I've been training here for about 5 months and am really happy that I found Spangler Martial Arts. I had no background in BJJ but had trained some Krav Maga which included a bit of grappling. I found that I loved the grappling aspect more than anything else so I thought I would try focusing on BJJ for a while and see how that went. Professor Sean was very helpful in getting started, with a free week and a loaner gi, I got started on my journey. You'll be hard pressed to find someone with as much passion for what they do as Sean Spangler. He is an excellent coach, has a deep background in competition, and he's a great teacher. I don't have a kid at the academy, but I've caught the tail end of kids classes and I'm really impressed with the coaching and discipline being taught. I wouldn't hesitate to put my kids here if they decide to start out with BJJ. One thing I want to point out - the place is CLEAN. I read all of the horror stories about BJJ and skin infections, so if you're worried about this like I was, you'll be pleased at the facilities. Definitely check this academy out if you're looking for a place to train. If you aren't looking, check out the open mats. read more

We are very impressed with Spangler BJJ. Our 8 year old daughter has been attending weekly for a few months. She's very small for her age and was avoiding physically challenging activities. We weren't sure she'd go for this, but she LOVES it. I think we attended two trial classes before joining. Friendly, approachable atmosphere, great community of families. Professor Sean consistently emphasizes safety, cleanliness and respect. Misbehavior is not tolerated and these children respond to his instruction style better than I could have imagined. He is so clearly passionate about this discipline and it comes across in the instruction. I would encourage anyone to observe his classroom. Our daughter looks forward to each lesson and seeing her new friends. Her general coordination has noticeably improved and her confidence has surged in unrelated physical activities where her peers were pulling away. This has changed and for that we are very grateful to these awesome people. Thank you! read more

My son has been going to Spangler for just over a year now. Initially we went because he was being bullied at school. My son has learned so many skills to taught him how to deal with being bullied and how to stand up for other kids who are being bullied without punching or kicking. These are valuable lessons in how to protect yourself and others but in addition to this he has also gained confidence. The passion that I have seen for Bjj that my son has is wonderful to watch grow. He has learned so many valuable skill sets such as listening skills, execution, how to learn but also how to teach those around him so that they can also improve. One of the most valuable lessons I've seen my son learn while at Spangler is how to lose gracefully. The key is to learn from your losses and your wins. This is something that is stressed at Spangler. Everybody wants to win but we all lose at sometime. I am very grateful for the support that Spangler provides for my son and I. Highly recommend this place. read more

Both of our boys have been enrolled at Sprangler since October 2018. Our experience has been wonderful. We wanted to find something that didn't feel like a belt mill and had an instructor that would be tough enough to really teach the respect and discipline that comes from martial arts. Professor Sean strikes the perfect balance of tough and fun. I want my child to drop and do push ups if they're not paying attention or clowning around. I want them to be pushed in that space because I know they can do it. Both of our boys take three classes a week and look forward to it every single time. This business is a husband/wife duo and Kelly (Professor Sean's wife) is awesome. She makes you feel at home from the first encounter and is great with all the kids! Highly recommend!! read more

Highly recommend Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy! Our son (4yo) absolutely loves it! Coach Sean is a great teacher and knows his stuff (and is super patient with these busy little kiddos). Not only is our son learning how to properly grapple, but Coach Sean also reinforces values we are teaching like being on time, being respectful to instructor/classmates, listening and being patient, being presentable with a clean gi and trimmed nails, etc. We recently upped our membership and take our son 2 days a week now instead of one because he loves it that much. The facility is very clean and safe, and parents can watch outside through windows. If you are considering enrolling your son or daughter for jiu jistu, start with Coach Sean - you'll be happy you did! read more

I moved to the Triangle Area over a year ago, and in my search for a jiu jitsu academy I visited numerous gyms. I settled into Sean Spangler's sparkling, clean gym because his students were welcoming and polite, but most importantly because they were really good. I knew from one visit that I had a lot to learn and I'd find those lessons there. My skills have improved drastically because of the excellent coaching and comfortable learning environment. In addition, I've improved immensely because Sean travels to other gyms to acquire new techniques which he shares with us. He's also had numerous black belts visit our academy to teach. At Spangler's we have a coach who is still a humble student, and I strongly recommend joining our family environment read more

Coach Spangler is a World Class coach and has trained and/or rolled with all the big names in the business! Adults, kids, women, wrestlers, all are welcome and come to learn. My son gets to learn a wide range of techniques and disciplines and even some prep for wrestling. I would encourage kids of all ages to check him out and see how friendly their atmosphere is, how great he is with kids (even kids with ADHD). We even attend the Muay Thai boxing classes on Fridays with our son. Coach will even roll with the kids on occasion. (See pic, bottom right with my 8 year old.) He was a blessing to our son! Its gives our son focus and has made a huge impact. read more

I attend with two of my kids. Great place for jiu jitsu instruction. Sean Spangler's gym was recommended to me by a friend, and after my first visit, I didn't feel a need to visit other gyms before making a decision. Everyone is very welcoming. Great place to learn jiu jitsu and self defense from people who enjoy teaching and aren't trying to hurt someone or prove a point. All the partners I have "rolled" with have been friendly and respectful while demonstrating advanced technique. Mrs Spangler regularly surprises the kids with little giveaways after class. Whether you are a kid or adult of any skill level, I think you'd be pleased at Spangler Martial Arts. read more

Our first class for our then 5 year old son who is very hyper started with Coach Sean turning the lights off and talking to the entire class about focus. I knew from that moment on he was in the right place. We have seen our son jump leaps and bounds with regard to focus and concentration and he enjoys learning World Class moves from Spangler. I really like that people from all ages will roll together and help teach and train. It's a very welcoming environment, and if you want to get down and dirty come to an adult class and get serious he has those too. he has classes for all skill and background levels, yet teaches them all World Class moves. read more

AWESOME Coach!! Very detailed and specific Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training for kids and adults. My 12 yr old son has dramatically improved his game in the short amount of time we have switched to this facility!! No romper room jiu jitsu here!! I am a new white belt but already feeling confident in what I have learned as well. Definitely not self defense classes but true Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for those who wish to learn a fantastic sport and choose to compete or simply have the self confidence to know they can use it if needed. Sean Spangler has a huge heart and gives you 100% of his energy training you and your kids!! Love this place!! read more

A friend of mine was working out here and invited me to join him. I had been looking for a place to work on flexibility and movement to supplement weight training and this place fit the need well. Prof Spangler is a great teacher taking the time to make sure you understand the move and get the repetitions needed to really feel comfortable with it. He does not pressure you to take on the challenge of competition level if that is not what you are there for. I have lost weight, gained movement, and feel better than I have in a long time. The facility is clean, well maintained and welcoming to all skill levels. read more

If you are looking for a school that is clean, professional and has world class instruction, Spangler Martial Arts academy is it! While traveling, I decided to drop in and take a class, and was welcomed with open arms. Professor Spangler is a true martial artist, bjj black belt and a very effective coach. His class was structured and his students were respectful at all levels. He took the time to show the finer details of his technique and how to implement them safely and effectively. The facility was clean with ample space to roll and sit and watch if needed. I highly recommend Spangler Martial Arts! read more

Our boys, ages 5 & 7, have been attending about a month now. We love Professor Sean and his wife Kelly. They have been great to work with and get acclimated to the program. You immediately feel like family from the 1st day you step into their facility. I have also met some wonderful parents which also makes the time enjoyable while watching your kids grow in their learning of Jiu Jitsu. If you have daughters, look no further. The facility is clean and well taken care of hygienically. I can't say enough about the family atmosphere they provide. Quit looking and join! read more

We've been training at Spangler BJJ for almost a year and are enjoying the experience. My two boys have been training at the Tiny Raptors and Junior Raptors classes and I recently started in the Adult classes. Sean and Kelly are nice to work with. The academy has a family friendly environment and the two different kids classes are structured properly. Not only is Sean an experienced teacher, but the rest of the folks in the Adult classes are friendly and willing to give advice to help others advance. read more

I am in the adult program at Spangler's Martial Arts. Having done various martial arts at several schools and styles, Spangler's martial arts has by far the best atmosphere. It is not centered around ego but everyone generally wanting to get better together. The school has a philosophy that you greet everyone as you enter the mat. This has created a very welcoming feel for new students. There is also a large emphasis on keeping everyone healthy and safe. read more

Best school in the area. Instructor is at a world class level and charges half the price of the other schools around the area. Very clean and professional environment. No culty behavior seen in other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or martial arts schools. Morning, day, and night schedule and weekends. There's always a time to accommodate any schedule. I can't say enough how good this school is. read more

At 54 I am not as good as I once was but I have realized my limitations and adapt to them. Professor Spangler is a great teacher. He breaks down each lesson in an easy crawl, walk, run training methodology. I truly enjoy my Jiu Jitsu training at this fine academy. I have been practicing Martial Arts non-stop for 30 years.... Spangler Martial Arts is first class. read more

A wonderful place to train and learn bjj! The instruction is great and personal, everyone helps you improve. I've only been at it for a short time, I look forward to going to class every time. Great class schedule and a great facility. EVERONE here makes you feel welcome and supports your journey! read more

Best jiu jitsu academy in the area. Plenty of classes throughout the day to accommodate anyone's schedule. The instruction from Sean and all the upper belts is amazing. When I moved here a year ago, this place took me in and everyone feels like family. I couldn't be happier anywhere else. read more