Mission First Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy — Local services in Middletown

My son started at Mission First ten months ago and I cannot rave about this school enough. I’ve been in the field of experiential and outdoor ed for decades, and these instructors are some of the most extraordinary I’ve ever witnessed. Their skill, patience, boundaries, dedication, community spirit, and perseverance are remarkable. I’m in awe at how the students respect their trainers and training partners- you may imagine the handful of managing a room of hyperactive, excited kids-but these guys run a tight ship, and the students know what is expected of them and how to rise to be the best versions of themselves. The instructors somehow manage to get the kids to listen and they coach the kids through their feelings of disappointment when they stumble, and then turn those experiences it into lesson of humility and teamwork. The trust between the instructors and students allows the kids to push their own limits and build confidence to use their skills and bodies in a healthy way. I’ve seen my son engage in friend situations and school bus scuffles with a high head, broad shoulders, and mitigating voice. He knows he has the ability to de-escalate situations but also defend himself if need be. The owner, Pat, is a decorated Navy Seal veteran. It is an honor to watch the military-minded training approach to guide the students to best use their minds, push their bodies, and carry themselves in an honorable way. Ju Jitsu training becomes a vehicle for instilling all the best parts of training for life as a good, capable, strong, interesting, and resourceful human. But all this serious stuff aside, they make it SO fun! The place is full of laughter and smiles, the kids all WANT to be there, and they really do support each other. To mix honor, confidence, and virtue with pure fun and physical training is a hard combination to find. This veteran-owned and operated school is a treasure on island. They do more for our community than they may even realize! If you want you or your child to be surrounded by stellar, awesome, admirable people, sign up at Mission First!! Thank you to Pat, Sean, Chad, AJ, the junior instructors, and all the others for all you do for our...

I bought a membership here a few years ago. It was pure bliss until one day right before class, Pat sat down right next to me and began cursing and scolding me. He said that a new member told him I used his chinstrap (headgear) to choke him out. Pat also mentioned that one of the more seasoned belts might even break my arm on accident one day if I continued my behavior.

It’s been over six years but I still clearly remember that mat session with the individual who I allegedly choked out using his chinstrap. Here’s what happened: The guy was a new white belt who had been attending classes for a week. He was approx six feet tall with a super strong athletic build. I was about half a foot shorter, 50lbs lighter & equally strong but a lot more flexible. I had already been attending classes for about four months, so I was still a white belt. As soon as we started the rolling session, I felt he was a little spazzy right away so I pulled guard and let him gas out. Once he was tired enough & I managed to roll on top, I surprised him with a good ole Ezekiel choke. I definitely understand why the new guy would think I choked him out with his chinstrap. He didn’t have a clue the Ezekiel choke existed, he had only been doing BJJ for a week, and his rolling partner (me) was a small dude in a tiny Gi so it was just hard for his mind to process. I get it —so I was never upset with the accusation or the accuser. In retrospect, I feel honored to have been cursed at, singled out, and almost beat up over this —haha! In four months, my Ezekiel became stealthy + deadly. All props to Pat & his team!! The only reason I give four stars is that there wasn’t a single security camera inside the gym. Hopefully they install some cameras after reading my review. Just imagine. They could have “reviewed the tapes” after a serious accusation like this and further confirmed Pat’s mastery of teaching the art & maybe, just maybe slid one of those blue...

As someone who had never trained BJJ before I was made to feel welcomed here by Pat and the team. For my first few sessions I was paired with high level individuals who really knew what they were doing, because of their expertise they could teach me at my pace so I never like I was in a situation I did not want to be in. This allowed me to learn the basics in a safe, clean and enjoyable environment.

The owner is very involved with everyone who joins and has you watch a full session before joining so you know exactly what you are getting into. As someone who has taught dangerous sports in the past I can say that this introduction was fantastic and well thought out.

I have rolled with all levels in this gym and I'm always learning new things. They have different evenings for different skill levels so you never feel like you are only rolling with amateurs/experts unless you want to. I cannot recommend this place enough, great environment and I have always felt...