Real Thing Jiu Jitsu

Real Thing Jiu Jitsu is led by Daniel Sala, a black belt under Rob Scheier with a lineage tracing back through Renzo Gracie to Mitsuyo Maeda. Daniel began training in 2007 and balanced his development with six years in the US Navy, during which he trained across the United States, Guam, and Australia. Since returning to Pennsylvania, he has focused on gi instruction throughout the week and no-gi on Thursday evenings. His competition credentials include winning the 2020 Brown Belt Submission of the Year for Fight2Win with the cowboy choke. The academy’s staff also includes Chrissy Briggs, a black belt promoted by Rob Scheier in 2024 who brings over a decade of mat experience and extensive competition history, including podium finishes at IBJJF No-Gi Worlds and appearances on professional grappling cards. Chrissy teaches no-gi classes on Tuesday evenings and supports students ranging from beginners to advanced competitors. Ian Anderson leads the Muay Thai and kickboxing program, combining years of competition with a background in strength and conditioning to provide striking instruction twice weekly. For younger practitioners, Megan Downing coaches kids classes, leveraging her gymnastics experience to develop body awareness alongside grappling skills. Training at Real Thing covers gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults, supplemented by Muay Thai and kickboxing. The schedule includes open mat sessions for additional practice, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. Located on East Main Street in Lansdale, the academy operates six days a week, reflecting the team’s commitment to consistent, skill-focused instruction grounded in a traditional lineage and practical competition experience.

Amenities