Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Empire

Great for Competition. Not Built for Chaos.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an incredible art. It builds control, focus and an understanding of leverage most systems never teach.

It’s also a great sport.

If you are interested in competition grappling, BJJ will challenge you, sharpen you and develop skills that carry over into all areas of life.

Our lead instructor has over 36 years of hands-on experience in Catch Wrestling, Russian Sambo and is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

You will be learning from someone who has spent a lifetime on the mat and knows how to pass that knowledge on.

But here’s the part most schools won’t tell you:
BJJ is Not the Best Choice for Self-Defense

Let’s be honest about what happens off the mat:

There are no rules.
No refs. No tap-outs. No weight classes.
And definitely no limits on eye gouging, biting, groin shots or weapons.
You don’t get to pick your opponent.
Or make sure it’s one-on-one.
What happens if his friend shows up while you are working for a sweep?
You don’t get a soft mat.
The ground is concrete, tile, asphalt… and once you are down,
it’s harder to get up than most people think.
You can’t always control size.
Weight classes exist in BJJ for a reason.
If you’re 140 lbs and they are 240…and throwing punches…your technique has to
work under pressure most sport scenarios don’t simulate.
And that “90% of fights go to the ground” stat?
It came from a law enforcement study about arrest scenarios
…not surprise attacks or street violence.

So Why Train BJJ at Empire?

Because we teach it with context.

Because we want you to be great at what BJJ does and fully aware of what it doesn’t.

If you are in it for competition, for control…for the mental discipline and physical conditioning, you will love it here.

And if you are serious about real-world self-defense, then CHECK out our KAJU-KAI program

Enrollment Update:

Our BJJ program is currently full and not accepting new students.
But if you would like to be notified when a spot opens, we have a waitlist for those who want first access.

No pressure. No pitch. Just your name on the list when the next opening comes up.

Quick Links

Get In Touch

8 Corporate Circle
Albany, NY 12203

Email: Cheryl@518Empire.com
Phone: (518) 456-2582
Text: (518) 608-3059
Mon & Wed 9:30AM - 12:30PM
Mon-Thur 3:30PM - 9:30PM
Saturday 9:30am - 12:30pm