Oroville Jiu Jitsu Academy

Oroville Jiu Jitsu Academy is led by Head Instructor Ira Daugherty, a black belt who earned his rank under Kai “Borg” Garcia in 2011 after winning gold at the Pan-American Championship. Ira’s training spans over three decades, including time with Master Ali, a top American student of Leandro Vieira. His background blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with judo and boxing, bringing a Gracie-style approach to the Oroville area since the academy’s founding in 2018. The academy operates as a certified CheckMat affiliate, with a teaching staff that includes Assistant Instructor Eric Fought, a black belt under Professor Helio Damiani with extensive competition experience in both BJJ and MMA. Together, they oversee classes divided by age and skill—separate sessions for little kids, big kids, and adults—offering both gi and no-gi formats. This structure allows students to train with partners closer to their size and experience, while private lessons and guest seminars provide opportunities to address specific techniques or weaknesses. Training at Oroville Jiu Jitsu includes a weekday schedule of gi classes for adults in the evenings and no-gi on Friday nights, plus kids’ classes throughout the week that alternate gi and no-gi. Open mat sessions on Saturday mornings welcome ages 13 and up for extra drilling and sparring. The academy emphasizes competition preparation, with instructors and experienced students supporting those aiming to compete in BJJ tournaments or MMA events, focusing on technique refinement and conditioning in a wheelchair-accessible facility.

Amenities