Ex-Marine Opens Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy LockDownBJJ in Ronkonkoma

Professor Joseph Thompson also known as “The Drill Sargent” by his students is the true symbol of teaching excellence when it comes to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Joseph Thompson an accomplished BJJ warrior himself has crafted warrior workouts; BJJ battle drills, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique instruction that out his students in the best shape of their life while sharpening their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. Professor Joseph Thompson lives the military values, exemplifies the warrior ethos, and most importantly- is the epitome of the military style of pushing people to be the best. Through this philosophy Professor Joseph Thompson has literally transformed the lives of many of his students. From 50 years old that are now champions to young women that have shed over 50 lbs., to kids who have learned not only self defense but self discipline, self confidence, and respect for others.

Professor Joseph Thompson has been training one form of combative art or another since he was 14 years old. As a kid he boxed in PAL, he also tried his hand at wrestling in junior high and high school, then like most he found himself in Tae-Kwan-Doe. After bouncing around for some years Joe found himself in a traditional karate system American Combat. It was there after studying the stand up style for many years that he discovered the ground style of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He was than introduced to Renzo Gracie back in the mid 90's and that is when his jiu-jitsu journey began. Like most, Joe did the stop and go type training. One month on 3 months off...etc. until he eventually stopped training completely.

In 2001, when Joe was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease he felt the need to make changes to his diet and training habits. It was from that point on that he dedicated himself solely to training mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. That dedication drove him to compete professionally as a mixed martial artist in shows such as Ring of Combat. It wasn't until 2005 that Joe met Alexandre Soca, a Carlos Gracie, Jr. black belt since 1994 and member of the famed Gracie-Barra camp. Soca holds such prestigious titles as the Pan Ams, Mundials, and Abu Dhabi's.

It was under Soca's knowledge and teaching that he advanced to the level of Black Belt and found himself winning (2) World Championships and medaling in over 70 tournaments himself;

Here is a list of just some of his accomplishments:

5X - No-Gi Pan American Championship Medalist

2X - Gi Pan American Championship Medalist

6X - IBJJF New York Open Gi Championship Medalist

12X - NAGA Championship Medalist

9X - Grapplers Quest Championship Medalist

4X - Pride Championship Medalist

2016 IBJJF Worlds Masters – Black Belt Bronze Medalist Weight Division

2016 IBJJF Worlds NO-GI – Black Belt Bronze Medalist Weight Division

2016 IBJJF Houston Open - Black Belt Weight Division Silver Medalist

2016 IBJJF NY Open Weight - Black Belt Division Silver Medalist

2015 IBJJF NY OPEN – Black Belt Weight Division Gold Medalist

2013 IBJJF Worlds- Brown Belt Weight Division Gold Medalist

2013 IBJJF Worlds- Brown Belt Open Division Gold Medalist

2013 IBJJF NY OPEN Summer Invitational -1st Place Brown Belt Absolut

2012 IBJJ Gi World Championships - 2nd place Absolut Division

2012 Naga World Championships - 1st place - Expert Division

2011 Pan American Championships- 1st Place Weight Division - 1st Place Absolut Division

2010 IBJJF No-Gi World Championships - 2nd Place Weight Division

2009 Grapplers Quest North American Middleweight Champion

Joe is also a certified and registered IBJJF Referee, the most recognized and credible organization regarding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is also a certified referee for both the ADCC and NAGA organizations.

About Lockdown Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Located at 733 Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma and on the Web at LockdownBJJ.com. The goal at Lockdown BJJ Academy is to help people reach their own personal goals. Whether that is to become a grappling champion, improve BJJ for MMA, learn self-defense or to have fun and get in the best shape of your life – Lockdown BJJ Academy is the place for you.

The Academy puts a strong emphasis on self-defense and on conditioning. In a hypothetical situation, if you were FORCED to defend yourself or your family against an attacker, do you think you have the skills? Are you in good enough condition that you do not gas out immediately? We believe that everyone – men, women and children – should train and always have the advantage if the situation ever arises. The confidence you build while training is another bi-product.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been proven to be the most effective form of self-defense on the planet.

At Lockdown BJJ Academy, they're dedicated to keeping a clean, safe, family friendly environment. We believe in structure and making sure everyone is treated with the same respect they would respect in return.

The Lockdown BJJ Academy facility hosts:

- Separate weight training area containing ropes, free weights, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls and more.

- Locker room with showers and changing area.

- Large lounge/viewing area with free WiFi and seating area.

- Large parking lot

Website: www.LockDownBJJ.com

Phone: 631 276-1338

Address: 733 Hawkins Avenue Ronkonkoma, NY 11779