BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU is primarily a ground-based art known for its ability to allow a smaller, weaker person to successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique – most notably by applying joint locks and chokeholds. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training can be used for sport grappling tournaments, mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions, or self-defense. Headed by black belt instructors and decorated competitors Jesse and James Bruchac our team, Alliance/NEBJJ, is a licensed Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Founded by legendary Rolls Gracie black belt Master Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti, Alliance is the most prominent BJJ team in the world. Other instructors include black belts Scott Holzworth, Kostas Sikamiotis, Joseph Bruchac, and brown belts Don Walton and Harrison Hatton (also a judo black belt). Whether wishing to compete, learn self-defense, or get in better shape our world-class curriculum and highly trained instructors will help give you the results you need. Classes are offered for ages 5-adult.
KYOKUSHIN KARATE Is a full-contact stand-up striking-based art founded by legendary karate Master Sosai Masutatsu Oyama who along with karate, also held master ranks in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Japanese for The Ultimate Truth, Kyokushin is known as the strongest Karate. Kyokushin is recommended for anyone wishing to obtain effective striking skills, overall fitness, and self-defense. Along with stand-up techniques, our school’s unique self-defense program also works in elements of Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. Saratoga Kyokushin is headed by fifth-degree black belt Shihan James Bruchac (also a black belt in BJJ), along with 4th-degree black belts Sensei Robert Cornute and Lenore Norris, 1st-degree black belts Dan Kunkle and Don Walton ( also our head Muay Thai Instructor, and a brown belt in BJJ). Classes are offered for ages 12-adult.
MUAY THAI sometimes referred to as “Thai boxing”, is a combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. This discipline is known as the “art of eight limbs” as it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Our Muay Thai program is headed by Kyokushin black belt and amateur Muay Thai champion Don Walton, who was first introduced to the “art of eight limbs” by Dutch Muay Thai instructor Jeremy Rayburn and traditional Muay Lao master Ajarn Nelson Siyavong. Formerly a number one ranked amateur MMA fighter in NY, Don then spent five years training and coaching in Huntington Beach CA at Kings MMA and HB fight club. Most of his formal Muay Thai training came from Kings founder and four-time Brazilian Muay Thai champion Master Rafael Cordero. A very well-rounded striker, Don’s early training also included several years of instruction under local pro boxers Danny Batchelder and Tyrone Jackson. Classes are offered for ages 5-adult.
JUDO was founded in Japan by Dr. Jigoro Kano who in 1882 integrated the most effective parts of various ancient self-defense forms into the art known as Kodokan Judo. Also an Olympic Sport, with a strong emphasis on effective throws from the feet, the aim of Judo is to utilize physical and mental strength most effectively. Saratoga Judo is run by Sensei Mark Hatton, his black belt son Harrison Hatton and black belt Kevin Mcnavich. Mark’s younger son Jack Hatton, the winner of many National and International competitions, was one of the United States top ranked Judo competitors before his untimely demise in 2019. Saratoga Judo, which Jack helped found, lives on in “Judo Jack’s” honor and offers classes that teach Judo as both a recreational sport and a way of life. Classes are offered for teens and adults.
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS training is available to students who have attained proficiency in both striking and grappling arts ( usually a minimum of 6 months of training ). Within these specialty classes, participants focus on honing their fighting skills for the cage through partner drills and live sparring. Special introductory MMA classes are also available. Backed by our diverse core of instructors and seasoned competitors we pride ourselves in creating well-rounded fighters with an equal chance of victory on the feet as well as the ground. Adult only.
