BJJ · MUAY THAI · MMA
DELAWARE COUNTY
Whether you're looking for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Submission Wrestling, or MMA training near you, Daniel Gracie Delco is Delaware County's home for all four — no experience needed. Fill out the form and we'll schedule your free trial class.
ABOUT US
Daniel Gracie Delco was founded to make Jiu-Jitsu accessible to everyone — regardless of age, shape or experience. As a proud affiliate of the Daniel Gracie Team, we bring authentic, black-belt-led training to Delaware County, minutes from Philadelphia. Whether you're chasing your first stripe in BJJ, sharpening your striking in Muay Thai, or training for MMA competition, you'll find a genuine community here — not just a gym.
Official Daniel Gracie Team Affiliate
Authentic lineage. Black-belt instruction.
We are a proud member of the Daniel Gracie Team, carrying forward a lineage of authentic, world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction right here in Delco.
THE GENTLE ART
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art built on leverage, technique and timing — not size or strength. It teaches you to stay calm under pressure and solve problems with your mind, which is exactly why it's the most effective form of self-defense and one of the most rewarding skills you'll ever learn.
Leverage lets a smaller person control a larger one — perfect for real self-defense.
Build real-world strength, mobility and conditioning while having fun on the mat.
"Jiu- Jitsu changed my life. I feel stronger every day!"
Brett Linebarger
OUR PROGRAMS
Whether you're here for self-defense, fitness, competition, or your child's confidence — there's a place for you on our mats.
GI & NO-GI
From your very first day to the competition mat. Structured fundamentals, live training and open mats for every level.
AGES 5–16
A structured, age-appropriate program that builds confidence, focus and respect — and gives kids real tools to handle bullying.
ALL LEVELS
Sharpen your striking, conditioning and footwork in a high-energy class that complements your grappling and torches calories.
NO-GI
No-gi grappling that blends wrestling takedowns with BJJ submissions — for grapplers who want a faster, gripless game.
ALL LEVELS
Striking, wrestling and submissions in one program — built from our BJJ, Muay Thai and Submission Wrestling classes.
BENEFITS
Earn genuine self-assurance that carries into school, work and everyday life.
Practical, proven skills to protect yourself and stay calm under real pressure.
Get stronger, leaner and more mobile — without ever setting foot on a treadmill.
Show up, do the work, and watch consistency transform every part of your life.
Train alongside people who push you, support you and become real friends.
Learn from accredited black-belt coaches in the authentic Daniel Gracie lineage.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
“I’m a newbie, I just started training here and I’m already loving it. Brett, the owner, is super welcoming, really funny, and makes the environment enjoyable. The classes are structured in a way that makes it easy to learn and pick things up quickly. Great atmosphere, great people, and an amazing community — highly recommend!”
“I was fortunate to start my Jiu-Jitsu journey under Coach Brett Linebarger two years ago in Philadelphia. He is a phenomenal trainer and, off the mats, an even better person and friend. Daniel Gracie Delco is sure to become a community staple and a future hub of champions. I cannot recommend it enough.”
“I’ve trained BJJ for over five years and visited dozens of gyms across the country. Professor Brett teaches some of the best fundamental classes I’ve ever taken. He shows important details that some instructors gloss over and explains the concepts behind the success or failure of a technique. I highly recommend taking one of Brett’s classes.”
“This is my first experience training in BJJ. I’m 45 and wanted to do something to stay in shape, but it turned out to be so much more than I expected. The instruction is exceptional, the workout is great, and there’s always a positive, family-oriented vibe. I definitely recommend Daniel Gracie Delco.”
“Professor Bret is doing a great job creating an environment where all students feel welcome and part of the community. I’ve trained at many gyms, and he is one of the best instructors at breaking complicated techniques into small, understandable steps. On top of that, he is a great, humble, and passionate human being!”
MEET THE TEAM
Accredited black and brown belts in the authentic Daniel Gracie lineage — dedicated to your growth on and off the mat.
Founder & Head Coach
Brett is the founder and Head Coach of Daniel Gracie Delco. A 2nd Degree Black Belt under Daniel Gracie, he leads the academy's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program with an emphasis on authentic technique, discipline, confidence, and steady progress for beginners, experienced students, and competitors.
2nd Degree Black Belt under Daniel Gracie
Muay Thai & BJJ Fundamentals Coach
Rich is a Brown Belt under Daniel Gracie and coaches Muay Thai and BJJ Fundamentals at Daniel Gracie Delco. His classes combine clear technical instruction, practical martial arts skills, conditioning, and a supportive environment that helps students build confidence and improve consistently.
Brown Belt under Daniel Gracie
Kids & BJJ Fundamentals Coach
Isreal is a Brown Belt under Daniel Gracie who leads the children's curriculum and teaches BJJ Fundamentals at Daniel Gracie Delco. He focuses on age-appropriate instruction, strong technique, discipline, confidence, and a positive environment where kids and adult beginners can develop safely.
Brown Belt under Daniel Gracie
BJJ Fundamentals Coach
Lou is a Kodokan Judo Black Belt and BJJ Brown Belt who teaches BJJ Fundamentals. He began Judo in 2008, competed internationally including at the AMCA, and earned his Black Belt in 2015 under Sensei Donna Smyth. Since 2016, he has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Thiiago Thomas and shared practical self-defense skills.
Brown Belt BJJ · Black Belt Judo
Muay Thai & BJJ Coach
Jim is a Black Belt under Daniel Gracie and trained in Muay Thai under the late Ken Perry. With experience competing in amateur MMA and Muay Thai promotions, he teaches both Muay Thai and BJJ at Daniel Gracie Delco, helping students develop technique, conditioning, confidence, and composure.
Black Belt under Daniel Gracie
No-Gi & Leg Locks Coach
James is a Daniel Gracie Black Belt who has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2017. After teaching beginner No-Gi BJJ at Marquez MMA from 2022 to 2024, he received his Black Belt in May 2024. He now teaches beginner No-Gi leg locks at Daniel Gracie Delco.
Black Belt under Daniel Gracie
Kids Classes Coach
Kate is a Blue Belt under Brett Linebarger who leads children's classes at Daniel Gracie Delco. A special education teacher for over 20 years and a soccer and baseball coach, she competes regularly in BJJ. Her two sons also train and compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Blue Belt under Brett Linebarger
FAQ
Absolutely. Whether you're interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Submission Wrestling, or MMA, the majority of our students walked in with zero experience. Our Fundamentals classes are built specifically for beginners, and you'll always have coaches and training partners guiding you.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on ground control and submissions with a gi. Muay Thai is a striking art using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. Submission Wrestling is no-gi grappling — similar to BJJ, but without a gi to grip, closer to freestyle wrestling with a submission layer added on top. MMA combines all three ranges — striking, wrestling, and ground submissions — into one discipline. Not sure which is right for you? Come try a free class and our coaches will help you decide.
Wear comfortable athletic clothing — a t-shirt and shorts or leggings work great. We'll provide a loaner gi if needed for BJJ or Kids BJJ, and hand wraps for Muay Thai or MMA classes. Bring water and arrive a few minutes early to meet the coach.
Yes! Our Kids Jiu-Jitsu program is designed for ages 5–16 with an age-appropriate curriculum that builds confidence, focus, and real self-defense skills — one of the reasons families across Delaware County choose us for kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu near them.
Yes — both of our Muay Thai and MMA classes are structured for beginners first. You'll start with fundamentals (stance, striking, basic takedowns and control) before moving into live training, so no one gets thrown in over their head.
Fill out the form and we'll reach out to schedule your visit. You'll tour the academy, meet the coaches, and participate in a beginner-friendly class in the program of your choice — BJJ, Kids BJJ, Muay Thai, Submission Wrestling, or MMA — completely free, no commitment.
ON THE MAT
BJJ · MUAY THAI · MMA
DELAWARE COUNTY
Interested in a free trial class for yourself or your child? Fill out the information and we'll reach out to answer questions and schedule your free trial!
(484) 494-1068
brett@danielgraciedelco.com
527 Chester Pike, Prospect Park 19076
