I am Brad Wolfson, owner and head instructor of Soulcraft Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Macarra BJJ Hamden. I want to personally THANK YOU for taking the time to find our website and read about our programs and our academy. When it comes to authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction in New Haven/Hamden Connecticut.
We offer the ability to learn in a safe ego-free family environment! With more than 50 years of combined experience, Soulcraft Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Hamden, CT is New Haven County's premier academy for learning the "gentle art!"
We offer the ability to learn in a safe ego-free family environment! With more than 50 years of combined experience, Soulcraft Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Hamden, CT is New Haven County's premier academy for learning the "gentle art!"
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is gross. It involves closer contact than most people are comfortable with, and, if you practice the art long enough, you grow accustomed to having feet, hands, and other unclean parts of the human anatomy get close to your face. Because of this, hygiene is stressed as.
There was a time when cross training was tabooed in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community-when loyalty to your instructor and training only at his or her school were mutually exclusive.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is said to be the ultimate convergence of physical and mental prowess-human chess, some call it-but to be proficient at it, you need to move involuntarily.
There was a time when cross training was tabooed in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community-when loyalty to your instructor and training only at his or her school were mutually exclusive.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is said to be the ultimate convergence of physical and mental prowess-human chess, some call it-but to be proficient at it, you need to move involuntarily.
Our mission is to make you feel at home. From the first time you walk through the doors at Soulcraft, you'll notice we're not like the other guys. Often times Jiu Jitsu or MMA schools are comprised of "tough" guys that are more into training themselves then helping you, the student, begin the journey of a lifetime.
Base: generally refers to balance e.g., someone who is difficult to sweep or move may be described as having "good base or strong base." Break fall: a way to reduce the impact of being thrown or falling. The general principle is to disperse the force by slapping the ground with your hands (specifically the palm heel) and feet and exhaling so the body is loose and relaxed when you are being thrown or falling.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art with a heavy emphasis on grappling. With origins in judo, this off-shoot of Japanese-style Jiu Jitsu is based on the premise that no matter your size or physical strength, you can successfully defend yourself against a larger, stronger opponent with the use of leverage and proper technique.
Did you know that Martial Arts Training is 10 times better than Team Sports for developing a child's self-esteem and self-confidence? Here at Soulcraft BJJ we teach the skills that will last a lifetime! Here at Soulcraft BJJ, our team of experienced instructors will deliver the resources, tools and attention needed for your child to find success.
Reviews (25)
Shemaiah Clarke
Jan 17, 2022
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Nathalie R.
Dec 16, 2021
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Kristian Woodmansee
Mar 27, 2021
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Have had the pleasure of experiencing not only the environment but the students character at Soulcraft and was absolutely welcomed and pleased. Facility is clean and safe which now more than ever is more than ever a major priority when training. Hands down a place that I would train at as well as bring my family and recommend to others.
Bill A.
Mar 02, 2021
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This is one of the best BJJ gyms in the area. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Brad is an excellent owner and head coach who goes the extra mile to look out for his students on and off the mats. With the pandemic many places people train have become unsafe, but Soulcraft puts its members health as the top priority. Check it out when you get a chance!
Shawn Lessard
Dec 23, 2020
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
One of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academies in CT. It is absolutely gorgeous inside. Very clean facility coconut water readily available. Brad is a highly professional, technical, and knowledgeable Black Belt Instructor. He has years of experience from all over the world. I highly recommend Soulcraft Martial Arts to everyone. Ossss
One of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academies in CT. It is absolutely gorgeous inside. Very clean facility coconut water readily available. Brad is a highly professional, technical, and knowledgeable Black Belt Instructor. He has years of experience from all over the world. I highly recommend Soulcraft Martial Arts to everyone. Ossss
Mother Father
Dec 22, 2020
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Positive:Â Professionalism
I attended a seminar at Soulcraft Martial Arts. It is a very welcoming atmosphere. Brad is charming, accommodating, and best of all an excellent JiuJitsu instructor. The other students are friendly, and the gym is spacious and clean. I wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. 100% would recommend.
I attended a seminar at Soulcraft Martial Arts. It is a very welcoming atmosphere. Brad is charming, accommodating, and best of all an excellent JiuJitsu instructor. The other students are friendly, and the gym is spacious and clean. I wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. 100% would recommend.
Jeffrey Stoike
Nov 23, 2020
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Before I moved back to California, Soulcraft was my martial arts home and was the best place I have trained after 15 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience at dozens of gyms across the world. Brad has created a friendly, professional, clean environment where I got excellent training and made some of my best friends. If you are in the area, be sure to drop by to check it out!
Avram Holmes
Oct 03, 2020
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I couldn’t be happier with my experience at SoulCraft. The facility is excellent and the training is top-notch. Perhaps most importantly, the coaches have a deep love of BJJ and maintain a supportive and welcoming environment. The school is perfect for all levels of martial arts training from novices and hobbyists through competition focused athletes. As an extra bonus, if you have a family they offer simultaneous kid and adult classes!
Jon Thomas
Jul 13, 2020
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One of the best BJJ schools in New Haven. Brad is a knowledgable and dedicated owner/instructor and the members here are very good people. Kind and welcoming to say the least. The gym itself is very spacious, clean, and includes not only areas to train BJJ but to weight train as well. You can not go wrong joining Soulcraft. It will change your life!
Mairi Gs
Jun 01, 2020
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
I love Soulcraft! I've been coming here for about two years now and it really is the best. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, supportive, and they provide a great environment to learn in. The coaches are excellent and really help you learn. Plus you always get a great workout in!
I love Soulcraft! I've been coming here for about two years now and it really is the best. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, supportive, and they provide a great environment to learn in. The coaches are excellent and really help you learn. Plus you always get a great workout in!
Justin B.
Aug 13, 2019
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Lee B.
Jul 15, 2019
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Soulcraft is a great place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The staff are super-friendly and knowledgeable. Brad is a great teacher and instructor. Soulcraft has created a safe and welcoming environment which is reflected in the type of people who attend classes. You will have a hard time finding another gym with a better community and inclusiveness. A great place for any skill level.
Wilson G.
Dec 03, 2017
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Daniel J.
Nov 29, 2017
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Recently joined Soulcraft and I have nothing but good things to say. Brad, the owner, is awesome. Before joining I had the opportunity to do a free trial class. I came in expecting a class and it essentially turned into a one hour private lesson with Brad. Super helpful and unexpected. There was no pressure to join, no sales pitch, etc. Just gave me the rates and let me decide. Rates were reasonable, the gym is clean and pleasant. Everyone is friendly and the atmosphere is supportive and relaxed. The classes are excellent and I've learned a lot in a short period of time. I've
Gaspare N.
Jul 01, 2017
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John B.
Dec 01, 2016
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Brandon T.
Jul 10, 2016
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I just recently began training Muay Thai at Soulcraft, and have had nothing but positive experiences thus far. The coaches are all kind, supportive, intelligent and know how to have a good laugh. Whether it's combinations or technique, they pay close attention during a full class and check to make sure it's broken down in a way that makes sense for you and push you to get it done. After 3 months of training I never thought I would think about competition, but it's a goal I'm working towards within this year, and know I'll be in good hands with the staff at Soulcraft. Great
Andrew C.
Jun 25, 2016
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Been training here for three years and so far I'm very satisfied with the level of instruction and full schedule of classes available. I started with BJJ, but soon added Krav Maga and Muay Thai. Every now and then I'll do MMA for fun. This gym feels like a second home and it honestly keeps getting better. On top of having an even balance of gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, no gi, and striking classes, they've recently added judo and fitness classes. The overall environment is very chill and welcoming to everyone. It's definitely not a roided out tap out bro gym. Also, unlike some gyms
Morgan S.
Apr 02, 2016
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I signed up for an interview to do the 6 week fitness challenge. This morning I got a text message reminding me of the appointment. I showed up to my appointment and was told that someone was supposed to reach out to me and tell me the challenge was filled. I never received a call. I was then told I could wait until June for the next one or join something else. Thanks for wasting my time. What poor business.
Amanda L.
Oct 22, 2015
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Oh, man. Where do I start? I LOVE Soulcraft! Growing up, I always had a love for martial arts, but my family never had the money to commit to more than one activity. Music lessons always won that battle. Now that I'm an adult, my boyfriend (a wrestler) and I decided to give it another try! The moment I walked in the door, I knew this was the place I wanted to train.
As a woman, I was pretty hesitant to try out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The concept of trying to out- wrestle men who were much bigger than me was a bit intimidating and made me feel out of my comfort zone. I was worried that I would
As a woman, I was pretty hesitant to try out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The concept of trying to out- wrestle men who were much bigger than me was a bit intimidating and made me feel out of my comfort zone. I was worried that I would
Joseph B.
Sep 26, 2015
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S. S.
Aug 11, 2015
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Unprofessional staff and unimpressive venue. To their credit, the instructors teach martial arts very well, but some of them need to polish their personal skills. This happened a while ago, but I was assured that signing up for a free 30-day trial would not cost me anything, as long as I didn't come to practice after the 30-day period was over. My work schedule got busy and I stopped coming to practice within the allotted time period, but when I checked back a few months later, I supposedly owed them two months' worth of fees. The management denied the error on their part and I had to
Johnny P.
Oct 11, 2014
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Unfortunately I only got to train at Soulcraft for a short period of time due to getting a job across the country and having to move, but this is truly a great gym. I've trained in quite a few BJJ gyms across the country and Soulcraft has all of the elements in common with other great gyms. You will not find over-inflated egos and out of control meat heads here -- training and sparring is approached with the humbleness, respect, and technical detail that is needed when practicing an art that is designed to effectively and efficiently incapacitate your opponent.
Whether you're someone
Whether you're someone
Adema R.
Nov 26, 2013
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Soooooo... I actually never liked sports. Any kind. For a variety of reasons, the #1 being that I'm probably the clumsiest person I know. Notorious for it and notorious for not doing any kind of sports. Ever. I'd rather die than run. Having that in mind, my friends asked for proof once I told them I actually signed up for this gym. Thankfully, the owner had no issues with a friend of mine visiting a class and taking some. I've attended the Muay Thai classes for about 6 months and I really liked it. The instructor is great-pays a lot of attention to preventing unnecessary injuries
Josh A.
Apr 08, 2013
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I practiced Muay Thai at Soulcraft BJJ from Nov. 2012-Feb. 2013, and found the experience generally positive. Some classes were definitely slanted towards more high-intensity cardio/movement, and others more focused on technical understandings of fighting techniques, which was a good blend for people genuinely interested in applying these skills in actual fighting environments. For me, though, as someone more interested in the fitness aspect of Muay Thai, it probably wasn't the best spot to be. For someone looking to acquire applicable self-defense, or if you are interested in competing in
