Vanguard Academy Jiu Jitsu

Vanguard Academy Jiu Jitsu in Lake Grove, NY is led by head instructors Jason Rau and Nick Ronan, both black belts under Matt Serra and veterans of the renowned “Blue Basement” at Renzo Gracie Academy, where they trained directly under John Danaher. Rau, an ADCC North American Trials runner-up, and Ronan, a Team USA representative on Polaris, bring decades of high-level competition and technical instruction to every class. The academy’s leadership also includes Dylan Benningfield and Manny Reinoso, both black belts under Rau and Ronan, along with UFC lightweight Matt Frevola, who heads the kickboxing program and is a brown belt under Serra. The class structure at Vanguard is designed for clear progression, with separate fundamentals and advanced sessions in both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Adult students can choose from all-levels gi classes, no-gi fundamentals, and advanced no-gi sessions, as well as open mat times for extra training. A dedicated gi class is available for students ages 40 and up, reflecting a practical approach to longevity on the mats. The academy also offers a free advanced competition class that welcomes athletes from any gym, emphasizing a strong competition culture rooted in real-world results. Youth programs at Vanguard Academy start as early as age 3 and run through the teen years, with age-appropriate instruction in both gi and no-gi BJJ. Kids can progress from beginner classes to advanced groups, and there are also MMA and kickboxing options for younger students. The curriculum is structured to build confidence, discipline, and technical skill, guided by instructors who have themselves come up through the Serra and Danaher lineage. The Lake Grove facility is wheelchair accessible, and drop-ins are welcome for most classes.

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