Sponsored Content — Getting more exercise and learning new skills top the list of goals for many people to start the new year. Raptor Academy of Martial Arts in State College offers the opportunity to do both in an atmosphere that is challenging, yet fun and approachable for people of all skill levels.
Founded in 2018, Raptor Academy takes an integrative approach to the martial arts, incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Sambo while offering the area’s premier instruction in submission grappling.
The academy’s highly experienced instructors focus on the short-term and long-term growth of students. Their curated eight-week courses are accessible to both beginners and advanced students, with a system that leaves room for personal exploration, said Jessica Buckland, who co-owns the gym with fellow instructor Jeremy Guillard.
“Our main focus is always our students. Are they enjoying themselves? Are they learning effectively? Are they improving? How can we support them?” Buckland said. “We use a special app, Wodify, that includes curriculum and videos to guide their training. Our classes are taught by people who have a range of experience, most over 10 years in jiu-jitsu alone, and several of the instructors have training in other martial arts as well.”
Buckland and Guillard are joined by fellow instructors Jon Weaver, a State College native, jiu-jitsu black belt and lifelong martial artist in multiple disciplines, and Brian Shaffer, a jiu-jitsu brown belt and a Patton Township police sergeant.
Raptor Academy’s instructors use what is known as an ecological approach, which focuses on helping students engage with the environment around them as well as technique.
“Using an ecological approach to our teaching means we keep it fun, playful and active with an eye toward effective and curious learning,” Guillard said.
Located at 1500 Martin Street, Raptor Academy’s courses are ideal for anyone who is interested in fitness, self-defense and self-development.
Courses start with fundamentals, followed by an all-levels class with goal-based training and positional sparring. An advanced practices course covers special topics, tactics and strategies, with time devoted to competitive sparring, open training and personal projects.
Raptor Academy also offers a kids course focused on teaching fundamental techniques to youth ages 8 to 14 through cooperative drills and games, and a women’s-only course incorporating self-defense, group fitness and technique instruction for students who prefer to train in a female-identified space.
Above all, Raptor Academy aims to help students have fun while achieving their goals.
“We pride ourselves on balancing fun and hard work, fitness and skill acquisition,” Buckland said. “Our community is inclusive and supportive of people of all ages, genders and sizes.”
To learn more about Raptor Academy of Martial Arts’ courses, membership packages and a free trial, visit raptorjiujitsu.com or call 814-810-8736.
