About the school
Fifteen years of teaching people how to handle themselves.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Manchester has operated as a Gracie University affiliate for approximately 15 years, teaching structured self-defense to adults of every background — most of whom had never set foot in a martial arts school before.
Where we came from
The same system, whoever's teaching.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Manchester teaches the Gracie University curriculum under affiliate license. That distinction matters: instruction here follows a standardized teaching progression developed and refined over decades, rather than a single instructor's improvised approach.
In practice, that means every beginner — regardless of who happens to be teaching that night — moves through the same sequence of positions, escapes, and control, taught the same way. It's part of why the school has been able to keep a consistent standard of instruction for fifteen years.
We are not built around competition. Some students choose to compete; most don't. Our curriculum is oriented toward a different goal: knowing what to do when a physical confrontation actually happens, and being able to do it calmly.
15+
Years as a Gracie University affiliate in Manchester
~50/50
Everyday balance of women and men training together
3
Structured adult programs, from first class to advanced study
0
Requirement to compete, spar aggressively, or already be athletic
Instruction
Our instructor team.
Our instructors are certified through Gracie University's instructor program, which requires ongoing training in both the curriculum itself and in how to teach it to adults with no background. Working with total beginners is treated as its own discipline — pacing a room, reading who's nervous, and building confidence without rushing anyone.
Every instructor on our mat has spent real time training beside beginners, not just performing for them. That's a deliberate hiring and development standard, not an accident.
Ross White
Brown Belt | Head Instructor
Ross leads Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Manchester with a focus on making practical self-defense understandable and approachable for everyday people. He has spent more than 15 years with Gracie University and has shaped the school around structured instruction, steady progression, and a culture where beginners can challenge themselves at their own pace.
Colton Chaloux
Brown Belt | Instructor
Students know Colton for his thoughtful, problem-solving approach to jiu-jitsu. Rather than simply showing students a series of movements, he helps them understand the purpose behind each technique, recognize common reactions, and work through challenges as they arise. His depth of knowledge and analytical teaching style help students become more adaptable, confident, and independent on the mat.
Maddie Pratte
Blue Belt | Women Empowered Instructor
Maddie brings a calm, positive, and encouraging presence to the mat. Her continued training in the advanced program gives her a well-rounded understanding of jiu-jitsu and allows her to explain techniques with both clarity and perspective. She creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, working through challenges, and progressing at their own pace.
Jess Bellantoni
Pink Belt | Women Empowered Instructor
Jess brings years of teaching experience and an upbeat, encouraging presence to every class. She has a natural ability to help students push past hesitation, stay engaged, and recognize their own progress. Her energy makes training feel approachable, while her experience allows her to guide students with confidence, patience, and purpose.
The space
A professional academy, not a converted garage.
Clean mats, a dedicated reception area, and private space for the conversations that matter before you ever step on the mat. The room is built to make a first visit feel unremarkable in the best sense — nothing to brace for.
Come see for yourself
The best way to understand this school is to walk into it.
Get started
Ready to see the mat for yourself?
An intro class is the fastest way to know if this is the right fit — no obligation, no pressure.