Business Details
12 Years
experience
Premier MMA & Jiu Jitsu Training in Rochester, NY
Empire Academy Of Combat Sports & Fitness has established itself as Rochester's premier destination for martial arts and fitness training since 2014. Our facility specializes in 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts instruction under the guidance of certified professionals. With programs designed for all skill levels from beginners to advanced competitors, we emphasize technical proficiency, physical conditioning, and character development. Our affiliation with Eddie Bravo's 10th Planet system ensures access to cutting-edge grappling methodologies while maintaining traditional martial arts values.Through structured curricula for both adults and youth, we foster a supportive environment that promotes personal growth alongside combat sports excellence. Our team of experienced instructors brings decades of combined expertise in competitive fighting and athletic development to every training session. Whether pursuing self-defense, fitness goals, or competitive excellence, our members benefit from personalized instruction and a community committed to mutual improvement.
Services
No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Muay Thai
MMA Training
Combat Conditioning
Kids/Teens Programs
Open Bags
Grappling Fundamentals
Intermediate Grappling
Advanced Grappling
All Levels NoGi Judo/Sambo/Wrestling
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with professional fighting experience
- Comprehensive programs for all martial arts skill levels
- Specialized youth development curriculum available
- Affiliated with Eddie Bravo's 10th Planet system
- Dedicated training environment for technical development
Associations and certifications
- 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu
- Eddie Bravo's Rubber Guard
Services
No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program develops practical self-defense skills and competitive grappling techniques. Students learn positional control, submission holds, and strategic transitions through structured curriculum. The training emphasizes real-world application while maintaining technical precision and safety standards.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai instruction focuses on stand-up striking techniques including punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. Classes incorporate pad work, partner drills, and conditioning exercises to develop striking proficiency and cardiovascular endurance. Training adapts traditional Muay Thai principles for both self-defense and competitive contexts.
MMA Training
Comprehensive MMA training integrates multiple combat disciplines into cohesive fighting systems. Athletes develop skills in striking, grappling, ground fighting, and fight strategy. The program prepares students for competitive cage fighting while emphasizing safety and technical development across all martial arts components.
Combat Conditioning
Combat Conditioning classes build athletic performance through martial arts-specific workouts. Training includes strength development, cardiovascular conditioning, and functional movement patterns. Programs cater to both competitive fighters needing sport-specific preparation and general fitness enthusiasts seeking martial arts-based workouts.
Youth Martial Arts
Youth martial arts programs teach technical skills while fostering discipline, confidence, and physical development. Age-appropriate curricula balance technical instruction with character education. Classes maintain safety-focused environments while developing fundamental movement patterns and martial arts principles for young students.
People
Chris Herzog
Head Grappling Coach
Certified 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu instructor with professional competition experience. Specializes in No-Gi grappling and rubber guard techniques while developing student technical proficiency and competitive readiness.
Wally MacDonald
Head Muay Thai Coach
Experienced Muay Thai specialist with expertise in traditional Thai boxing methods. Focuses on proper striking mechanics, fight strategy, and conditioning for both competitive and recreational students.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you offer?
We offer 10th Planet No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA training, and all-levels grappling sessions incorporating Judo, Sambo, and wrestling techniques.
Are there programs for children?
Yes, we provide age-specific martial arts programs for kids and teens focusing on technical development, discipline, and safe skill progression.
Do I need prior experience to join?
No prior experience required. Our classes accommodate all skill levels from complete beginners to advanced practitioners seeking technical refinement.
What should I wear for my first class?
For Jiu Jitsu, wear athletic shorts and a t-shirt. For Muay Thai, bring hand wraps and gloves if available. Comfortable workout attire suitable for physical activity works for initial visits.
Are there competitive training opportunities?
Yes, we prepare students for amateur and professional competition with specialized sparring sessions, fight strategy instruction, and tournament preparation programs.
