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Raptor Academy of Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Submission Wrestling
5 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · BJJ gym in State College, Pennsylvania
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule raptorbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (814) 810-8736
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–6:30 AM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–1 PM, 6–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6–8 PM |
| Friday | 12–1 PM, 5:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter and I joined the gym in early 2020 and it was incredible how well the Raptor team shifted and adapted during that time.”
“They have classes everyday which makes easier to fit in our schedule and every Friday there is women’s only class.”
“The instructors are great and I used a method I learned on my visit to win a match at the IBJJF Master Worlds.”
“I recently dropped in for an open mat at Raptor Jiu Jitsu.”
“I had such a wonderful first time experience here while visiting.”
Other martial arts here
“In addition to BJJ, they also offer plenty of Judo and Wrestling techniques.”
“In addition to BJJ, they also offer plenty of Judo and Wrestling techniques.”
“Highly recommend this place over any other "Karate" place in town.”
What members say
“I was able to roll with a few of their coaches (Jeremy, Jess, and Brian), and they were excellent—skilled, technical, and welcoming.”
“It feels more like a family than a business which I appreciate and keeps me coming back when I feel physically unmotivated to work out!”
“The facility is well maintained, with great quality mats, and attention to detail.”
“The greatest experience for my son! He loves Jess and Jon as instructors and we are so impressed by how fun and instructive the experience is for him.”
“Raptor is a fun, safe, clean environment and any time my students are in the area this is 100% where I send them!”
“They have classes everyday which makes easier to fit in our schedule and every Friday there is women’s only class.”
From the reviews
Our son started going to Raptor when he was 10 and he has had an amazing experience there. The coaches create such a welcoming environment for kids where the emphasis is on persevering and doing your best.
My son loves going. The instructors are excellent and go above and beyond to assist him with his ADHD. The environment is clean and great location with free off-street parking. Tudek park and gym next door if you want to work out while your child attends class.
Raptor Academy is a welcoming and friendly place for anyone who wished to learn Jiu Jitsu. The facility is well maintained, with great quality mats, and attention to detail.
I’ve been at Raptor for 8 months now and I’ve trained at other places as well - Raptor is by far my favorite place. The instructors at Raptor are very knowledgeable and attentive and the atmosphere is very fun and welcoming.
New to BJJ? Start at Raptor Academy of Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Submission Wrestling
Raptor Academy of Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Submission Wrestling comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Raptor Academy of Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Submission Wrestling
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
Where to find Raptor Academy of Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Submission Wrestling
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