Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Glens Falls, NY
Through Struggle Comes Greatness
At a Glance
- Atlas Jiu Jitsu offers Brazilian jiu jitsu classes in Glens Falls, NY, for beginners, experienced students, adults, and children.
- Our Glens Falls BJJ academy features a 2,000-square-foot facility with a grappling area, full MMA cage, and strength and conditioning zone.
- Classes are led by Joe “Josferatu” Zakriski, Atlas Jiu Jitsu’s first homegrown black belt under Edward Anthony.
- Your first Brazilian jiu jitsu class is free, making it easy to start training with no pressure.
World-Class BJJ Instruction in Glens Falls, NY
If you are looking to learn Brazilian jiu jitsu in Glens Falls, NY, Atlas Jiu Jitsu offers a serious, welcoming, and highly practical training environment for students of all experience levels. Whether you are brand new to martial arts, returning after time away, or searching for a higher-level BJJ academy where you can continue developing your skills, our Glens Falls facility gives you a place to train with purpose.
Atlas Jiu Jitsu is a martial arts gym specializing in Brazilian jiu jitsu, also known as BJJ. Our academy is headquartered in Albany, NY, with additional facilities in Valatie, Glens Falls, Waltham, MA, and Buda, TX. Our Brazilian jiu jitsu program is led by Edward Anthony, a third degree black belt with multiple national championship titles. At our Glens Falls location, students train under Joe “Josferatu” Zakriski, a skilled black belt instructor and one of the original members of the Atlas Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Located in the heart of Midtown Plaza on Main Street, Atlas Jiu Jitsu Glens Falls provides a convenient local option for anyone searching for jiu jitsu classes, BJJ classes, or Brazilian jiu jitsu lessons in the Glens Falls area. Your first class is free, so you can step on the mats, meet the coaches, and experience our training environment before making a commitment.
What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian jiu jitsu is a grappling-based martial art focused on leverage, control, timing, and technique. Unlike striking arts, BJJ teaches students how to manage distance, take an opponent to the ground, escape bad positions, maintain dominant control, and apply submissions in a safe and structured way.
One of the biggest reasons people are drawn to jiu jitsu is that it does not rely only on size, speed, or raw strength. A smaller person can learn to defend themselves effectively by using proper body mechanics, balance, positioning, and pressure. That makes BJJ one of the most practical martial arts for real-world self-defense, physical conditioning, and personal development.
For many students, Brazilian jiu jitsu classes become more than a workout. They become a way to build discipline, confidence, resilience, and problem-solving ability. Every class gives you a chance to learn something new, test yourself, and improve one step at a time.
Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Black Belt Instructor Joe Zakriski
At Atlas Jiu Jitsu Glens Falls, classes are led by Joe “Josferatu” Zakriski. Joe is a seasoned martial artist with experience in multiple styles, but his true passion is Brazilian jiu jitsu. He holds a B.S. in Physical Education and an M.S. in Health Education, allowing him to bring a strong teaching background to every class.
Joe is also one of the original members of the Atlas Jiu Jitsu Academy and holds the distinction of being the first homegrown black belt under Edward Anthony. That matters because it reflects not only his technical skill, but also his deep connection to the Atlas training system and culture.
His grappling accomplishments include success in tournaments, superfights, and double gold medals at the Washington DC IBJJF Open. More importantly for students, Joe knows how to teach. He works with adults, children, beginners, and experienced martial artists, helping each student understand the details that make BJJ classes effective.
What Makes Atlas Jiu Jitsu Different from Other Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Schools?
Not all Brazilian jiu jitsu schools are the same. At Atlas Jiu Jitsu, students benefit from a structured academy with deep roots, accomplished instructors, and a serious but supportive training culture. Our Brazilian jiu jitsu program is guided by Edward Anthony, a third degree black belt with multiple national championship titles, and taught locally in Glens Falls by black belt instructor Joe Zakriski.
We focus on real technical development. Students learn how to move, control, escape, defend, and attack with purpose. Classes are not random workouts. They are Brazilian jiu jitsu lessons built to help students understand the art, apply what they learn, and keep improving.
Atlas Jiu Jitsu is also more than one location. As part of a larger jiu jitsu academy, Glens Falls students are connected to a wider training network with facilities in Albany, Valatie, Waltham, and Buda. That larger academy structure gives students more opportunities to train, learn, and grow.
Try Your First Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Class Free
The best way to fully wrap your head around Brazilian jiu jitsu is to try it. That is why your first class at Atlas Jiu Jitsu Glens Falls is free. You can visit our facility, meet the instructors, see how class works, and experience the training environment firsthand.
Contact Atlas Jiu Jitsu today to schedule your free first class at our Glens Falls facility. Step on the mats, learn the basics, and see why Brazilian jiu jitsu continues to change lives for students of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Most of our students begin with no martial arts experience at all. Our Brazilian jiu jitsu classes are beginner-friendly, and our instructors will help you learn the basic positions, movements, and techniques step by step.
Your first BJJ class will introduce you to the training environment, basic movements, and foundational Brazilian jiu jitsu concepts. You will have the chance to meet the instructor, ask questions, and get a feel for how our jiu jitsu academy teaches.
Yes. Brazilian jiu jitsu is widely valued for self-defense because it teaches control, escapes, leverage, and ground-fighting skills. BJJ can help students learn how to stay calm, protect themselves, and respond effectively in close-contact situations.
Brazilian jiu jitsu classes at Atlas Jiu Jitsu Glens Falls are led by Joe “Josferatu” Zakriski. Joe is a black belt under Edward Anthony, the first homegrown black belt from Atlas Jiu Jitsu, and an experienced martial artist with degrees in Physical Education and Health Education.
Atlas Jiu Jitsu Glens Falls is located in Midtown Plaza on Main Street. The facility includes a dedicated grappling area, a full MMA cage, and a strength and conditioning zone.
No. Atlas Jiu Jitsu Glens Falls offers training for adults and children. In addition to adult Brazilian jiu jitsu, the facility offers children’s self-defense classes through our Tiny Titans program, making it a strong option for families looking for martial arts training in Glens Falls, NY.
Your first Brazilian jiu jitsu class at Atlas Jiu Jitsu Glens Falls is free. This gives you a chance to try BJJ, meet the instructors, and decide whether our academy is the right fit for you.
Atlas Jiu Jitsu combines experienced black belt instruction, a structured academy system, a fully equipped Glens Falls facility, and access to a larger multi-location training community. Our program is designed for real technical progress, whether you are a beginner or an experienced BJJ student.