2040 Carolina Pl Dr, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29708
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Great Grappling Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructors

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Professor Jeremy Arel

Head Instructor and Owner at Great Grappling

Starting at a young age Jeremy showed interest in Martial Arts. Heavily influenced by his uncle, Robert Arel (Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee), Jeremy began informal training at ...

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Professor Johnny Lea

Business Manager and Instructor

Professor Johnny Lea received his Black Belt from Jeremy Arel on May 21st, 2022. As a child Johnny was actively involved in martial arts, primarily Jeet Kun Do. He was introduced ...

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Professor Evan Goyette

Instructor

Evan received his Black Belt from Jeremy Arel on October 27th, 2020. He is the lead instructor of our kids program, and strong leader within the Great Grappling community. He ...

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Professor Nelson Mercado

Instructor

Professor Nelson Mercado is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has practiced for over 15 years, and was a long-time competitor. Professor Nelson is the Head Instructor at ...

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Professor Patrick Saleeby

Instructor

Patrick is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has taught our beginner's classes in the past and he is an assistant instructor in our adult classes. He has practiced jiu ...

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Professor Aaron King

Affiliate Instructor at Art of Motion

Aaron King is a Black belt and the Head Instructor/Owner of Art of Motion in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Aaron has practiced Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over a decade. ...

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Professor Derek Barker

Instructor

Derek is an accomplished grappler with over 15 years experience. Derek’s desire to train is only surpassed by his need to teach. In addition to being a Black belt in Jiu ...

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Professor Jake Boehmann

Instructor

Professor Jake Boehmann is a Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Jeremy Arel. He is a talented competitor and a passionate community member. He gives to the Great Grappling ...

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Professor Fred Jennings

Instructor

Fred received his Black Belt from Jeremy Arel on April 28th, 2021. He has trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for almost 15 years. He became interested in the combat arts while ...

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Professor Shane Segars

Instructor

Shane received his Black Belt from Jeremy Arel on October 1st, 2020. Shane was an elite wrestler when he was in high school. Shane is passionate about teaching - especially in ...

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Jason Dayton

Instructor

Jason is a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He often fills in for Professor Arel as the lead teacher of our Advanced Children's Class, and in our adult classes. He has practiced ...

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Robert Gathings

I’ve been training at Great Grappling for about a year and a half now, and it has truly had a positive impact on my life. I’ve lost a noticeable amount of weight, gained previously undiscovered confidence in myself, and made connections that will last a lifetime. While training, I’ve met people from all walks of life who have been brought together through the common interest of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the community that has developed through it is incredible. Professor and owner Jeremy Arel also offers a one week free trial to new students who want to try BJJ before committing to a membership, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

Michael Baker

I've been training at Great Grappling for 6 years, and I cannot give it higher praise. Professor Jeremy has created a community of people that care about training and growing as martial artists--but also care about each other as people. If you are a parent looking for a way to teach your children self-confidence or self-defense, this place is a must. If you are hoping to find an academy where you can learn this amazing art called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this is the place. Come train with us!
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu near Fort Mill

Justin Bench

Hey all,

I ran into the Jeremy by complete accident, by rolling up to Gordo’s academy to train a few weeks and asking about places to stay. What I got was an amazingly warm welcome and a new family for a few weeks. Everyone at the Connection Rio house was friendly and fun, and they were serious about training BJJ. Awesome.

As for Jeremy himself, it is few and far between to find people who are as dedicated to teaching as this man. The classes are very well researched, based upon extensive experience, and set in a format to learn through muscle memory. All of the techniques build off of each other in a continuum, designed around building a game plan and prepping for competition. Jeremy keeps things moving and fast-paced, but you never feel exhausted until its all over and you realize you’ve been training hard and nonstop. I highly recommend his classes and I’ll definitely be back again.

Thanks, Jeremy!, will be seeing you at the Rio Open!

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