Our Story
How It All Began
Train Unchained is for everyone—whether you're stepping on the mat for the first time or you've been training for years. We focus on no-gi jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and real-world self-defense. Training that translates to actual combat and competition.
Our founder Thomas built this gym after his own transformation—losing nearly 400 pounds through dedication and proper training. He saw firsthand how the right community and guidance can change someone's life, and he wanted to create that environment for others.
The name “Unchained” represents our philosophy: we've unchained ourselves from the traditional belt system. Too many schools use belts as status symbols rather than markers of real ability. Here, you train and compete at the level of your actual skill. No politics. No gatekeeping. No sandbagging. Just effective martial arts.
World-Class Systems
We teach proven systems from the best jiu-jitsu artists in the world. Our head instructor has spent years studying and curating techniques from elite competitors, bringing that knowledge directly to our mats. Students even vote on what systems they want to learn—because your training should serve your goals.
“Your ability on the mat is what matters here. Not your belt, not your ego—just what you can actually do.”
A Different Kind of Coaching
At many gyms, coaches gatekeep information. They teach from a place of superiority, holding back techniques to stay ahead of their students. We do the opposite.
Our head instructor is an open book. His goal isn't to stay better than everyone—it's to build a room full of people who can eventually surpass him. That's how he knows he's done his job as a teacher. Not something you hear at most gyms, but it's the truth of how we operate.
This philosophy came from experience. Walking into a wrestling room as a complete beginner, surrounded by state and national-level competitors who shared everything they knew. That environment—where experts lift everyone up instead of holding them down—is what created rapid growth. That's the culture we're building here.
“My job is to make you better than me. When that happens, I've succeeded.”
Our Values
- •Skill Over Status — Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned competitor, you belong here. We measure progress by growth, not belts.
- •Authenticity — No gatekeeping, no time requirements, no checking boxes for status. We assess your skill personally—and our goal is to help you surpass us.
- •Community — We're more than a gym; we're a family that supports each other through every challenge.
- •Growth — We believe everyone can improve. Whether you're day one or decade ten, there's always more to learn.