DEFEND YOURSELF
BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is the single most effective martial art you can learn for self-defense. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art/combat sport/self-defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. It teaches that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent by using leverage and proper technique (mostly by applying joint-locks and chokeholds) BJJ is trained for a variety of reasons. Some train for self-defense, some for sport, MMA fighting, or just a fun way to get into shape. Sparring (or rolling) is a big part of training; this ensures that the techniques you learn are applicable in a real world situation.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Steve is a 4th degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has been grappling for close to 30 years. He wrestled in high school and college. During college, he took up Judo under Fred Murty in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Paul is a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Steve Bowers. He is a former wrestler and trained in Krav Maga under Ernie Kirk. He is also a certified Girls on Guard and Play it Safe Defense instructor. Paul’s son also actively trains at Main Line United.
Having begun training in 2013 mainly to keep up with his daughter, Sean McGrew is proof that you are never too old or awkward to start BJJ. With a day job in education, Sean is particularly interested in the teaching and learning process. A Black Belt under Steve & Paul, Sean teaches our youngest students and rolls with the dawn patrol.
Kat is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Steve Bowers. She has been involved in martial arts for over 30 years and has been training in Jiu Jitsu since 2011. She has extensive experience in teaching self-defense to individuals, Girl Scout troops, corporate offices and schools. In addition to teaching coed BJJ classes, Kat also heads up our women’s BJJ class.
Hector is a professional MMA fighter with 15+ years experience in American Kickboxing, Muay Thai & Savate. He has 30 years of boxing experience and trained at Grays Ferry Boxing Club under Art Washington and Roland Marshall.
Annie is a purple belt under Steve Bowers. She is a certified instructor in both Girls on Guard Self Defense for Women and Play It Safe Self Defense for children.
Tony is a Main Line United Black Belt and teaches many of our adult and teen classes. Tony is also a professional tennis coach and when he’s not on the mats, you’ll find him on the tennis court.
Rachel is a Main Line United purple belt and teaches our kids classes
