Grapple Mechanics® Jiu-Jitsu Academy is an official JJGF Academy under Rickson Gracie. Our curriculum, instructional standards, and belt rank-awarding system follow JJGF standards. In Portland, Oregon, we teach and preserve the technical foundations of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, also known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, through structured training that emphasizes connection, balance, leverage, and timing rather than relying on strength, athleticism, or brute force.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is built on the principle that sound technique can overcome strength and size. Through the work of pioneers such as Carlos Gracie and Hélio Gracie, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu developed into a practical self-defense system based on leverage, timing, and mechanical efficiency. In later years, Rickson Gracie and Royce Gracie showcased the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu principles to the world through Pride Fighting Championships (Pride FC) and Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) matches.
The Academy's goal is to help students build practical self-defense skills, improve their physical fitness, and deepen their understanding of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as both a martial art and a lifelong discipline. This reflects Helio Gracie's belief that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is both a way of life and one of the world's most effective self-defense systems.
Grapple Mechanics® Jiu-Jitsu Academy operates inside the gymnasium at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood. We selected this location because it provides a spacious, practical, and community-oriented environment for Jiu-Jitsu training. The facility serves as our temporary home while we establish and grow our student membership, with plans to eventually move into a dedicated commercial location.
Although the gymnasium is owned by the church, Grapple Mechanics is an independently operated martial arts academy with no religious affiliation or requirements. We welcome everyone, regardless of religious beliefs, nationality, or background. Our classes focus on Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, physical fitness, and personal development. Religious instruction and participation are not part of our programs.
The facility offers ample street parking, additional parking behind the building, separate men's and women's restrooms, a modern filtered-water bottle-filling station, and access to a kitchen.
We are committed to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment where students can train comfortably, develop their skills, and build lasting friendships within the Grapple Mechanics community.




