Business Details
31 Years
experience
Eugene's Original Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy Since 1995
Northwest Martial Arts Academy has been dedicated to martial arts instruction in Eugene, Oregon since 1995. Our mission focuses on empowering individuals through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and self-defense training. We offer structured programs for adults and youth aged 6-13, emphasizing safe, inclusive learning environments. Our instructors bring decades of competitive experience and direct lineage from renowned martial arts figures including Helio Gracie and Wellington Megaton Dias.With three generations of community engagement, we maintain a family-friendly atmosphere where students develop physical fitness, technical skills, and personal confidence. Our facility hosts regular classes, open mat sessions, and specialized programs like the Black Belt Leadership initiative. We prioritize creating a supportive community where martial arts practitioners of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds can thrive through structured training and mentorship.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Kickboxing/Muay Thai
Women's Self-Defense
Youth Programs
Open Mat Sessions
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined instructor experience in BJJ and Muay Thai
- Our family-friendly environment accommodates all ages and skill levels
- We provide specialized programs for youth, women, and competitive athletes
- Our instructors maintain direct lineage from Gracie and Megaton Dias traditions
- We emphasize safe, technical training without brain trauma risks
What people say
Knowledgeable instructors
Great with kids
Excellent community
Passionate teachers
Safe learning environment
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction focuses on ground fighting techniques, positional control, and submission holds. Our curriculum develops practical self-defense skills while improving physical conditioning. Students train against live resistance to build real-world effectiveness in grappling scenarios.
Kickboxing/Muay Thai
Muay Thai instruction covers punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes with live partner drills. This high-intensity workout builds cardiovascular fitness while teaching effective striking techniques. Classes emphasize proper form and controlled sparring applications for self-defense scenarios.
Women's Self-Defense
Women-only self-defense classes combine verbal de-escalation strategies with practical BJJ techniques. Instruction focuses on common attack scenarios while building confidence through situational awareness training. Our safe environment encourages female empowerment through physical skill development.
Youth Programs
Age-specific BJJ programs for children aged 6-13 develop coordination, discipline, and confidence. Raccoons (6-9) and Foxes (10-14) classes use playful learning while building technical foundations. Our Wolves program offers advanced leadership training for dedicated young athletes.
Open Mat Sessions
Scheduled open mat sessions allow students to practice techniques with training partners at various experience levels. These sessions reinforce classroom learning through practical application. Participants benefit from peer interaction and instructor guidance during unstructured training periods.
People
Harold Utterback
Owner/Head Instructor
Two-stripe black belt under Wellington Megaton Dias with 30+ years martial arts experience. Competed internationally in BJJ, boxing, and judo. Trains students in authentic Gracie lineage techniques while emphasizing practical application.
Tyler Pascua
Instructor
Black belt in BJJ since 2018 with 15+ years teaching experience. Specializes in youth programs and community engagement. Combines technical expertise with creative teaching methods to develop young martial artists in a fun, supportive environment.
Natalie Whitson
Instructor
Purple belt in BJJ with background in Olympic fencing and combat arts instruction. Brings structured teaching approach from 13 years coaching fencing. Focuses on technical precision and safety in both kickboxing and grappling instruction.
Travis Niderost
Instructor
Purple belt with competition success at multiple belt levels. Assists in youth programs while continuing personal development under Harold Utterback. Emphasizes progressive skill building through consistent, methodical instruction techniques.
Questions
How can I try a trial class?
Click the green 'REGISTER FOR A TRIAL' button on our website or call (541) 912-9099 for scheduling options.
What martial arts do you teach?
We specialize in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, offering separate programs for adults, youth, and women's self-defense classes.
Are instructors certified?
Our instructors hold black and purple belts with decades of combined competition experience and formal training from recognized martial arts figures.
Is martial arts safe for children?
Our youth programs use age-appropriate techniques with safety-focused instruction to develop physical skills without brain trauma risks.
What are class schedules?
Adult classes run Monday-Thursday 4-8:30pm, Friday 4-8:15pm, and Saturday 11am-1pm. Youth classes have specific weekday times for different age groups.
