Martial Arts training is one of the best forms of physical and mental exercise. It not only gives you serious “skills”, but helps you develop strength, confidence and respect. It can be a truly life-changing endeavor.
We are one of the rare schools in Connecticut and beyond that train MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) as one system. This includes MMA as a sport, but also for self-defense. MMA for self-defense is similar, but also includes for “illegal” strikes that change the outcome of the fight.
Our grappling approach is also “MMA”. We do teach BJJ and JJJ (Japanese Jujitsu) individually, but most students train in our submission grappling classes that combine wrestling, BJJ and JJJ together. This is a very modern approach that fits perfectly for MMA competition and modern sport grappling competitions… and is a necessity for true self-defense.
At the Cage JSA our 3 head instructors (Matt Bryers, Oz Pariser, Ken Controna) have been training together for over 25 years. Each have multiple blackbelts including Japanese Jujitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kyokushin or Tae-Kwon-Do / Hapkido (not including the many other systems we have all trained in). We have competed in submission grappling, BJJ, MMA, wrestling, Kyokushin, boxing and strongman.
Due to our experience we offer a unique approach to training. Each student is on their own path. Whether it’s learning to defend yourself and family, discovering Jiu-Jitsu, or training to be the next MMA star. Our mission is to guide and coach you on your journey.
The best way to start is sign-up for a free intro or simply give us a call: 860-740-4132.
We rarely put new students into all-levels/advanced classes, unless they have prior experience. We have specific sessions focused on developing overall martial arts skills for self-defense, MMA, and Jiu-Jitsu.
Learn how to defend yourself using the techniques and strategies from MMA, Jiu-Jitsu and modern combatives. We have specific training sessions dedicated to the reality-side of martial arts. No rules, weapons involved, fighting for life training.
MMA training is a combination of learning how to fight and facing challenges to improve. You will learn a very technical and smart approach to fighting, that allows room for creativity, but focused on keeping you safe. MMA is about developing your own fighting style, and we just help you find it. Test it and develop it through smart sparring and competition if desired, but not required.
We are a unique school that blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Japanese Jujitsu (JJJ) together. Our 3 main instructors share black belts in both systems, and teach a realistic and sportive approach to Jiu-Jitsu. During classes you will learn a combination of takedowns, ground fighting and submissions from everyone. Respect-first training, we’re all here to learn.
Combine the ground skills from BJJ, the throws and trips from JJJ and takedowns from wrestling to form a very fun and challenging modern grappling system that is essential for MMA, vital for self defense and perfect for those looking for a fun, fast-paced, modern approach to Jiu-Jitsu.
Learn both the fundamental and advanced techniques of Self-Defense and Sport Judo in a safe and supportive learning environment. Great emphasis on the safe and proper application of judos’ techniques, as well as establishing discipline and confidence in people of all ages.
Ages 4-12 learn a combination of Self-Defense and Jiu-Jitsu. Training is a combination of warm-ups, technical training, sparring/live training and fun. This is not a McDojo, kids learn real martial arts for self-defense, fun, respect and confidence.
Starting martial arts correctly is vital. We don’t just throw a brand new person into a class and hope they survive.
In over 15 years of coaching martial arts, we have found that working privately/semi-privately with a new student is a better introduction into the awesomeness of martial arts.
That is why we start off with a free trial and intro lesson, to get to know you as well as ensure we’re doing what’s best for your growth.
After an intro lesson there are training paths that include 1-on-1 coaching, fundamentals classes and/or combined. Most of our new students also integrate strength and conditioning to improve their results on that mat.
If you have experience in MMA, BJJ, Wrestling, Boxing or other combative martial arts, we have a variety of training options to further your development.
We suggest that new students give training 6-weeks or 20 sessions (45-60 min). If after 6-weeks, you don’t start to feel stronger, healthier, more confident and happier… we’ll completely refund you immediately.
The main system we use to train our students is TRITAC Martial Arts. TRITAC is not only a system of techniques and movements to develop combat skills, but also the methods we use to train our students.
Any one can show you a martial arts move, but how you learn it, develop it and master it is a process that our head coach: Matt Bryers, along with 6 other professional martial artists have been developing over the past 15 years.
One of the main benefits of training at the Cage JSA is that you will have a proven system for development that is “battle-tested” and known to produce fast, life-long results.
Private and Semi-Private coaching is one of our best services we offer our clients. 1-on-1 martial arts coaching allows the student to progress as a much faster pace, as well as develop essential skills needed for more advanced martial arts training sessions.
If you are interested in 1-on-1 coaching for martial arts, sign-up for a free intro less to get started.
We ask our students to commit at least 3 days a week or 10 times a month. To be honest, anything less doesn’t produce results. It’s a struggle to train any less than that. Our suggestion is that you give martial arts 3 months or a total of 30 sessions.
At the end of three months is typically when you see students first “get it”. They have now achieved basic self-defense. Some are happy with this, and move on. Others have found a passion for training and learning martial arts.
But at least after 30 sessions, you’ll know if it’s for you and you will have learned some vital self-defense skills.
For the first week, nothing. Guys, just show up in shorts and t-shirt. Ladies, wear something you would go to the gym in. Please bring a water bottle, though we do have fountain and fill-up station if needed. We will provide you with all the gear you need.
If you decide to continue you will need. Cool thing is if you buy good gear, it will last you for a LONG time.
For BJJ:
For Submission Grappling:
For MMA:
Our clients pay $39 – $149 a week. We over a variety of services at a level our students are comfortable with. When you come in for an intro, we will discuss and review all options.
The short answer is Yes. We work very closely with our fighters and ensure they are properly prepared. When your coaches and you have determined you’re ready, we will help you on that journey.
Since we are a unique facility we approach it 2 ways. If you have no experience in martial arts, we work with you privately for 20-30 minutes. It would be irresponsible for us to just “throw you into a class”. If all goes well, try a fundamentals class and review some options.
If you have over one year experience in MMA, Jiu-Jitsu or Wrestling we offer a 3 class trial.
Finding the right gym is vital to your success. We want to make sure that we’re a good fit for you, and you’re a good fit for us :)