Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The King of
Grappling Arts, Right Here in Norwich
Learn the style that dominates the ground,
in the ring or the street
in the ring or the street
photo by Sonny Parlin
If you follow MMA at all, you’ve heard of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s the system that allows the smaller fighter to out-position and win against stronger, more athletic opponents through leverage and strategy.
BJJ is one of the most sought-after systems in the world right now, and it’s available to you right here in Norwich at America’s Best Defense.
Charlie McShane, trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2000, has students from all over the map: restaurant owners, cops, amateur MMA fighters, comic book artists, security guards, dog groomers, casino workers. Everyone is welcome to train and experience one of Connecticut's longest-running Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs in a safe and fun environment.
BJJ is one of the most sought-after systems in the world right now, and it’s available to you right here in Norwich at America’s Best Defense.
Charlie McShane, trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2000, has students from all over the map: restaurant owners, cops, amateur MMA fighters, comic book artists, security guards, dog groomers, casino workers. Everyone is welcome to train and experience one of Connecticut's longest-running Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs in a safe and fun environment.
Train For Self-Defense: BJJ was designed for the smaller fighter to defeat the physically superior. Jiu-Jitsu more than evens the playing field by taking the fight to where you’re most comfortable, and minimizing the bigger guy’s advantages. Headlocks, Bear Hugs, Chokes, Punches: you’ll learn how to defend against them all and bring your opponent into your arena.
Train For Confidence: Your self-esteem skyrockets when you can truly hold your own. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gives you not only technique and strategy, but a whole new view on your own abilities.
Train For Competition: BJJ offers you the ability to hone your skill and competitiveness, both in and out of the school. While tournaments are never required, they’re a great way to test yourself and improve your skill level.
Train For Fitness: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu works muscles that don’t get used in conventional workouts, while at the same time providing an intense cardio experience. Burn calories while you learn!
Train For Fun: Bottom line: BJJ is fun. Step out of your routine, relieve your stress, sweat, and work on yourself – with students who are there to help.
Train For Confidence: Your self-esteem skyrockets when you can truly hold your own. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gives you not only technique and strategy, but a whole new view on your own abilities.
Train For Competition: BJJ offers you the ability to hone your skill and competitiveness, both in and out of the school. While tournaments are never required, they’re a great way to test yourself and improve your skill level.
Train For Fitness: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu works muscles that don’t get used in conventional workouts, while at the same time providing an intense cardio experience. Burn calories while you learn!
Train For Fun: Bottom line: BJJ is fun. Step out of your routine, relieve your stress, sweat, and work on yourself – with students who are there to help.
Instructor: Charlie McShane
- Awarded Brown Belt by Marco DeLima 1/11
- Awarded Purple Belt by Rodrigo Gracie, 1/09
- Awarded Blue Belt by Royce Gracie, 2001
- Trained since 2000.
- Started one of the first BJJ programs in CT in 2001.
- Currently training with Marco DeLima, Jay Bell, and Brad Wolfson.
- Trained in the Royce Gracie system for 9 years
- Brown Belt in Judo at Norwich Judo Dojo.
Helio Gracie and Charlie McShane, 2001
| 
Rickson Gracie and Charlie McShane at Rickson Gracie Academy in Los Angeles, 2004
|
America's Best Defense: Team DeLima Jiu-Jitsu
Marco DeLima
Charlie McShane's instructor is Marco DeLima
Marco DeLima, head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach of Team DeLima Jiu Jitsu, holds many titles. Marco is an aggressive competitor who has a desire to teach, Marco can still be seen on the mats at any NAGA, Grapplers Quest, or Pan Am event. Marco is a 6 state champion (Brazil), a 3 regional champion (Brazil) and he holds more than 70 titles at Naga/ Grapplers Quest.
Marco DeLima, head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach of Team DeLima Jiu Jitsu, holds many titles. Marco is an aggressive competitor who has a desire to teach, Marco can still be seen on the mats at any NAGA, Grapplers Quest, or Pan Am event. Marco is a 6 state champion (Brazil), a 3 regional champion (Brazil) and he holds more than 70 titles at Naga/ Grapplers Quest.
- Pan Ams no-Gi 2009
- Pan Ams Gi 2009
- Mundial no-Gi 2009
- Vale Tudo Brazil champion 2002
- 1st place whole year 2001 no-GI and GI at NAGA
Lineage
Carlos Gracie Sr.
Carlson Gracie Sr.
Andre Pederneiras
Marcus Aurelio
Marco DeLima
Marco teaches at ABD Norwich / ABD Colchester periodically and holds regular belt examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I've never done martial arts in my life. Can I handle this? We get new students of all experience levels starting all the time. You don't need an ounce of previous training to learn BJJ. I break things down into small chunks so even the newest jiu-jitsu player can learn and improve.
I'm twenty-something/fifty-something. Am I too old to start? No, BJJ can be done at any age. Helio Gracie, one of the founders of BJJ, trained into his late nineties.
Do I have to fight and get punched in the face? No! While you will learn to defend against a variety of attacks, you'll never have to "get in the cage." You can train in BJJ for your own reasons and goals!
Is BJJ just for men? Not at all, we have women training too. In fact, I think jiu-jitsu is extremely important for women to learn because of its emphasis on defending against a larger, stronger, more aggressive opponent.
Do you always wear a gi in class? We work equally on gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu to be well-rounded.
What's the schedule like? We offer over eleven hours of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes per week and you can train as much as you want. We're here mornings, evenings, and weekends.
I'm twenty-something/fifty-something. Am I too old to start? No, BJJ can be done at any age. Helio Gracie, one of the founders of BJJ, trained into his late nineties.
Do I have to fight and get punched in the face? No! While you will learn to defend against a variety of attacks, you'll never have to "get in the cage." You can train in BJJ for your own reasons and goals!
Is BJJ just for men? Not at all, we have women training too. In fact, I think jiu-jitsu is extremely important for women to learn because of its emphasis on defending against a larger, stronger, more aggressive opponent.
Do you always wear a gi in class? We work equally on gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu to be well-rounded.
What's the schedule like? We offer over eleven hours of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes per week and you can train as much as you want. We're here mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Beginners are joining all the time, and getting started is easy. Simply fill out the form below and hit submit. I'll get in touch, usually within 24 hours, to answer any questions you have.
Talk to you soon... Charlie McShane
Talk to you soon... Charlie McShane
