Martial Arts Academy Opens in Gloucester

By Callie Laubacker

York River Jiu-Jitsu officially opened its doors late last month, marking the final milestone of its launch with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The martial arts academy is located at Main Street Center, Gloucester Court House (6912 Main Street).

The event followed an introductory open house held recently, officially cementing the arrival of the highly anticipated, family-centered martial arts program in the Gloucester community.

Guests toured the training space, met head instructor and owner David Harris alongside his wife, Alice, and celebrated the official launch of the programs.

For David Harris, opening the academy is the result of a long-held passion for coaching and a desire to create something that was missing in the area. As the father of three boys and a coach for the Mathews youth wrestling program for the past three years, he saw an opportunity to bring a family-centered martial arts program to Gloucester.

“I guess the lack of martial arts studios in Gloucester, or basically any kind of place where kids and adults could do something together, really inspired it,” Harris said. “There are a lot of gyms outside the area, but nothing here in Gloucester. It was just the logical next step.”

The academy will welcome both children and adults, with classes designed for beginners as well as more experienced students. Children’s programs will be divided by age, with classes for ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 13, while teens around age 14 and older will generally train alongside adults. Morning and evening adult classes will be offered throughout the week, with open mat sessions planned for Saturdays.

Although the academy is open, getting the space prepared has been one of the biggest challenges. Harris said he started with an empty building and has spent the past few weeks working nearly nonstop to transform it into a welcoming place for families.

“We started with a blank space,” he said. “We’re trying to think of all the things that would create an environment where a parent would feel comfortable bringing their kid, a clean, inviting environment.”

After spending countless hours installing mats, flooring and finishing the space, Harris is eager to shift his focus from construction to instruction.

“I’ve been here every day, all day, all night,” he said with a laugh. “I’ll be ready just to get started on the actual training in jiu-jitsu, not building stuff every day.”

While teaching martial arts is at the heart of the business, Harris hopes the academy becomes something more than a place to exercise. He envisions it as a gathering place where families can spend time together, meet new people and support one another.

“I’m just looking forward to the community aspect of it,” he said. “Having programs for families, something we can share and do together. Bringing my kids here and training with them, spending more time with them. That’s what I’m most excited about.”

More information: about class schedules and registration is available through https://yorkriverjiujitsu.gymdesk.com.

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