Learn authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a fun and safe environment. Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Connecticut is a clean, professional gym offering classes for both kids and adults. Expand your horizons and get in the best shape of your life. Discounts available for families, active military, and first responders (fire/police/EMT).
The big, strong, tough guy goes to class, and he keeps getting tapped by the skinny, technical guy. It begins to change him. It makes him humble. That's what Jiu Jitsu does to you. It makes you humble.
The big, strong, tough guy goes to class, and he keeps getting tapped by the skinny, technical guy. It begins to change him. It makes him humble. That's what Jiu Jitsu does to you. It makes you humble.
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Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Connecticut is a clean, professional gym with a rich lineage. The members of the Gracie family are known as the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and for their success in mixed martial arts, vale tudo, and submission wrestling competitions. We teach Relson Gracie's proven and practical form of Jiu-Jitsu, focusing not just on sport, but also on self-defense.
Our team is headed by Daniel Pilewski but consists of a number of other, dedicated individuals to keep things running smoothly. Our staff is friendly, experienced, and dedicated to the art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Daniel is a former Berlin High School graduate who returned to Connecticut after retiring from the United States Army with 23 years of active service.
We are very proud of our lineage at Relson Gracie CT, with owner and head coach Daniel Pilewski only three steps removed from Helio Gracie. We also have the honor of Grand Master Relson Gracie and one of his black belts, Phil Cardella, offering seminars regularly. In the early 1900s, Brazilian businessman and politician, Gastao Gracie, befriended Japanese prize fighter Mitsuyo Maeda.
Q: What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? A: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that was adapted from judo by students of Mitsuyo Maeda, mainly Carlos and Helio Gracie. It focuses on ground fighting, using technique and leverage to apply joint locks and chokes. Q: Why ground fighting? Do you do any fighting on your feet?
Whether experienced or just starting out, we offer training for all skill levels. Our convenient class times make it easy for you - and your kids - to train consistently for big improvements. The adult fundamentals class focuses on building a solid foundation of guard passes, escapes, basic submissions, and other movements.
Reviews (9)
Miss Amato
Jul 15, 2021
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Coach Dan is the reason we keep coming to Relson Gracie academy. He has the patience of a saint while training the little sharks! Our 5 year old has been in his class since April and has learned a lot and has made friends with all the kids. I stay for the class, there is plenty of seating for parents and coach interacts with everyone and makes jokes, we’re laughing a lot. The kids get plenty of water breaks and each class usually ends with sparring.
I have tried the adult class and never did jiujitsu in my life. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at when you join a class, coach and other
I have tried the adult class and never did jiujitsu in my life. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at when you join a class, coach and other
Dirk Diggler
Feb 14, 2021
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Hands down the best jujitsu gymHands down the best jujitsu gym in all of Connecticut. Coach Daniel is absolutely amazing in every aspect, hes respectful Extremely knowledgable Has patience that is unmatched and to be honest hes just an all around great guy. Has patience that is unmatched and to be honest hes just an all around great guy. I myself have taken advantage of the classes and have progressed at a rapid pace that is surprising even me and my daughter is excelling even faster than me. I can't recommend this gym enough. If you are looking to learn a new skill, be around great people And
Matthew McGarry
Jan 10, 2021
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Relson Gracie CT has everything that you can ask for in a Jiu-Jitsu academy. Coach Dan and the team do a great job at creating an environment that is accommodating to different skill levels and different goals. They offer a mix of beginner to more advanced classes with Coach Dan's teaching style tailored to each. The classes are also 2 hours long with thorough detail in each. The students are also always helpful and create an environment of learning.
Couldn't recommend a better academy for quality, that is accommodating, and a stronger team.
Couldn't recommend a better academy for quality, that is accommodating, and a stronger team.
Yak Fishin
Nov 02, 2020
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What a great place to get in shape, and learn BJJ. My 10 year old daughter joined and has loved it. Coach Dan is amazing with the kids, and makes it fun for them. I saw the positive impact it was having on my daughter, and decided to join myself. I'm there every day, either for my class or hers, and we haven't looked back. From coach Dan, to every single student I've encountered in the academy, there isn't a more welcoming, caring group of people. It truly is life changing.
Brigid Kearney
Dec 02, 2019
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I cannot properly put into words what a positive impact this academy has had on the lives of my family. My husband, son and I all train. Our daughter will start as soon as she is old enough. Not only does this academy boast an amazing owner/coach but it has a welcoming culture. You will learn BJJ and have a ton of fun doing it.
Yanitza Mala
Jul 19, 2019
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My son has been training at this academy for 2.5 years. Coach Daniel is attentive, knowledgeable and caring. This is clearly visible in every youth class. The price is fair and the students get plenty of practice. Thank you Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy for helping my son grow and develop in this area!
Danielle Gambardella
Nov 07, 2018
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I've been training here for more than two and a half years, and I can't see myself anywhere else. Even as someone with no prior martial arts experience, the environment is not at all intimidating, thanks to Daniel's welcoming personality and the great group of people who regularly attend class here. Daniel consistently introduces advanced techniques while also reviewing fundamentals, so every session is valuable to individuals of all experience levels. His teaching method is very clear, and he is always willing to work one-on-one with people like myself who tend to need a bit more explanation.
Jeremy Payne
Jun 22, 2018
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Coach Daniel is a fantastic instructor. I've been training here for close to a year now and go six days a week. The prices are beyond fair. Coach is also great working with kids- he keeps their attention for hours which is really impressive to me. Most of all, the academy is a great place of community and the culture is absolutely focused around everyone learning together. Zero pressure for new students- we aren't going to try and rip your arm off- you'll find nothing but humble people here.
Jason Bailey
Oct 05, 2017
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Relson Gracie is the absolute best in Connecticut. Coach Dan hands down is an owner with knowledge and experience. His passion and caring for his students really shows in his classes. This is a family place where you aren't rushed out the door because times up, he consistently runs over to make sure all students understand the techniques. You really get your moneys worth here.
