Raptor Academy of Martial Arts focuses on the short-term and long-term growth of students in a challenging but approachable atmosphere.
Sponsored Content – Getting more exercise and learning new skills top the list of goals for many people to start the new year. Raptor Academy of Martial Arts in State College offers the opportunity to do both in an atmosphere that is challenging, yet fun and accessible to people of all skill levels.
Established in 2018, Raptor Academy takes an integrative approach to the martial arts, incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Sambo, while offering the area’s leading instruction in submission wrestling.
The academy’s highly experienced instructors focus on the short-term and long-term growth of students. Their curated eight-week courses are accessible to both beginners and advanced students, with a system that leaves room for personal exploration, says Jessica Buckland, who owns the gym with co-instructor Jeremy Guillard.
“Our main focus is always our students. Are they enjoying themselves? Are they learning effectively? Are they improving? How can we support them?” Buckland said. “We use a special app, Wodify, which includes curriculum and videos to guide their training. Our classes are taught by people who have a variety of experience, most more than 10 years in jiu-jitsu alone, and several of the instructors also have training in other martial arts.
Buckland and Guillard are joined by co-instructors Jon Weaver, a State College native, jiu-jitsu black belt and lifelong martial artist in multiple disciplines, and Brian Shaffer, a jiu-jitsu brown belt and a Patton Township police sergeant.
Raptor Academy’s instructors use what is known as an ecological approach, which focuses on helping students engage with the environment around them as well as technique.
“Using an ecological approach to our teaching means we keep it fun, playful and active with an eye toward effective and curious learning,” Guillard said.
Located at 1500 Martin Street, Raptor Academy’s courses are ideal for anyone interested in fitness, self-defense and self-development.
Courses begin with fundamentals, followed by an all-levels class with targeted training and positional sparring. An advanced practice course covers special topics, tactics and strategies, with time devoted to competitive sparring, open training and personal projects.
Raptor Academy also offers a children’s course focused on teaching fundamental techniques to youngsters aged 8 to 14 through cooperative exercises and games, and a women-only course that includes self-defense, group fitness and technique instruction for students who prefer to be in ‘ to practice a female education. identified space.
Above all, Raptor Academy aims to help students have fun while achieving their goals.
“We pride ourselves on balancing fun and hard work, fitness and skill acquisition,” Buckland said. “Our community is inclusive and supportive of people of all ages, genders and sizes.”
To learn more about Raptor Academy of Martial Arts’ courses, membership packages and a free trial, visit raptorjiujitsu.com or call 814-810-8736.
