Wrecking Crew Jiu Jitsu

Wrecking Crew Jiu Jitsu is led by Michael Demko, a black belt under Rigan Machado and Erik Paulson, whose combined lineage traces back through Carlos Gracie Jr., Helio Gracie, and ultimately Mitsuyo Maeda. Demko brings over a decade of dedicated training and coaching experience to New Castle, Pennsylvania, grounded in the rigorous standards Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu demands. His background also includes certification in Combat Submission Wrestling under Erik Paulson, reflecting a broad grappling and MMA knowledge base that informs the academy’s approach. The school emphasizes No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside grappling, MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing, welcoming students of all ages and fitness levels. Demko’s coaching extends beyond individual instruction—he has developed one of the region’s strongest youth teams, with multiple top finishes at major tournaments like NAGA Worlds. His fighters have progressed to compete in notable professional promotions including Bellator, underscoring the competitive caliber cultivated at the gym. Training at Wrecking Crew balances technical instruction with live sparring across various disciplines. Classes include specialized programs for kids and teens, as well as adult sessions that cover fundamentals through advanced techniques. The facility is wheelchair accessible and supports a family martial arts environment, with seminars and private lessons offered regularly to deepen skill development. This combination of lineage, competition success, and diverse martial arts training defines Wrecking Crew’s role in the New Castle martial arts scene.

Amenities