Business Details
17 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Watertown, NY
Founded in September 2009, American Top Team Watertown has established itself as a premier destination for martial arts and fitness training in Upstate New York. Originally launched as Jiu Jitsu Nation under the guidance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and MMA fighter Jordan Damon, the gym rebranded in 2015 after affiliating with the globally recognized American Top Team. In 2019, we integrated the BANG Muay Thai system under the mentorship of legendary instructor Duane Bang Ludwig. Our facility offers world-class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, BANG Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, and MMA for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Our team of certified instructors brings decades of combined experience in competitive fighting, coaching, and personal training, ensuring students receive technically precise and practically applicable instruction.We prioritize creating a supportive environment where members can achieve personal growth, physical fitness, and self-defense proficiency while fostering discipline and confidence. Our curriculum caters to diverse goals, from competitive athletes to casual fitness enthusiasts, with structured programs for children, adults, and women's self-defense. Through continuous engagement with industry leaders and regular curriculum updates, we maintain the highest standards of martial arts education in the region.
Services
MMA Training
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
BANG Muay Thai
Boxing Instruction
Cardio Kickboxing
Kids Martial Arts
Women's Self Defense
Strength & Conditioning
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer instruction from certified BANG Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors with professional fighting experience.
- Our curriculum combines traditional martial arts with modern MMA techniques for comprehensive skill development.
- We provide age-specific programs for children, teens, and adults with tailored training approaches.
- Our instructors maintain direct mentorship relationships with industry leaders like Duane Bang Ludwig.
- We emphasize practical self-defense applications alongside competitive fighting techniques.
Associations and certifications
- American Top Team
- BANG Muay Thai
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program teaches grappling techniques focusing on ground fighting and submission holds. Through a rotating curriculum, we cater to all skill levels from beginners to competitive athletes. The program emphasizes leverage-based techniques that enable smaller individuals to defend against larger opponents while building physical conditioning and mental discipline.
BANG Muay Thai
This striking system combines traditional Muay Thai with boxing and Dutch kickboxing techniques. Developed by Duane Ludwig, our program offers structured classes for all experience levels with a focus on practical application for both self-defense and competitive fighting scenarios. Instructors maintain direct communication with system founder Ludwig to ensure technical accuracy.
MMA Training
Our MMA program integrates multiple disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, and wrestling. Designed for serious athletes, it develops comprehensive fighting skills through technical drills, sparring sessions, and conditioning workouts. The curriculum prepares students for competitive fighting while emphasizing safety and proper technique development.
Kids Martial Arts
Structured programs for children aged 5-14 using the BANG Muay Thai Lil Ninjas curriculum. These classes focus on building confidence, discipline, and respect while teaching basic self-defense techniques. Age-appropriate instruction balances skill development with character building in a safe, supportive environment that promotes physical fitness and mental focus.
Women's Self Defense
This specialized program teaches practical self-defense techniques based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu principles. Led by certified instructor Rachel Vincent, classes focus on real-world scenarios women might encounter, emphasizing de-escalation strategies and escape techniques. The program creates a supportive environment for women to build confidence and physical capabilities.
People
Dylan Heath
BANG Muay Thai Instructor
Started training in 2016, now assistant coach in BANG Muay Thai program. Certified ISSA personal trainer with active MMA competition experience. Leads beginner Muay Thai classes and contributes to fight team training.
Joee Frattali
Boxing Program Director
Amateur boxer with 11 fights, certified personal trainer since 2009. Oversees boxing program and cardio classes. Brings 15+ years of martial arts coaching experience to youth and adult programs.
Paul Elliot
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
BJJ black belt since 2018 with competitive experience in NAGA tournaments. Developed fundamentals curriculum and maintains online training resource SimpleBJJ.com. Oversees BJJ program while continuing advanced training with top instructors.
Rachel Vincent
Women's Self Defense Coach
BJJ blue belt and BANG Muay Thai purple belt. Leads women's self-defense classes since 2022. Combines personal training expertise with practical self-defense instruction. Competes in kickboxing and MMA while coaching private clients.
Rick Huntsman
Head BJJ & BMT Instructor
Started training in 2014, now head instructor for BJJ and BANG Muay Thai programs. Purple belt in BJJ with amateur MMA experience. Develops curriculum and trains upcoming fighters while maintaining active competition status.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, BANG Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, and MMA training with specialized programs for different skill levels and goals.
Are classes available for beginners?
Yes, all our programs include beginner-focused classes with technical breakdowns and progressive skill development for new students.
Do you offer kids' martial arts programs?
We have youth programs using the BANG Muay Thai Lil Ninjas curriculum for children aged 5-14 with age-appropriate instruction.
Can I try a class before committing?
Contact us at (315) 782-4255 to schedule a trial session and experience our training environment before joining.
Are private training sessions available?
Yes, we offer private sessions for personalized instruction. Contact us to schedule sessions with our certified instructors.
What fitness benefits can I expect?
Our programs improve strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and coordination while teaching practical self-defense skills.
Reviews (6)
Jerame Dooly
Dec 31, 2021
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A great gym, both for my 4 year old and for me. Great and confident instruction, we enjoy learning, the improvement to our confidence and ability far outweighs the co$t.
Lindsey Burnham
Dec 19, 2021
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Positive:Quality,Value
Have been going for two years. Great classes and a great team of coaches. My kids go to the ninjas class and my husband and I both enjoy the striking classes!
Have been going for two years. Great classes and a great team of coaches. My kids go to the ninjas class and my husband and I both enjoy the striking classes!
Amanda Callahan
Nov 03, 2019
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When I first started here I was very nervous, as a lot of people might be, but I instantly felt welcomed. Between the staff and the other members I felt comfortable and eager to learn. Everyone is very helpful and supportive. They offer multiple different classes, so theres something for everyone, whether youre looking to get in shape, learn technique, compete, or even looking to add something healthy and productive to your life.
Andre Brisbaner
Oct 31, 2019
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Great instructors and very patient with beginners. Best workout Ive had in years. Have kids enrolled also and the just live it.
Pauline Brown
Sep 29, 2013
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My son has been training at this Martial Arts school for about a year now, there is no competition to this school! The instructors are patient with kids and Marc Stevens is the discipline hand that the kids look up too. Yes it has a year contract and yes it can be pricey, but you get what you pay for. My son has not been bullied this year because of the techniques taught by this amazing school. Jiu Jitsu nation also has this program where you recruit other people to join and you receive that month free! It is a horrible shame that our family has to move and leave this amazing school behind. We
MrSplean
Sep 15, 2012
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Good school. Horrible business model. They only accept year long contracts that are pretty expensive. So if you get hurt, have a tough work schedule, or don't continue for any reason, your screwed. They don't accept drop in classes as an option either. I got turned away with money in hand. It's sad that such a pure art has been corrupted by greed. It's obvious what their priorities are.