Team SquaredBrooklyn

At Team Brooklyn, we have a very active program, where kids are exercising for 45 min - 1 hour. The classes will help build Self-Esteem and Confidence by meeting new friends and getting through obstacles and challenges physically and emotionally.

Having the mission and vision that children learn the different techniques of this martial art through exercises and games and in a relaxed environment where a series of behaviors will be worked on that will allow them to cope in hostile or bullying situations, develop their motor skills, they will gain self-esteem and self-confidence, and learn social values ​​such as tolerance and respect for their partner and their elders.

Each class we set goals for the kids and help them accomplish with our expertise coaching. We also teach Respect and Discipline through our ranking system and our disciplinary policy. This program will help not only your child/children learn Jiu-Jitsu but will give them the tools to have life skills and learn conflict resolution with bully situations.

The classes are structured with Body strength and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu exercises for warm up. Sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques to learn and also Bully proof Situations. We live Train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu then a short game to have fun. It's non-stop action!

Meet the Team

Zachary Purdy

I have been training BJJ with Ron since 2015. Since 2021 I have helped Ron with the kid's program and now also assist in their coaching for tournaments. I grew up in Killingly and love being able to give back to the Quiet Corner community by helping with the kid's program. Growing up, I had multiple bullying experiences and didn't have ways to protect myself mentally or physically. I am confident that the tools we give people can help them deal with the day to day obstacles they may face.

Kelsie Wolfburg

In my early 20s, I started practicing yoga and realized almost instantly the importance and how it was not just a hobby, but a lifestyle. I taught my first class in 2014 and knew without a doubt I wanted more. I completed my teacher training and have been teaching at various studios since. After listening to my husband tell his "post jiu-jitsu class stories" for over a year, I finally decided to step on the mat in June 2020. Like yoga, it didn't take long to see that BJJ is also a lifestyle... an important one. How to be calm in chaos, how to defend myself, and how there are always ways to improve and grow are a few things that I've learned on the mat. About a year into training, Ron asked if I would like to offer a yoga class to members. Noticing how seemlessly yoga and jiu-jisu go together, I accepted the opportunity and now teach a weekly class that focuses on the flexibility needed for jiu-jitsu. Being able to train with my son and all of the awesome kids in the kids class has also been such an amazing opportunity. Seeing how excited they are to learn every single time they step onto the mat is irreplaceable. My families second home is Team Brooklyn BJJ and I wouldn't have it any other way. Training with my husband, competing and cheering on teammates, and building strength, knowledge, and friendships have been such great experiences that I am eager to continue on my jiu-jitsu journey.

Danielle Wallace

My family started jiu jitsu in November 2020, as we were looking for a way to effectively teach our children about self defense. Both of the kids immediately loved going to jiu jitsu classes and they continued on. A year into watching my kids on the mat, I was encouraged by a good friend of mine to try a class. Just like my children, I also immediately loved going to class, most of the time. The first few months of jiu jitsu were hard on me, both mentally and physically. It took a lot of hard work to get myself in a place where I could control my emotions, and stay injury-free. Just a short time after starting jiu jitsu myself, I was invited to assist in the children’s class. Having worked with young children for over 15 years, it seemed very natural for me to be on the mats providing assistance. I love seeing the pure joy on the kids’ faces when they come into the Dojo, ready to begin training. I love training alongside my own children. I love seeing the progress in all the kids on the mat, whether it's learning how to “shrimp” or to do a submission. I strive to provide a comfortable, safe experience for anyone coming onto the mat. Whether it is working our Women’s Self Defense Seminars, or assisting in kids classes, I want everyone to learn and have fun.

The team showed up again at Grappling Industries at TEAMWORKS Warwick. A lot of lessons learned by the kids, especially those who had to move divisions for weight and/or age. Shoutout to our competitors, parents and coaches for putting in time with these young martial artists 🤙🏼 *came home again with a Team medal for most points scored (silver)

This is what it’s all about… all the support & love for each other. So proud of everyone and incredibly grateful for all the families ♥️ Almost 20 athletes from the team competed this weekend at the DCU Center

3 warriors from the Team stepped onto the mats today for Grappling Industries Event in CT. Shoutout to Catalaya, Frankie & Paisley for choosing to test themselves. Lots of fun and lots of lessons learned today; what it's all about! Thanks for the support from the families and our Kids Coaches!

I started my formal martial arts training in 1985 at the age of 23 under the watchful eyes of sensei Robert Thivierge along with sensei Arvo Laats. It was in a small garage dojo called the Jewett City Karate Club. With dedication and constant training I obtained my black belt in 1987. Training and teaching karate for several more years, I begin to wonder about the violence involved with the striking martial arts. At this point I’m starting to wonder if karate was a good fit for me.

In 1995 a karate student of mine brought in a videotape that changed my life. It was a recording of UFC #1. I was amazed at how a skinny Brazilian man could defeat all these big strikers without even throwing a punch. My mind was made up right there that my path would change. It was soon after that, I realized that skinny Brazilians “special training“ had a name. It was his brother who was the special training, Rickson Gracie. As fate would have it, Rickson Gracie was doing his seminar tour through Long Island New York in 1996. I went to Long Island trained with Rickson, joined his Association and trained under him for several years, achieving a Blue Belt from Rickson in 1998.

Having met and extensively trained with Megaton Diaz while he was a representative of Rickson Gracie, it seemed a natural fit to keep training with Megaton after personal tragedy struck Rickson’s life and he stepped away from Jiu-Jitsu for many years. I was promoted to Purple Belt by Megaton in 2002. It’s now 2006 and I have spent a decade traveling around the country training with some amazing instructors. A decade later, Jiu-jitsu instructors have spread around the country. At the suggestion of Megaton, I found a school I wouldn’t have to fly too but I could finally just drive to. I started training under Gabriel Gonzaga in 2006. Achieving the rank of brown belt in 2008. In 2011 I was promoted to first-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu under Gabriel Gonzaga. I currently hold the rank of third-degree black belt.