Monday
MONPrivate training
& open matPrivate instruction by request
& open matPrivate instruction by request
No matching sessions this day.
ROYCE GRACIE / OUR LINEAGEWILMINGTON, DELAWARE
REAL MARTIAL ARTS.
FOR REAL LIFE.
Practical self-defense. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
A fighting foundation tested under pressure.
Train with purpose, whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or preparing for your next fight.
WITH ROYCE SINCE1993Michigan roots.
Wilmington home.
Wilmington home.
New to Jiu-Jitsu? Start here.
No experience needed. Bring your questions. We’ll help you find your place.
THE WAY WE TRAIN
Not just moves.
Skills you can use.
From local fight preparation to Royce Gracie’s international legacy, our standard is the same: skills that stand up to resistance. Train with purpose, build sound fundamentals, and help your partners improve.
01Practical self-defense
Awareness, distance, protection, control, and escape. Develop options for real-world situations, with getting home safely as the goal.
02Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Learn how leverage, positioning, and timing work together. Build a dependable foundation through technical practice and progressively challenging partner work.
03MMA application
Connect distance management, striking, clinch work, takedowns, and ground control. Train the transitions, not just isolated techniques, with coaching matched to your experience and goals.
04Private & group training
Monday and Wednesday evenings, 7:00–9:00 PM, are open for private training and open mat. Request focused instruction for yourself or ask about a group session. We’ll discuss your goals and confirm arrangements.
ONE IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
The street is not the cage. We value pressure-tested skills while recognizing that self-defense includes avoidance, de-escalation, and escape, not winning a sporting contest.
OUR INSTRUCTOR
Professor
Dave Gomez
ACADEMY OWNER · INSTRUCTOR · FORMER PRO MMA FIGHTER
Professor Dave Gomez brings over 55 years of martial arts experience across Karate, Boxing, Wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu. A former professional MMA fighter, he has trained multiple MMA fighters over the years and is the owner and promoter of TFC Fightzone.
With Royce since 1993, Dave carries the academy’s Michigan roots into its Wilmington chapter. His background includes study under Hélio Gracie, as described in our academy background. His teaching focuses on practical self-defense, sound fundamentals, and applying skills against resistance.
Educator on and off the mat
Dave’s academic background includes a Doctor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems, an MBA in Leadership Studies, and a Master of Science in Information Systems.
His higher-education leadership includes serving as Dean of Business and Technology at Baker College and Chair of the M.S. in Management program at Wilmington University. That educator’s perspective supports clear instruction, purposeful practice, and continuous learning.
An instructor. Always a student.
Continuing to train with the Royce Gracie network means refining the details and bringing that learning home to our students. Follow the journey on our academy Facebook page.
OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP
With Royce since 1993.
Still grounded in what works.
Our story began in Michigan, with a relationship to Royce Gracie that goes back to 1993. That history remains part of who we are. Today, Wilmington is home.
We carry the same commitment forward: real martial arts, honest training, and a community built on respect.
Find us in Wilmington ↗︎1993
The relationship begins
The beginning of our journey with Royce Gracie.
MICHIGAN
Three decades of roots
Our primary base from 1993 through October 2023.
WILMINGTON
The next chapter
Our transition in October 2023 brings that experience and purpose to Delaware.
A WORLD-STAGE LEGACY
Royce Gracie won the UFC 1, 2, and 4 tournaments. Explore the UFC history ↗︎
PROVEN ROOTS. PURPOSEFUL TRAINING.MAKE TIME FOR THE MAT
Your week. Your training.
A simple rhythm for consistent progress. New students: request a visit first so we can help you choose the right session.
Tuesday
TUEJiu-JitsuTechnical instruction
Open LabTime to put it together
No matching sessions this day.
Wednesday
WEDPrivate training
& open matPrivate instruction by request
& open matPrivate instruction by request
No matching sessions this day.
Thursday
THUJiu-JitsuTechnical instruction
Open LabTime to put it together
No matching sessions this day.
Saturday
SATOpen LabExplore. Practice. Refine.
No matching sessions this day.
Monday and Wednesday: private training and open mat, 7–9 PM.
Women’s and group classes available on request.
MORE THAN A PLACE TO TRAIN
A place to belong.
OUR ACADEMY COMMUNITY
BEYOND THE EVERYDAY
Academy News
& Events
Fight preparation, learning on the road, and the people who move our academy forward. Follow the latest from Wilmington and beyond.
Dylan Boyers vs. Steve Tius: FightWorld 46
No easy fights. No shortcuts. Dylan Boyers prepares to face “Stone Cold” Steve Tius at Harrah’s Philadelphia.
Read the story ↗︎London-Bound: Back to the Source
From Wilmington to Farnborough, England: training, black-belt examinations, and continued learning with the Royce Gracie network.
Read the story ↗︎
Train with Dylan Boyers: Extra Work. Shared Progress.
Fighters looking for extra training: join Dylan’s preparation for FightWorld 46 and the Stellar 78 lightweight title fight.
Read the story ↗︎THE MEMBER CORNER
Stay connected.
Stay on the mat.
Schedule changes, academy news, and useful information, all in one place.
Check here before you train.
Monday and Wednesday private training and open mat run 7–9 PM. Saturday Open Lab starts at 3 PM. For weather closures, holidays, or last-minute changes, contact the academy before traveling.
Arrive ready. Look after your partners.
Bring clean training gear, water, and a cooperative mindset. Let your instructor know about injuries or concerns before the session.
The next opportunity to train together.
Read our News & Events for Dylan’s October 10 fight, November 7 Stellar title fight, training-partner invitation, and our October 15–18 England trip. A December title defense is also being planned. Contact the academy for more information.
What should I bring?
Water and clean workout clothing suitable for partner training. Ask about uniform and equipment requirements when arranging your first visit.
How do I request private training?
Call or email the academy and tell us your goals and preferred training time. Availability and any fees will be confirmed before booking.
Do I need experience?
No. Tell us where you’re starting and what you want from training. We’ll help you decide on an appropriate first session.
YOUR FIRST STEP IS SIMPLE
Come meet us.
See how we train.
Ask questions, talk through your goals, and get a feel for the academy. You don’t have to figure it all out before you walk in.
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
1812 Marsh Road
Inside Pat Caputo’s American Karate Studio
Wilmington, DE 19803
