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BJJ

A message from Andrew Calandrelli
I'm Andrew Calandrelli, the head instructor at Ultimate MMA & Jiu Jitsu Training Center. I have been involved in Martial Arts since I was 4 years old, ranging from a background in Taekwondo, Judo, and have been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the past 25 years. I am a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Marcelo Garcia having received my black belt in 2007. I fought as Professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighter for over 10 years. I have experience competing in full contact karate, judo tournaments, amateur boxing, as well as, holding multiple titles in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments. Here at Ultimate MMA & Jiu Jitsu Training Center, I design classes for everyone, from people looking for general fitness, to seasoned competitors and professional fighters. I aim to allow everyone to learn the fundamentals, and I give those who are curious, the avenues to explore the more advanced aspects of the sports. My goal as head instructor is to make all of our students feel welcome, whether you are here to just learn and have fun, or you are here to train as an athlete looking to bring yourself to the highest levels of competition. Below there are multiple options that you can select from that may be among the benefits you are looking for, so that we can better explain how we can optimally help you achieve your goals. If you are interested in joining us for a Free Trial Class, please enter in your contact information below, and someone will reach out to you to set up the best time that works with your schedule. At this point in time, we can also answer any other questions you have regarding the facility
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Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-for-Health-Fitness

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Health & Fitness

Why train BJJ in CT?  Simple.  Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has both physical and mental benefits.  It's a a great workout that teaches you practical self-defense. Regular BJJ training helps reduce anxiety, stress, depression.  It improves sleep and cardiovascular health.  Student's tell us that bjj training helps improve their focus in at home and work.  Especially if you find a normal gym workout boring, you have to get involved in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school.   On the other hand, if you are already involved your own fitness regimen, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training is a great cross-training tactic to help bring your current fitness to the next level to become a superior athlete.

Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-for-Self-Defense

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Self-Defense

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the most dominant Martial Art for self-defense in the world. What separates Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from other more traditional Martial Arts, is the fact that size is not a factor. BJJ training focuses on using leverage techniques to control, and avoid, unfavorable situations. No matter what unforeseeable situation you or a loved one may encounter, whether it's big guy vs. little guy, man vs. woman, kid vs. adult, training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with us here at Ultimate MMA & Jiu Jitsu Training Center, you will learn the reactions and solutions necessary to feel more prepared for everyday life.

Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-for-Sport-Competition

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Sport & Competition

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become more than just a form of self-defense, as it is also a widely popular and practiced sport for competition. There are local and nationally-recognized tournaments all over the world, just for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Sport Jiu Jitsu competition revolves around advancing, or winning a match, either based on points awarded for widely recognized, controlled positions, or an immediate win via a 'tap' submission. The sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is commonly referred to as 'human chess,' as it revolves around out-smarting your opponent with tactical set ups and a variety of universal techniques.

Family-Friendly-Environment

Family Friendly Environment

Here at Ultimate MMA & Jiu Jitsu Training Center, we have kids as young as 4 years old training with us! We have multiple different programs, catering to all age groups and styles of training, allowing all of your family to feel welcome on the mat! Sharing your excitement and knowledge with your family is great for bonding and keeping the family together with a common interests. Getting your family active in training will also help make sure to keep everyone healthy, while also learning realistic life skills that will be beneficial life-long.

History-of-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu

History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a Martial Art that is based on using leverage tactics to overcome bigger and stronger opponents, making strength and size an irrelevant factor in having superior self-defense. Although Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been around for decades, it did not come to the United States until the 1970s. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was not recognized for it's superior dominance until the 1990s, when it made it's appearance dominating the Mixed Martial Arts world in the UFC. Over the past few decades, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has retained its popularity, and has become a rapidly growing activity for practitioners as young as 4 years old and up!

Increased-Confidence-Self-Esteem

Increased Confidence & Self-Esteem

Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu helps you become very familiar with yourself. You will quickly learn what you are capable and not capable of. You will be in the perfect environment to openly ask questions, get solutions, and be surrounded by people who are willing to help you become more confident in your capabilities. As you continue to train and retain knowledge, you will see a boost in your confidence and self-esteem, as you will feel a sense of accomplishment and progression.

Life-Long-Friendships

Life-Long Friendships

At Ultimate MMA & Jiu Jitsu Training Center, we make it very clear that everyone is welcome! All experience levels, sexes, ages, political views, food choices, etc., (basically any differences that make you unique), are all welcome here! We aim to maintain a fun and safe environment for all of our students, where you will quickly find that your training partners become your family. Whether your goal is recreational fitness, to become a competitive athlete, or you are already a professional fighters looking to transition your game, we all train on the same mats and share the same passion. Being involved in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you will find that you will make life-long friends that you may have never encountered otherwise.

Systematic-Curriculum

Systematic Curriculum

Here at Ultimate MMA & Jiu Jitsu Training Center, we offer classes specifically geared toward the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Our custom curriculum caters to our beginner students, as well as, a separate program to cater to our more advanced practitioners. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not just one-sided, and there is not just one cookie-cutter approach. Whether your goals for getting involved in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are for self-defense, MMA, or sport Jiu Jitsu, you are in the right place!

The-Best-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-in-New-Haven-County

The Best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in New Haven County

Here at Ultimate MMA & Jiu-Jitsu Training Center, you will be taught by the highest level of instructors. Owner and head instructor Andrew Calandrelli started BJJ in 1996 and received his black belt in 2007.  He is a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Marcelo Garcia with Team Alliance.   Andrew teaches his students a well-rounded approach to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, suitable for all styles and body types. Whether your goal is self-defense, MMA, or sport competition, you will receive the highest level of instruction to tackle your goals.

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    I get tons of personal attention and more than anything it's the atmosphere that keeps me coming back. People are friendly and it feels like a second home.
    - Mike Chung

  • blair

    The gym is great for all kinds of people. You don't have to be looking to compete to get something out of this gym. He offers a wide variety of classes (kickboxing, boxing, No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Women's Boot Camp, kids classes). So if your looking for a fun way to get in shape, learn practical self defense, meet some new friends and be around great people, Ultimate MMA is the place for you!
    - Blair Tugman

  • peter

    Always a great workout with friendly people and staff who want to help you get better! The classes are well-paced with a good mix of stretching, drills, technique, and grappling
    - Peter Tseperkas

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    Mike Chung

    I get tons of personal attention and more than anything it's the atmosphere that keeps me coming back. People are friendly and it feels like a second home.
    jeeha

    Jeeha Park

    An awesome place to get your training for both professionals and people doing it as a hobby. The gym offers variety of intensity level - from beginners to advanced - in both BJJ and MMA. Coaches are very helpful; and the gym is an ego-free environment, where everyone helps each other get better.
    steven

    Steven Clement

    Excellent staff with a great training environment. Smart as well as insightful in all facets of fighting, I highly recommend coming here and working on your craft or if your new it's an excellent place to get your feet wet.”
    jonas

    Jonas Aaberg

    I think Ultimate MMA has something to offer everyone, no matter your age, gender or ambition level. If you're looking to compete, get better at self defense or just stay in shape I can definitely recommend this place. The instructors are very professional, excellent at teaching but also experienced competitors in MMA, boxing and BJJ. Andrew, the head instructor, has been there every class class I've attended, which I think is important but also praiseworthy. The atmosphere among the students is a friendly and competitive mix, you'll find many talented students who are happy to share their knowledge and help you improve.
    maurice

    Maurice Ramos

    This is the best place to train at whether its for competition or just to get in shape. The staff is the best and the facility is top notch. I can't wait to return!
    andrew-nance

    Andrew Nance

    I trained at Ultimate MMA for some time while working out of town, and I have to say it's a great place. It is the place to go if you're just starting out as well as if you're seasoned and looking to progress. There is so much talent floating around this gym with instructors and students, but it's not an intimidating place, everyone is there to help each other progress. You'll get a sense of team/family feeling while training here. One thing I miss the most about Connecticut is this gym. Also it was the most responsible priced gym.
    jorge

    Jorge Orellana

    I have been training at Ultimate MMA for years, and this is without a doubt one of the most professional gyms around. The staff keeps everything clean, and everyone is very friendly. If you are thinking about trying out MMA, or any of the Martials Arts they offer, this is the place to do it.Try it out! You'll be glad you came here
    andrew

    Andrew Salinger

    As a former college student-athlete, I have had numerous coaches and trainers over my athletic career. Coaches Andrew Calandrelli and Marisa Messer-Belenchia's knowledge of their craft surpasses anyone that I have ever worked with in any other sport. They both have created an atmosphere that has a real sense of comradery; their clients attend local MMA events together and get together to watch UFC paper view matches at local sports restaurants, this is something I have never seen before. When observing kids classes the kids seem to really enjoy fun set up and how both Andrew and Marisa run them. I joined Ultimate MMA & Jiu-jitsu Training Center to learn a new sport and to get a great work out. I personally have lost over 40lbs and now have the confidence that in a situation where I must defend myself, I would have no doubts doing so. I am truly a very happy client and recommend Ultimate MMA whenever the opportunity presents itself. A rare find in a world of fad gyms...
    brett

    Brett Kerpa

    I've been training under Andrew Calandrelli at Ultimate MMA/Marcelo Garcia New Haven for a few years now, and I can safely say that you will not find a better Jiu-jitsu or MMA gym around. Ultimate MMA is packed to the brim with elite level MMA fighters, wrestlers, boxers, and Jiu Jitsu competitors, as well as beginner and intermediate practitioners.
    blair

    Blair Tugman

    I moved to CT 7 years ago and began training at Ultimate MMA with Andrew Calandrelli and knew this was the place I needed to be to accomplish my goals. I had wrestled my entire life and competed for a D1 wrestling program in college and wanted to continue to train and compete in a sport so I decided to try out some Jiu-jitsu at Ultimate MMA. Andrews knowledge and experience was obvious from the first Jiu-jitsu class I tried out. I have trained with Olympic and World class wrestlers and coaches my entire life and I knew Andrew was world class at his discipline. He has devoted his life to learning and training in the sport of jiu-jitsu and it showed with his ability to teach techniques and philosophies in the sport.In my first two years of training with Andrew I was invited to compete in the Abu Dhabi No Gi World Championships and competed in several Professional MMA fights with confidence that what he had taught me would work in competition because he had proven himself in several competitions himself. There are many gyms out there with instructors that have never competed in a jiu-jitsu tournaments or have never stepped foot inside an MMA cage. Andrew is a battle tested coach. He has competed at the highest levels in Jiu-jitsu and MMA and knows what it takes to be a champion. The gym is great for all kinds of people. You don't have to be looking to compete to get something out of this gym. He offers a wide variety of classes (kickboxing, boxing, No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Women's Boot Camp, kids classes). So if your looking for a fun way to get in shape, learn practical self defense, meet some new friends and be around great people, Ultimate MMA is the place for you!
    Wil Horneff