Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy

“I have been going to this academy for about 3 months and it's been a great experience. From the very beginning, everyone has been extremely welcoming. The owner, Sean, is very nice, and makes sure you feel welcome and that you're enjoying the classes. The other instructors are very passionate and give great lessons. And as a women, I've also loved the women's only class, where you can focus on women-specific skills and self defence techniques, while surrounded by awesome women and great instructors. I highly recommend this place if you're considering Jiu Jitsu.”

“I joined JJPA last summer after visiting the gym on a recommendation from a friend. Having been here for a few months now, I can definitely say that this is an amazing gym. Sean, the head instructor, is both exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly. Of course, a great head instructor is not the only thing that makes a great gym. The culture among the students and the instructors is excellent. Everyone I've encountered since I first set foot in JJPA has been very welcoming, and all the upper belts that I've had the opportunity to train with have been very tough and very technical. One of the things I've really appreciated about JJPA is the diversity of instruction. While Sean does teach most of the classes, he has multiple black and brown belts who also teach, and he has even asked some of the purple belts (myself included) to teach on occasion. Through this approach, I feel like I've been exposed to a ton of different techniques and grappling styles in a rather short period of time, and my own skill set has improved substantially because of it. On a final note, I've never considered myself much of a morning person, but the 5:30am class three days a week is the time slot I didn't know I needed. Being able to train first thing in the morning without sacrificing time with my family or time at work has been incredible. (The evening classes are great too if rolling before the sun is up isn't your thing!) Anyway, I highly recommend JJPA. It's an awesome gym with some really great people!”

“Absolutely awesome program! They actually TEACH! The facility is clean, and the organization is EXTREMELY organized! Best monthly subscription I have! We will be apart of this gym for a long time! Thanks again Performance Academy!”

“I’ve been a student here for a little over a year. During that time I’ve witnessed that Sean is highly attentive to his customers ever changing needs, and operates his business with the upmost professionalism. When I come to class I know that I can expect to learn good BJJ, train in a clean and safe environment, and see smiling, friendly faces. 10/10 recommend.”

“Spangler's is one of the best BJJ gyms I've visited, and it's a fantastic modern example of a healthy BJJ culture. I'm not even a member, but I like to visit because an old gym mate trains here and invites me over. Sean Spangler always makes me feel welcome and part of the team. His students are technical, measured, and thoughtful in their approach - open to learning new things and then exploring how to fit them into their game. Sean himself is a genuinely wonderful person. He clearly loves BJJ. Every time I visit he helps me identify some aspect of my game that I can improve. He never does it in a negative critical manner, but more with an excited energy at how I can take something that works and make it even better. You can just tell the guy loves this stuff, and is happy to share his knowledge with anyone - member or visitor. Sean also cultivates a culture of sharing knowledge - encouraging visitors to share and students to travel, learn, and bring back knowledge. They have a great relationship with other gyms and collaborate for fund raising, cross training, and social stuff - which to me again speaks volumes about the type of place this is. The gym itself is very clean with a focus on hygiene and order. I've spotted seasonal decorations that make it feel personal, and I'm always greeted and welcomed by its members who don't know me. I can't say enough good things about Spanglers. To reiterate, I'm not a member here myself (for location reasons), but I always encourage people around Raleigh trying to find their next gym to give Spangler's a try - they won't regret it and it'll give you what I consider a great bar to measure others against. More than likely, you'll find your next home on your BJJ journey.”