Business Details
Your Premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Amsterdam, NY
At High Level Jiu Jitsu, we are committed to delivering exceptional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training for practitioners of all skill levels. Founded by Professor James Fallas, a 2nd Degree Black Belt with decades of experience, our academy fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where students can develop technical proficiency, physical fitness, and mental resilience. Our team of certified instructors, including Professor Dave Rath and experienced brown and purple belts, emphasizes both traditional and modern techniques to prepare students for self-defense and competitive scenarios.With classes offered seven days a week, including specialized sessions for fundamentals and advanced practitioners, we prioritize personalized instruction and community building. Our facility in Amsterdam, NY, provides a welcoming space for individuals seeking to improve their lives through the disciplined practice of Jiu Jitsu.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes
No-Gi Training
Advanced Classes
Open Mat Sessions
Self-Defense Workshops
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized instruction from certified black belt instructors with decades of experience.
- Our academy provides a welcoming environment for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
- We combine traditional and modern Jiu Jitsu techniques for comprehensive self-defense and sport training.
- Classes are available seven days a week, including specialized sessions for fundamentals and competition prep.
- Our community prioritizes mutual growth, safety, and mental resilience alongside technical proficiency.
What people say
Best kept secret
Safe, friendly environment
Best jiu jitsu school
Squared away instructors
Changed my life
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes
Structured classes focusing on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals, including grappling, submissions, and positional control. Designed for beginners and intermediate students to build a strong technical foundation. Instructors emphasize practical self-defense applications and sport techniques.
No-Gi Training
Intensive No-Gi sessions for advanced practitioners, concentrating on takedowns, transitions, and submission chains. Classes cater to blue belts and higher, integrating modern competition strategies while maintaining safety and technical precision.
Advanced Classes
High-level instruction for experienced students, covering advanced techniques, counters, and competition preparation. Instructors provide personalized feedback to refine skills and adapt to evolving Jiu Jitsu trends.
Open Mat Sessions
Unstructured training periods allowing students to drill techniques, spar, and receive one-on-one guidance from instructors. Open mats foster camaraderie and provide flexibility for skill development outside scheduled classes.
Self-Defense Workshops
Specialized workshops focusing on real-world self-defense scenarios, including escapes, strikes, and situational awareness. Designed for all experience levels to enhance personal safety and confidence in practical contexts.
People
Professor James Fallas
Owner/Head Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt with over 15 years of teaching experience. Specializes in blending traditional Jiu Jitsu with modern techniques for self-defense and competition. Committed to student growth and community building.
Professor Dave Rath
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt known for dynamic teaching and expertise in competitive Jiu Jitsu. Focuses on technical precision and adaptive strategies to elevate student performance in sport and real-world scenarios.
Matthew Heiser
Instructor
Purple Belt with a strong background in both Gi and No-Gi training. Emphasizes accessibility for beginners while challenging advanced students with innovative drills and sparring techniques.
Questions
What types of Jiu Jitsu classes do you offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes in both Gi and No-Gi formats, including fundamentals, advanced sessions, and open mat practice for all skill levels.
Are your classes suitable for beginners?
Yes! Our fundamentals classes are designed for beginners, with patient instruction to help new students build confidence and foundational skills.
What should I wear to my first class?
For Gi classes, wear a clean white or blue Gi. For No-Gi, wear shorts and a rashguard. Bring water and arrive 10 minutes early to meet instructors.
Do you offer women-specific training options?
While we don't have separate women-only classes, our inclusive environment ensures female students receive personalized attention and support from instructors.
Can I visit before committing to membership?
Yes! Schedule a free trial class to observe training, meet instructors, and experience our community before joining.
Do you prepare students for competitions?
Yes, our advanced classes focus on competition strategies, but we also emphasize self-defense and personal growth for non-competitive students.
Reviews (5)
Anthony Salvate
Jan 07, 2020
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Great place and people! I was visiting Amsterdam for business and James welcomed me in to train for the week. James was very patient and knowledgeable. I will definitely visit again when I am in town.
Harrod
Jun 13, 2019
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Very clean environment, professional instructors, diverse levels of experience amongst students, and best of all online schedule was up-to-date and accurate! Little bit tricky to find the first time, located inside the Riverfront Center on the second
D. Boice
Jun 12, 2017
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I have been training here since it opened about a year. The professor is one of the most knowledgeable instructors of bjj that I have met/trained with. High Level Jiu Jitsu is truly like a family environment. You will not be disappointed when you come to train!
Jess M.
Mar 10, 2017
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Just a quick update: As of April 1st, the gym will be hosted in a larger room in the same building, doubling the amount of mat space you see in the pictures.
Jess Mann
Jan 20, 2017
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This just opened up mid-2016, and I've been extremely impressed so far. Classes are taught by a talented black belt, who takes a personal interest and involvement in every class. The schedule is absurdly accommodating, and at least one class is scheduled every day of the week. The instruction is excellent, the students are all very diverse, and there is ample open mat time at the end of each class to practice "live".
Currently, the schedule includes "beginner" classes 5 days a week, and an "intermediate" class 2 days. Both the beginner and intermediate classes typically include one or two purple
Currently, the schedule includes "beginner" classes 5 days a week, and an "intermediate" class 2 days. Both the beginner and intermediate classes typically include one or two purple
