The Best Jiu-Jitsu Gym in Scranton | The Best MMA Gym in Scranton

If you are looking for Scranton MMA classes or Scranton Jiu-Jitsu classes, here's why Pride Lands MMA is the best gym to start.

First, I would like to note that "best" of anything is a completely subjective statement, as priorities vary according to person. Here's what I find to be our strengths, and if these are critical values to you, then we are the "best gym" for you.

1. We are one of the first gyms open in NEPA-- we have been in different locations since 2009 (like Dunmore, Clarks Summit, Factoryville, and Scranton) but the point remains, we are one of the first.

2. We are currently the highest rated MMA academy in the area, having well over 100 five star reviews on Google! (thank you to our team!)

3. Owner/Founder/Head Coach Jason Ratchford is a wisely respected teacher and fighter for many reasons.

   1. In 2015, Jason became "the first and only [at the time] martial arts fighter to hold duel ranks as a first-degree black belt in judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Northeastern Pennsylvania." proving immense credibility and lifelong dedication to martial arts.

   2. Before the pandemic, he frequented trips to Renzo Gracie NYC to continue his own training regularly throughout the week, while also running his academy full time. Here's what came of those trips:

      1. he received his promotion to 3rd degree black belt under Renzo Gracie himself.

      2. he attended John Danaher's classes regularly (the best teacher in the world) and received elite-level training.

      3. in those classes, he got to train with the best grapplers in the world, regularly training with the "Danaher Death Squad" (members like Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, Gary Tonon, Jake Shields, and more)

   3. Has taught fighters in various disciplines and fostered a family-like environment for well over 15 years! Instructing UFC veterans, D1 collegiate wrestlers, IBJJF Pan American winners, and Professional MMA fighters.

4. Which leads to my next point, it's our community. Pride Lands MMA is the kind of gym where strangers become family. That's just how it is! There aren't cliques, everyone can belong here. And if you are trying to get GOOD at Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Wrestling, Boxing, Kickboxing, etc. this is where you come! Having coaches with great credibility and students with insane accolades, you know you will improve fast, because you are training under AND WITH the best!

5. We have classes for everyone. We have co-ed classes for all levels Jiu-Jitsu, striking (boxing and kickboxing), and for kids! We also have Women Only Jiu-Jitsu classes. Not just "self-defense" but Jiu-Jitsu! Whats the difference? Jiu-Jitsu is inherently self-defense, if you do Jiu-Jitsu, you are learning self-defense. But Not always if you do self-defense, are you learning Jiu-Jitsu. Our Women Only Jiu-Jitsu classes focus on the sport! Yeah you're technically learning how to defend yourself, but you are also learning an awesome new skill that will get you in incredible shape and help you regulate your stress. Our Women Only class was crafted because we know how daunting it can be for ANYONE but especially women to come into a fight gym as someone with no experience (plus dudes are way sweatier). And also for the female Jiu-Jitsu competitors that like training with men, but need to get exclusive training with women to help prepare for an accurate competition-like feel. Point being-- everyone belong here! hobbyists, competitors, adults, kids, men, women, etc!

6. Every student is acknowledged, you aren't just a number. When I say this, I think especially of our kids Jiu-Jitsu classes and kids MMA/striking classes (aka "Little Lions") it's easy to have such large numbers in kids classes and just forget who is who, or to instruct and then just hang back, but that's not what we do here. Every student (no matter how old you are) is recognized and being helped! In a way, I personally feel like our Little Lions are the heart of our gym. Because they are our future! Speaking as someone who once was a "Little Lion", it's a gift to be able to teach and lead the next generations. I may be biased (as their coach) but I truly believe we have the best kids Jiu-Jitsu classes in Scranton purely because of our students. You will never meet kinder kids that work harder!

7. We keep it clean, we keep prices fair, and NO CONTRACTS! You dont have to sign a year-long contract to belong here. Our only policy is that we ask you let us know 30 days before your next billing dates (last date you want to be billed) to avoid accidental charges in our billing system.

8. Miscellaneous things like, we got the coolest logo ever (yes I'm serious) and we have sick events going on always. Tournaments to compete in, MMA fights (our fighters) to watch and cheer on, seminars with the best names in Jiu-Jitsu (Helena Crevar April 4th), summer camps for kids, regular team bonding opportunities & more!

These are just a few reasons why I think Pride Lands MMA is the best Jiu-Jitsu Academy + best MMA academy near you. If these point listed are of importance to you, then you just might find so as well. If you are interested in trying out our gym, try out a class on us. Go to our booking calendar to reserve a free trial class or you can contact us via info@pridelandsmma.com or 570.904.0435 for more info!