Driftless Academy opens doors in Sparta

Holding its grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 12, Driftless Academy, located at 138 N Water Street in Sparta, has officially opened its doors. Founded by Chris LaForce, Ian Maland, Jason Jones, and Levi Rognholt, this new location aims to foster community while providing top-notch training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and boxing. Rognholt, a current Army soldier at Ft McCoy, has long aspired to share his passion for martial arts locally. Having a location in Sparta will save many the drive to La Crosse, which could have prohibited some from training. "By creating a second Driftless Academy location, members can cross-train and attend classes at either location," says Rognholt.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) was developed as a fighting system by the Gracie family in Brazil. It is a hybrid version of Japanese Judo. The Gracie family adapted what they had learned of Judo and made it a ground-fighting style. One could say it is like wrestling, with fewer rules and more submission techniques. While the Gracie's martial art became known across Brazil, it would later gain worldwide notoriety when members of that family and their students used their ground fighting to win matches against larger opponents in the early days of the UFC and other mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions. Their hybrid style was winning so often that other fighters felt they had to add it to the training just to be competitive. As most fights are frequently taken to the ground, knowing how to handle yourself in that position is beneficial. The modern-day MMA practitioner is often skilled in BJJ, boxing, and Muay Thai kickboxing. It has been the trifecta for winning fights and being competitive in MMA. Additionally, there are many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions worldwide where students of all kinds test their knowledge and abilities against one another. Students attend schools like Driftless Academy to pursue interests in MMA fighting, learn self-defense techniques, and benefit from the mental and physical aspects of the training.

As you experience one of the Driftless Academy classes, the instructors are clearly very knowledgeable, skilled, and passionate about martial arts and teaching. This school has a camaraderie where students like to see and help each other improve. More experienced students will take the time to help newer students with a technique. You won't see or hear chastising or rudeness. The students begin and end training with a handshake and a fist bump. They are all there for the same common goal of learning and improving. Rognholt stresses that "each student can approach training in a way that best suits them." "The student should listen to their body and know we are here to support them and their health."  Out of safety concerns, instructors will teach alternate techniques to prevent a less experienced student from being harmed in a throw or other technique. "Tap early and often," says Rognholt as he starts the free roll session where students can test what they have learned against one another. 

Driftless Academy can accommodate individuals of all ages and levels, whether you're a seasoned athlete or a complete novice. The academy's instructors are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging students to challenge themselves while developing skills that extend beyond the mats. One can expect to experience strength, stamina, agility, flexibility, and mental acuity improvements. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art style that can be physically taxing as you fight against the weight and strength of your opponent. Meanwhile, using the knowledge you have acquired through training and practice, you are playing a mental chess game with your opponent as you attempt to work past their defense or use their attack to your advantage. It can be enthralling to watch high-level competitors when you understand the game they are playing against one another to gain a slight advantage that could result in an opponent tapping to acknowledge they have lost.

Driftless Academy teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 6 am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and again at 6 pm Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Striking coach Jason Jones teaches boxing and kickboxing on Thursdays at 6 pm. Students can take any classes they would like and travel to the Driftless Academy school in La Crosse and train there. Driftless Academy looks forward to providing training opportunities to military and law enforcement personnel in the Ft. McCoy and Sparta areas.   New students can sign up for a free trial. More information can be found on the Driftless Academy website, https://www.driftlessacademy.com/, or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/people/Driftless-Academy-Sparta/61573526102285/