Empire Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Maine

Empire Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Maine provides martial arts instruction and practical self-defense education at 15 Depot St in Freeport, Maine. The training center traces its Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lineage directly through Carlos Gracie Jr. and Helio Soneca Moreira, offering group classes and introductory free sessions for newcomers. Owner and head instructor Josh Blakely commenced his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2003 in Portland under Jay Jack. After earning his brown belt in 2011, Blakely managed martial arts gyms and instructed law enforcement and military personnel before earning his black belt from Helio Soneca Moreira in April 2016. Brown belt instructor Doug Van Pelt began training in 2012, bringing instructional experience gained across Texas, Michigan, and Kentucky. Coursework includes gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo throws, and submission wrestling. Programs accommodate homeschool students and evening youth participants ages eight to fifteen, alongside adult basic and advanced classes, free women's self-defense sessions, and tactical police seminars.