Paragon of Jiu Jitsu

Paragon of Jiu Jitsu in Wilmington was founded by three longtime friends—Jeff Sorbel, Robert Taylor, and Brett Kostern—who began their Jiu Jitsu journey together as white belts in 2012. After more than a decade of training side by side and earning their black belts, they opened the academy in October 2023 with the goal of sharing the lessons, camaraderie, and discipline they gained along the way. The team, which also includes black belt Cris DiNofa, brings a combined 55 years of Jiu Jitsu experience to the mats and keeps a close connection to their roots as an affiliate of Professor JT Torres’ Essential BJJ. Day-to-day instruction at Paragon is shaped by this shared history. The academy’s approach is practical and structured, with a focus on providing a safe, clean, and positive space for students of all backgrounds. Classes are offered for adults and children, with separate beginner and all-level options in both gi and no-gi formats. Kids’ programs are divided by age groups—4-6, 5-9, and 10-15 years old—while adults can train in fundamentals or more advanced classes. There are also specific sessions for kids interested in competition training. The instructors emphasize individual attention and progression, aiming to help each student build confidence, skill, and resilience, whether they are training for competition or personal growth. Paragon offers flexible scheduling throughout the week, including morning and evening classes to fit different routines. The academy welcomes drop-ins and is wheelchair accessible. Family membership plans and discounts for active duty military and law enforcement reflect the founders’ commitment to making Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu accessible to the wider Wilmington area. At its core, the school is run by people who have walked every step of the path themselves and now teach with the same integrity and enthusiasm that inspired their own journey.

Amenities