7 Unbeatable Reasons The Upstate Grappling Club Is Dominating Martial Arts In The Capital Region

The Upstate Grappling Club (UGC) has firmly established itself as the premier destination for combat sports enthusiasts in the Capital Region, a status recently solidified by the opening of their state-of-the-art MMA facility in Clifton Park, New York. As of late 2024 and early 2025, this veteran-owned gym is not just a place to train; it's a hub for developing high-level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talent, catering to everyone from absolute beginners to professional competitors. The club’s philosophy centers on the idea that grappling is a profound journey of personal growth, discipline, and community, moving beyond the mat to impact the lives of both adults and children in the Upstate New York area.

The latest news surrounding the club confirms its rapid expansion and commitment to excellence, highlighted by the continued success of its athletes in major national grappling tournaments, including the IBJJF and NAGA circuits. The team's dedication to providing top-notch instruction across all disciplines—from the fundamentals of BJJ to advanced wrestling techniques—makes it a must-know entity for anyone serious about martial arts in the greater Saratoga County area. This article dives deep into the leadership, cutting-edge facilities, and proven track record that make the Upstate Grappling Club a true powerhouse.

The Leadership Profile: BJJ Black Belt Coach Ray Jay

The foundation of any elite martial arts academy is its leadership, and The Upstate Grappling Club is anchored by the deep experience and expertise of its coaching staff, most notably Coach Ray Jay. His comprehensive background in both collegiate-level wrestling and high-level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu provides a unique, integrated approach to grappling that is rare in the Upstate New York region.

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• Full Name: Ray Jay (Key Coach/Wrestling Coach)
• Hometown: Lindenhurst, New York
• Primary Discipline: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Wrestling
• BJJ Rank: Black Belt (Achieved since 2016)
• Wrestling Experience: Collegiate-level wrestling background, which directly led to his transition into MMA training.
• Coaching Role: Serves as the Wrestling Coach and is a key instructor for various programs, including the "Gloves Up" youth class.
• Local Impact: Currently holds the position of Assistant Coach for the Shenendehowa High School Varsity Wrestling team, directly connecting the club to the local scholastic wrestling community.
• Philosophy: Emphasizes discipline, personal growth, and community building through martial arts.

Coach Ray Jay’s dual-threat expertise as a BJJ Black Belt and an elite Wrestling Coach ensures that students at UGC receive instruction that is both technically sound in ground fighting and explosively effective in takedowns and clinch work, creating well-rounded combat athletes.

The State-of-the-Art Facility and Program Diversity

The Upstate Grappling Club has made a significant investment in its physical infrastructure to match the quality of its instruction. The facility, centrally located to serve the entire Capital Region, is designed to be a welcoming environment for all skill levels, from those taking their very first class to seasoned competitors.

The club's primary location is in Clifton Park, NY (15 Liebich Lane, Clifton Park, NY 12065), with a strong presence also noted in Halfmoon, NY. The new gym is a true state-of-the-art MMA facility, equipped with everything a modern martial artist needs.

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Amenities and Environment

The club prides itself on being veteran-owned and offering a range of convenient amenities to its members, ensuring a comfortable and professional training experience. These amenities include ample parking, clean showers, secure lockers, and even an EV charging station, demonstrating a commitment to modern convenience.

The Core Programs at UGC

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The curriculum at The Upstate Grappling Club is comprehensive, covering all major grappling and striking disciplines. This diversity allows members to specialize or cross-train for a complete Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) skillset.

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ): The cornerstone of the club, BJJ classes focus on ground control, submissions, and self-defense, with programs available for all belt levels. The instruction, led by a BJJ Black Belt, is top-tier.
• Wrestling: Leveraging the deep experience of the coaching staff, the wrestling program is highly sought after, focusing on takedowns, throws, and positional control, crucial for both competition and MMA.
• Boxing: The club is also a premier boxing gym of the Capital Region, providing essential striking skills to complement the grappling arts.
• Youth Grappling ("Gloves Up"): A highly popular program for the next generation, this class is specifically designed for youth of all levels, typically ages 8–14, focusing on fun, fitness, and fundamental techniques under the guidance of coaches like Ray Jay.

Championship Success, Community Impact, and Topical Authority

The true measure of a martial arts club's quality is its performance on the competitive stage and its positive influence on the local community. The Upstate Grappling Club excels in both areas, consistently producing athletes who achieve success at regional and international levels, cementing its topical authority in the combat sports world.

Proven Competitive Track Record

UGC athletes regularly test their skills against the best in the nation, bringing home medals from major tournaments. This is a clear indicator of the high-caliber training provided at the Clifton Park facility. Recent competition records include:

• IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation): The club has had competitors, such as Portela, place in major events like the New Jersey Fall International Open, showcasing their ability to compete on the global BJJ circuit.
• NAGA (North American Grappling Association): The team is a consistent presence at NAGA tournaments, including the NAGA Albany II Grappling Championship. Notable youth competitors, like Elliott Allen, have achieved high placements in divisions such as the Children Gi Novice category, demonstrating the strength of the youth program.
• Grappling Industries: Competitors from the club, including Elliott Allen, have also found success at local and regional events like the Grappling Industries Saratoga Springs tournament, proving the depth of their competitive team across various organizations.

The Upstate Grappling Club Community Entities

The club fosters a strong sense of community and discipline, making it more than just a gym. The environment is deliberately beginner-friendly, ensuring that individuals with no experience necessary feel welcomed and supported as they begin their journey. This focus on personal growth and discipline is a core part of the club’s mission to make a positive impact on the lives of both adults and children in the Capital Region.

The club’s strong presence in the Capital Region and Saratoga County is further amplified by its connection to local institutions, such as Coach Ray Jay's role with Shenendehowa High School Wrestling. This network ensures a continuous flow of high-quality training and mentorship, solidifying the club's role as a cornerstone of the local martial arts scene.

Why The Upstate Grappling Club Is the Right Choice for You

The Upstate Grappling Club stands out in the crowded martial arts landscape of Upstate New York for several compelling reasons. They offer a unique blend of high-level, diversified instruction (BJJ, Wrestling, Boxing, MMA) in a modern, professional, and supportive environment. Whether your goal is to win a championship at the IBJJF, master a new self-defense skill, or simply improve your fitness through a challenging and rewarding discipline, UGC provides the path to achieve it.

From the leadership of a BJJ Black Belt and experienced Wrestling Coach like Ray Jay to the competitive success of athletes like Portela and Elliott Allen, the evidence is clear: this club is truly dominating the martial arts scene in the Capital Region. The commitment to a beginner-friendly course structure and a positive community atmosphere ensures that everyone, regardless of their starting point, can embark on their own journey of personal growth and reach their full potential on the mat.