Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Valatie, NY
Through Struggle Comes Greatness
At a Glance
- Atlas Jiu Jitsu offers Brazilian jiu jitsu classes in Valatie, NY, for adults and kids.
- Students train at a 2,000-square-foot facility with mats, an MMA cage, striking space, and strength conditioning equipment.
- The Valatie BJJ program is led by experienced coaches under head professor Edward Anthony.
- New students are always welcome, and your first Brazilian jiu jitsu class is free.
BJJ Classes in Columbia County
If you are looking for Brazilian jiu jitsu in Valatie, NY, Atlas Jiu Jitsu offers high-quality instruction for beginners, experienced students, kids, and adults. Located at 3339 NY-9H, Valatie, NY 12184, Atlas Jiu Jitsu is proud to serve students throughout Valatie, Kinderhook, Chatham, Hudson, Columbia County, and the surrounding Capital Region.
Atlas Jiu Jitsu specializes in Brazilian jiu jitsu, also known as BJJ, while also offering kickboxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, and strength conditioning at select locations. At our Valatie facility, students can participate in adult Brazilian jiu jitsu classes, kids’ jiu jitsu classes, and kickboxing classes in a serious but welcoming training environment.
Whether you are brand new to martial arts or looking for a trusted jiu jitsu academy to continue your training, Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie gives you the coaching, structure, and community you need to make real progress. Your first class is free, so there is no pressure and no guesswork. You can step on the mat, meet the coaches, and experience our BJJ program for yourself.
What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian jiu jitsu is a grappling-based martial art focused on control, leverage, positioning, submissions, and practical self-defense. Instead of relying on size or striking power, BJJ teaches students how to use technique, timing, balance, and body mechanics to defend themselves and control an opponent.
In a typical Brazilian jiu jitsu class, students learn takedowns, positional control, escapes, guard work, sweeps, submissions, and defensive strategies. Training usually includes technical instruction, drilling, situational practice, and live grappling when appropriate for the student’s level. This makes BJJ both highly practical and constantly engaging.
People come to jiu jitsu classes for many reasons. Some want self-defense skills. Some want a challenging workout. Some want competition training. Others simply want a productive hobby that builds confidence, discipline, and resilience. At Atlas Jiu Jitsu, our goal is to help each student improve at their own pace while learning real Brazilian jiu jitsu in a supportive environment.
Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Under Skilled Guidance
The Brazilian jiu jitsu program at Atlas is led by head professor Edward Anthony, a 3rd-degree black belt under Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coral belt Julio “Foca” Fernandez. Edward began his BJJ journey in New York City at the renowned Renzo Gracie school, where he trained under John Danaher. He also holds a brown belt in Judo under former Olympic hopeful Nick Kossor.
As a competitor, Edward has earned multiple Pan American gold medals, National Championship titles, and a World Silver Medal. He has held the #1 world ranking in his division as a Purple belt, Brown belt, and Black Belt in his age category through the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. In 2024, he became the Men of War 160 lb master champion.
This level of experience helps shape the instruction at Atlas Jiu Jitsu. Students are not just learning random techniques. They are learning Brazilian jiu jitsu lessons connected to real competition experience, practical application, and years of high-level training.
Coach Steve “Booyah” Flannigan is a key part of the Valatie coaching team. With over eight years of dedicated Brazilian jiu jitsu experience, he is an accomplished competitor with victories in IBJJF tournaments and local competitions. He assists with the adult BJJ program and currently holds the rank of brown belt under Edward Anthony. Coach Booyah is especially passionate about helping young students grow through jiu jitsu, including his own daughter.
Coach Leslie Pigott also brings valuable experience, patience, and enthusiasm to the kids’ program as an assistant coach. She helps young students learn complex techniques in simple, fun, and engaging ways. Leslie is also an accomplished competitor with multiple IBJJF wins and a 3-0 MMA record.
Start Your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Journey for Free
Starting something new can feel intimidating, but we make it simple. Your first Brazilian jiu jitsu class at Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie is free. You can visit the academy, meet the coaches, see the facility, and try a class before deciding whether to continue.
New students do not need to be in perfect shape, and you do not need to know anything about martial arts before you begin. Our coaches will help you understand what to do, where to go, and how to train safely. The most important step is simply showing up. Atlas Jiu Jitsu welcomes you wholeheartedly.
Contact Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie today to schedule your free first class and discover what Brazilian jiu jitsu can do for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie is located at 3339 NY-9H, Valatie, NY 12184. We serve students from Valatie, Kinderhook, Chatham, Hudson, Columbia County, and nearby areas.
Yes. Brazilian jiu jitsu is widely respected for practical self-defense applications because it teaches control, escapes, leverage, and ground-fighting skills that can help a smaller person defend against a larger opponent.
No. Many students begin with no martial arts background at all. Our Brazilian jiu jitsu classes are beginner-friendly, and our coaches will help you learn the basics step by step.
In your first BJJ class, you can expect a welcoming environment, guided instruction, and an introduction to basic Brazilian jiu jitsu movements and concepts. Our coaches will help you train safely and understand what is happening throughout class.
Atlas Jiu Jitsu combines high-level instruction, experienced coaches, a strong team culture, and a fully equipped Valatie facility. Our program is led by head professor Edward Anthony, a 3rd-degree black belt and accomplished international competitor.
Yes. Your first Brazilian jiu jitsu class at Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie is free. It is a simple way to try BJJ, meet our coaches, and see if our academy is the right fit for you.