness at 16 Douglas Street, offering instruction grounded in a traditional gi-focused Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu curriculum. Students at Ocean State BJJ train in structured classes for all ages, including dedicated kids’ sessions and adult programs. The school emphasizes practical skill development through consistent gi training, with classes welcoming drop-ins and designed to accommodate various experience levels. The academy’s schedule supports steady progression, allowing practitioners to build fundamentals before advancing to more complex techniques under careful guidance. Beyond technique, Piela brings an educational background in Applied Behavior Analysis, suggesting a thoughtful approach to instruction that adapts to individual learning styles. The facility is wheelchair accessible, reflecting attention to inclusivity in training. While the focus remains on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the academy’s programming centers on the art’s traditional elements rather than cross-training or competition-specific formats.

Amenities