TESTIMONIALS

• "Tennessee BJJ and Judo Club is hands down the best martial arts school I have ever trained at. I have learned more in here in 6 months than I learned in the first 3 years I trained." - Chris Miller

• "I am a 46 year old female who began BJJ a year ago. I have no background in martial arts, but I love this sport! I have lost 20 lbs. since I starting and I am in the best shape of my life. The Tennessee BJJ Club led by Rick Sparks is an awesome group of people. I would recommend this club to anyone, male or female wanting to make both a mental and physical improvement in their life." - Darla Oringderff

• "TNBJJ has fantastic atmosphere and outstanding coaching. Rick does an amazing job of helping me find systems that work for my style, body type, and age. I started in my mid 30's to stay in shape, BJJ provides a great workout but that is secondary to the fun and challenge of the sport. I would have never guessed that at 37 I can regularly play against younger, faster, and stronger opponents. I have trained at schools all over the country and this is the best combination of atmosphere and coaching." - Jason Roberts

• "Rick's a fantastic teacher and coach. He has a great system, cares about everyone's safety and practices what he teaches. Also great training partners. The more experienced people give great instruction during live sparring."
  - Richard Eggers

• "The people are like family and it's the best the area has to offer." - Eric Horton

• "Rick is an excellent and methodical teacher. The other students in the class are very supportive and the upper level belts are also great instructors. It's fun and great self defense!" Emily Manneschmidt

• "As a martial art I've not found anything to equal BJJ's effectiveness. My only problem with BJJ early on was the lack of structure to most of the training. It seemed classes were just whatever the instructor felt like teaching that day. This all changed when I began studying under Rick Sparks. Not only is he a phenomenal BJJ master and fantastic teacher but he's put together a systematic approach to teaching BJJ that allows students to rapidly master the fundamentals of BJJ then pursue in a well thought out advanced study that is tailored toward each students strengths. Since beginning BJJ I've studied at many schools and under many instructors. Rick's Tennessee BJJ is the best." - John Miller

 

BASIC INFO

$45 per month, no contracts, no promotion or other fees required

Monday and Wednesday Evening Classes, and Saturday Day Class

Our academy focuses on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. About 75% of the class is spent in on BJJ matwork. We spend the remaining 25% of the time on standup Judo. Live postional training, and live sparring in both BJJ and Judo are done in every class.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Also known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) focuses on ground grappling. It is a discipline where a smaller weaker person can reliably overcome a larger and stronger opponent, through the use of skillful technique. Arm locks, chokes, sweeps and pins are just a few of the things you will learn in your training.

Our Judo training focuses on standup throwing techniques. Proper application of judo throws allow you to take your opponent to the ground. Judo throws include foot sweeps, hip throws, hand throws, and sacrifice throws.

Although BJJ and Judo are competitive sports, it should be recognized that participation in these sports will greatly enhance your ability in self defense situations. Our curriculum was developed to maximize cross-over between gi, no-gi, and self defense. So the vast majority of what you learn can be applied in all of these areas. These sports are also fun and challenging and will improve your physical fitness and mental well being. Although we train hard, we emphasize safety and learning in our school, to minimize injuries, and to maximize progress and enjoyment.

INSTRUCTORS

The Tennessee BJJ and Judo Club is led by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and third degree Judo black belt Dr. Rick Sparks. Rick is a 2 time champion and many time medallist in international level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition in the masters division, and a state and national silver medalist in Judo, also in the masters division. Rick is a BJJ black belt under world champion Helio Soneca. He is a 3rd degree Judo black belt under 6x Southeastern Judo Champion Dr. Michael Carter. The Tennessee Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club and Rick Sparks are certified by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, which is the governing body of the CBJJ. We are also a chartered United States Judo Association Club.

Co-instructor Dr. Michael Carter is a 4th degree black belt in Judo, and a brown belt in BJJ. Michael is a six-time southeastern judo champion, and two time state wrestling silver medalist. He was a judo coach for 25 years, and a high school wrestling coach.

Co-instructor Gavin Enck (PhD Candidate) is a black belt in BJJ, and a former collegiate wrestler.

For more information about our classes, please click the green link above entitled "Schedule and Info". To see other places you can train BJJ and Judo in the Knoxville and Maryville area, click the Resources link above. There are many fine schools in the area.

You can learn more about BJJ, Judo, and the TN BJJ and Judo club under the "resources" link. You can learn more about the IBJJF/CBJJ by clicking the shield logo below. You can learn more about Helio Soneca by clicking the HS logo below. To visit the Tennessee BJJ Federation website, click the logo below. To go to the USJA website, click the logo below.

Contact Information:

To contact Rick Sparks please e-mail:

If you prefer to speak to someone on the phone please call:

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