No gi Jiu-jitsu: Evolving Scranton's Wrestling Tradition

Scranton, Pennsylvania has long been known as a hotbed for amateur wrestling at the high school and collegiate levels. The blue-collar sport is tailor-made for the blue collar area and has been putting out tough, physical wrestlers for decades.. This tradition continues today, as many local kids start wrestling as early as elementary school.

In recent years, a new grappling sport has started to gain popularity in Scranton - no-gi jiu-jitsu. No-gi jiu-jitsu is a form of submission grappling similar to wrestling, where competitors use chokeholds, arm locks and leg locks to try to make their opponent tap out. The key difference from wrestling is that no-gi has no uniforms or protective gear except for a mouthguard

No-gi jiu-jitsu is a natural extension of Scranton’s storied wrestling history. It still emphasizes takedowns and ground control, with an added arsenal of submissions not seen in scholastic or Olympic wrestling. Gyms like No Limits Grappling Academy in Blakely, owned by former wrestler Matt Marcinek, who also holds a judo black belt and jiu-jitsu brown belt introduce “submission wrestling” to a whole new generation of athletes and former athletes.

Competitions for Adults and teens take place across the East Coast and the country and allow for another layer of competitive exploits

 wrestling  will always continue its local dominance, but the rise of no-gi jiu-jitsu represents an evolution that plays toward Scranton’s strengths. The city has always taken pride in its blue-collar work ethic and grit on the mat. Adding chokes and joint locks to the equation opens new possibilities that play well with the area’s history. The next generation of grapplers is already taking notice, making sure Scranton stays on the map

If you are looking to try out jiu-jitsu and carry on or start a wrestling tradition of your own click “ here to schedule your free first session