5258 Plainfield Ave NE ste a, Grand Rapids, MI
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Claim this gymVanguard Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Grand Rapids is led by Professor Roy Shaw, a black belt under Professor Mike Ross (3rd-degree black belt). Professor Roy has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2008 and brings a broad martial arts background, including a red belt in Tae Kwon Do and experience developing self-defense courses. He is joined by Professor Andy McCreight, who earned his black belt under Clint Crabtree after earlier training with the Ribeiro lineage in Ann Arbor. The coaching team also includes Coach Mike George (brown belt, with roots in both judo and BJJ), Coach Jesse Cecil (brown belt), and Coach Sean Flikkema (purple belt), each contributing their own competition experience and teaching specialties. The academy’s programs reflect a balance between traditional gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and no-gi formats. Adult students can train in both gi and no-gi classes, with additional sessions focused on combat jiu-jitsu for those interested in a more self-defense-oriented or competition-ready approach. The instructors emphasize fundamentals, self-control, and personal growth, drawing on their collective backgrounds in both sport and self-defense to help students become both effective grapplers and confident individuals. Vanguard offers classes for adults as well as kids, with a dedicated program for children ages 5–9 and family sessions that welcome parents and kids to train together. Open mat times are available for students to practice techniques or spar at their own pace. The academy is wheelchair accessible, and drop-ins are welcome across most adult classes, making it easy for visitors and newcomers to step onto the mats and experience the training firsthand.
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