Riverfront Jiu Jitsu

Riverfront Jiu Jitsu in Wilmington, Delaware, is led by owner and head instructor Billy Shaw, a black belt under Alexandre Quintella whose lineage traces back through Ricardo De La Riva and Carlson Gracie. Billy has been training since 2007 and began teaching kids’ classes as a blue belt, eventually opening Riverfront to create a more approachable and inclusive jiu jitsu gym. The academy’s coaching team includes experienced instructors such as Sean Allen (black belt), Nick Mancini (brown belt and wrestling coach), and Elyse Shaw (purple belt, women’s and mobility coach), each bringing a strong competition background and a focus on practical, safe instruction. Riverfront is also a We Defy Foundation-approved school, with Billy serving as a mentor for combat veterans. The kids’ program at Riverfront is a central part of the academy’s identity, offering age-specific classes for children as young as three in the Tiny Otters group, and continuing through Little Otters (ages 5–8) and Otters (ages 9–13), all led by a dedicated youth coaching staff. Classes are designed to build confidence, discipline, and technical ability in a structured yet supportive setting. The academy’s young competition team regularly finds success on the podium, though participation in tournaments is never required. Adult students at Riverfront can choose from a flexible schedule of gi and no-gi classes, with fundamentals, advanced training, and specialty sessions such as wrestling for jiu jitsu, mobility, and women’s classes. Elyse Shaw leads the Mat Queens women’s program, focusing on self-defense and skill-building in a welcoming space. Open mats are available by prior arrangement, and the gym maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe behavior or harassment. The overall culture is rooted in respect, safety, and a commitment to making jiu jitsu accessible to anyone interested in learning the art.

Amenities