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We help you achieve these goals by promoting and supporting healthy habits in both competition and life. Our martial arts instructors are prepared to work with any learning style or skill level. Ascension Athletics MMA & BJJ even offers a scholarship program to give opportunities to families that might not be able to afford martial arts classes. Local businesses in Bristol come together to donate and set aside these funds for the Ascension Scholarship Program.
Here at Ascension Athletics MMA & BJJ, our staff is the secret to our student success. Head instructor and owner Jeff Haddad is a former pediatric therapist and occupational therapist. This background gives him a unique understanding of working with physical and behavioral disabilities. His therapy and martial arts experience makes him a strong competitor and helpful instructor. Throughout his training he has been a two time IBJJF World Champion and undefeated pro fighter.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, our classes cater to all skill levels, providing a supportive environment for growth and success.
Welcome to Ascension Athletics MMA & BJJ Academy, where dedication meets discipline. Our guidelines for students and parents, alongside our training rules, are designed to cultivate an environment of respect, growth, and safety. Through adherence to these principles, we aim to foster a community where every individual can thrive both on and off the mat. Join us in the pursuit of excellence as we elevate mind, body, and spirit together.
1. Please arrive 10 minutes before class starts so that the instructor may begin on time. Being late may result in not being able to participate depending on frequency and severity.
2. Keep your clothing and gear clean.
3. Please practice good hygiene and keep your finger/toenails trimmed and clean.
4. Secure long hair to prevent interference while training with your partner.
5. Remove all jewelry before entering the mat area.
6. No shoes should be worn in the mat area.
7. Sandals to be worn when walking off the mats to the desk, bathroom, etc.
8. We are an inclusive environment. Under this roof, we are all one. Please keep religious & political discussions out of the gym.
1. No striking or kicking unless specified by the instructor.
2. Please no knee bars, heel hooks, or other leg attacks until cleared by the head coach.
3. No scissor takedowns.
4. We do not allow jumping guard.
5. No finger or toe locks (small joint manipulation).
6. Please no attacks to the eyes or ears.
7. No spiking on neck/head.
8. Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not run into others on the training floor.
9. No leg-lace takedowns unless cleared by the head coach.
10. Control your pace and intensity level so that you can ensure you won’t hurt yourself or your partner.
11. We are an anti-ego environment. Shed to ego or train elsewhere.
12. Respect the hire ranks, respect your partners, respect the facility, respect the coaches.
13. Put gear away that you use.
Stay up to date on class times! Contact us if you have any questions about our classes.
It probably took me about a month to join because I was shy, nervous and trying to get a feel for the people/ coaches so I'd just watch. I had a few friends join before me and they loved it. I remember sitting there quietly just watching and one day Jeff looks at me and asks me when am I going to join, but the way he said it made me feel welcomed. Soon after I joined and it was a life changer. Ascension is home. We all get along with each other; we just click. Its a fun atmosphere full of jokes, laughter and the coaches genuinely care about us. They want to see us succeed, they are on the mats teaching and explaining moves. It's great. If you are interested in giving MMA a try, Ascension is the perfect start. There is no judgment. We are all one <3
I would most definitely recommend Ascension Athletics! I have never loved working out at gyms but this gym is different... I actually look forward to going. All of the coaches and owners are wonderful and work well with all skill levels. MMA works the body and the mind for a whole new workout experience I had never known before joining. Ascension Athletics has improved my willingness to and consistency with working out. As a woman, I did feel a bit intimidated joining an MMA gym but that feeling of intimidation was quickly replaced with feelings of empowerment and strength.. I do a lot of solo-female travel and training at Ascension honestly makes me feel more confident out and about in the world. They also offer women's only classes and yoga which has been wonderful. Definitely check this place out!
I truly can not say enough good things about Ascension. I've been to a lot of BJJ and MMA gyms and was thoroughly impressed with the training and coaching that goes on here. Jeff, Dan, and all the coaches and members treated me with the utmost respect and really made me feel at home. Was only in town for the week and it really got me thinking about moving here... that's how great this place is!! Also, besides having top notch coaches and team members, the gym's facility is super clean and large enough to really spread out and have numerous rolls and classes going on simultaneously. Again, I can not say enough good things about this gym. This is 100% the place you're looking for!
Ascension Athletics MMA & BJJ invites all individuals from nearby communities including Plainville, Farmington, New Britain, and beyond. Join us today in the Bristol Commons Plaza beside Planet Fitness and Once Upon A Child.