Phone: 814-810-8736

Raptor Academy

State College’s Premier Destination for Submission Grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

At Raptor Academy, we specialize in world-class submission grappling instruction, rooted in the traditions of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, and Wrestling. Whether you're training for your first class or your next competition, our goal is to help you grow stronger—on and off the mats.

We offer a clean, welcoming, and family-friendly environment where beginners, hobbyists, and experienced athletes can thrive.

Our classes are designed to be:

Accessible – No prior experience required. We teach you from the ground up.
Challenging – Our structured training pushes you to develop confidence, discipline, and skill.
Inclusive – All are welcome. We value respect, safety, and community.

Proudly based in State College, PA — we’re more than just a martial arts school. We’re a community.

Raptor Academy is an official affiliate of The Jiu Jitsu Company.

Raptor Academy was founded on a simple idea: that grappling can transform lives.

Located in the heart of State College, we offer high-level instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, submission grappling, and wrestling-based martial arts for adults and kids alike. Our curriculum blends modern techniques with time-tested fundamentals drawn from BJJ, Judo, Sambo, and folkstyle Wrestling. The result? A practical, pressure-tested approach to grappling that builds both skill and character.

We believe that martial arts should be:

Safe – Clean mats, structured classes, and a strong emphasis on injury prevention.
Supportive – Our coaches and teammates are here to help you succeed, no matter your experience level.
Driven – We care about getting better together. Every roll is an opportunity to learn.

Raptor is more than a gym — it's a place where State College locals and Penn State students come together to train, grow, and challenge themselves.

Whether your goal is fitness, competition, self-defense, or just trying something new, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

SOUND LIKE THE PLACE FOR YOU? CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER!

FREE TRIAL

a welcoming, family environment

for all skill levels.

accessible. challenging.

Instructors

MEET OUR COACHING TEAM

Jeremy Guillard-
black belt 2nd degree

Jeremy is the head instructor at Raptor Academy and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and care to every class he leads. He is a second-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Josh Vogel of The Jiu Jitsu Company, and also holds lineage under Jeff Rockwell, from whom he received his black belt. In addition, he has trained in Judo and Sambo under renowned instructors such as Vlad Koulikov and Frank Driscoll of the Penn State Judo Club. Jeremy’s coaching reflects both technical excellence and a strong emphasis on safety—shaped by his background as a Registered Nurse in Emergency Medicine. His approach is methodical, supportive, and rooted in helping students grow through consistent, intelligent training. When he’s not on the mats, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his family and diving deeper into his ongoing study of Jiu Jitsu. His dedication to the art and to his students is at the heart of Raptor Academy’s inclusive, hard-working culture.

Dr. Jess Buckland-
brown belt

Coach Jess is a brown belt under Raptor Academy of Martial Arts and plays a key role in both the day-to-day operations and the learning environment at the academy. She teaches adult and youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, helping to guide students of all ages with a calm, focused, and supportive presence. In addition to her work on the mats, Jess is a licensed therapist practicing full-time in State College, PA. Her background in mental health brings a thoughtful and empathetic approach to her instruction—fostering an atmosphere where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow both physically and mentally. Coach Jess embodies the values at the core of Raptor Academy: technical growth, personal development, and community connection.

Jon Weaver-
black belt

Coach Jon is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a State College native, and a lifelong martial artist with a diverse background that spans traditional and modern combat arts. His training includes Aikido, Kali Escrima, Judo, and Western Fencing, among other disciplines—giving him a unique and well-rounded perspective on movement, strategy, and self-defense. At Raptor Academy, Jon teaches both youth and adult Jiu Jitsu classes, blending deep technical knowledge with a creative and thoughtful teaching style. His lifelong dedication to the martial arts and commitment to helping students grow make him a cornerstone of the academy’s instructional team. Whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or refining your game, Coach Jon brings a sharp eye and a steady hand to every session.

Brian Shaffer-
brown belt

Officer Brian Shaffer is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Raptor Academy and serves as a primary instructor for our afternoon classes. Known for his direct, disciplined teaching style, Coach Brian brings real-world experience and tactical insight to the mats. A career law enforcement officer, Brian has an extensive background in tactical team operations serving Central Pennsylvania. His training philosophy emphasizes practical application, control under pressure, and composure in high-stress situations—making him a trusted guide for students looking to develop both skill and resilience. Coach Brian is dedicated to helping students build confidence through consistent, focused training in a safe and structured environment.

OUR LOCATION AND AMENITIES
1500 Martin Street
State College, Pa 16803
near Pennsylvania State University

Raptor Academy is conveniently located connected to North Club Fitness Center

at 1500 Martin Street, State College, PA—just minutes from downtown and Penn State’s main campus.

Students may also wish to enjoy the North Club Amenities * additional fees apply

Access to lockers and showers
Ample free parking right outside the facility
On-site strength and conditioning equipment through the connected fitness center

Whether you're coming in for Jiu Jitsu class, hitting the weights before training, or cleaning up before heading out, our shared space is designed to support your full training lifestyle.