Academy profile

360 Defense Martial Arts

Colchester, Connecticut

Google: 4.9 (36 reviews)Yelp: 4.8 (4 reviews)

Request information from 360 Defense Martial Arts

360 Defense Martial Arts academy logo
Summary

Quick take on 360 Defense Martial Arts

360 Defense Martial Arts at 725 Main St in Colchester, CT offers authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for Norwich and surrounding areas, with a clear focus on fundamentals, safety, and steady progress.

Overview

About 360 Defense Martial Arts

360 Defense Martial Arts at 725 Main St in Colchester, CT offers authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for Norwich and surrounding areas, with a clear focus on fundamentals, safety, and steady progress. As part of the Gracie Sports Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team, the academy is led by Charlie McShane and carries affiliations to Macarra BJJ and Master Marcio Stambowsky. That connection to a respected lineage gives the school a strong technical identity, while the curriculum-based program helps students build skills in a structured way rather than relying on random techniques from class to class. For beginners, that means a more approachable path into BJJ; for experienced grapplers, it means training that stays disciplined, practical, and rooted in proven methods.

The academy’s program lineup includes Gi BJJ and Kids BJJ, giving students of different ages and experience levels a place to train. Gi training remains central for those who want to develop classic grips, pressure, and positional control, while the kids’ program gives younger students an opportunity to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a supervised setting designed to emphasize safety and consistency. The fact that the school focuses on fundamentals makes it especially appealing for new students who want a strong technical base before moving deeper into advanced concepts. At the same time, that same structure can also benefit seasoned practitioners who value sharp drilling, efficient instruction, and an atmosphere where details matter.

Belt ranks offered at 360 Defense Martial Arts include white, blue, purple, brown, and black, creating a complete path for long-term development under one roof. Students can grow through each stage of the art without needing to change schools as they advance, and that continuity can be a major advantage when a gym is serious about building retention and consistent progress. The academy’s emphasis on a safe environment also adds to its local appeal, especially for families and newcomers who want instruction that balances challenge with control. For many students, that combination of structure and trust is what turns occasional training into a lasting practice.

Practical benefits for visitors and members alike come from the school’s clear identity and accessible location on Main Street in Colchester. Its website, https://www.360defensecolchester.com/, gives prospective students a straightforward way to explore the academy before stepping on the mats. In the local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, 360 Defense Martial Arts stands out for offering authentic training with a curriculum-driven approach, a respected team affiliation, and a welcoming environment built around fundamentals that hold up whether a student is just starting out or sharpening an established game.

Philosophy

Training Philosophy

360 Defense Martial Arts at 725 Main St in Colchester, CT offers authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for Norwich and surrounding areas, with a clear focus on fundamentals, safety, and steady progress. For beginners, that means a more approachable path into BJJ; for experienced grapplers, it means training that stays disciplined, practical, and rooted in proven methods.

Gi BJJKids BJJBrazilian Jiu-JitsuKids ClassesTeen ClassAdult Classes

Class Hours

  • Saturday: 8–11 AM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 9 AM–9 PM
  • Tuesday: 2–9 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM–9 PM
  • Thursday: 2–9 PM
  • Friday: 3–7:30 PM
Reference

Third-Party Ratings

Third-party ratings shown for reference only. Visit the original platform for full reviews.

4.9

36 Google reviews

View
4.8

4 Yelp reviews

View

Programs & Highlights

Programs & Classes

  • Gi BJJ
  • Kids BJJ
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • Kids Classes
  • Teen Class
  • Adult Classes

Instructors & Team

  • will be
  • Josh Hesser
  • Marcio Stambowsky
Instructors

Instructor Spotlight

At 360 Defense Martial Arts, you can expect coaching that stays close to the academy’s fundamentals-first philosophy. Led by Charlie McShane, the school’s instruction is shaped by its Gracie Sports Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu connection and affiliations with Macarra BJJ and Master Marcio Stambowsky. That means your classes are built around a curriculum-based progression, so you can learn technique in a clear sequence and develop confidence as you move from basic positions to more refined grappling skills. With Gi BJJ and Kids BJJ on the schedule, the coaching approach is designed to support both new students and families entering the art for the first time.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What classes does 360 Defense Martial Arts offer?
360 Defense Martial Arts focuses on two core Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs: Gi BJJ and Kids BJJ. The Gi program is the main adult training option for students who want to learn authentic BJJ in the traditional uniform, with an emphasis on grips, positional control, escapes, and submissions. The Kids BJJ program gives younger students a structured way to build discipline, body awareness, and confidence while learning age-appropriate jiu-jitsu fundamentals. Because the academy follows a curriculum-based approach and emphasizes fundamentals, the class structure is well suited to both new students and those who want organized technical development. For the most current class times and any age breakdowns, it’s best to contact the academy directly or check the website before visiting.
What are the class hours and schedule at 360 Defense Martial Arts?
The academy’s exact daily schedule and hours can change, so the most reliable next step is to check the official website at https://www.360defensecolchester.com/ or reach out directly before planning a visit. That said, the gym’s program structure centers on Gi BJJ and Kids BJJ, which means the schedule is organized around traditional jiu-jitsu training and youth classes rather than a long list of unrelated fitness offerings. If you are trying to fit training into a work or school routine, asking about current class days, beginner-friendly sessions, and kids’ class timing will help you choose the best fit. A quick call or website check is also useful if you want to confirm whether there are special intro sessions or seasonal schedule updates.
How does membership pricing work, and is there a trial class?
Membership pricing is best confirmed directly with 360 Defense Martial Arts so you can get the most current details on rates, any introductory offers, and whether a trial class is available. Since the academy focuses on building a safe, curriculum-based training experience, a trial visit is a practical way to see how the instruction feels in person before committing to membership. When you contact the academy, ask about first-time student options, whether there is a beginner intro class, and what to bring for your first visit. That gives you a chance to understand the training environment, observe the coaching style, and decide whether the academy’s fundamentals-first approach matches what you are looking for in a local BJJ school.
Is 360 Defense Martial Arts beginner-friendly?
Yes, the academy’s emphasis on fundamentals and a safe environment makes it a strong fit for beginners. The curriculum-based program is especially helpful if you are brand new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because it gives you a clear structure instead of expecting you to figure things out on your own. That kind of instruction can make the first few classes feel much more manageable, since you can focus on learning core movements, basic positions, and the logic behind the art. If you have no prior martial arts background, you can still start here with confidence. For adults and children alike, the academy’s approach is designed to build comfort on the mats while gradually increasing technical understanding and training intensity.
How do I book a trial class or schedule a visit?
The easiest way to arrange a trial class or plan a visit is to go through the academy’s website at https://www.360defensecolchester.com/ and use the direct contact options there. You can also visit the school at 725 Main St in Colchester to get a sense of the location and ask about the best time to come in. When you reach out, it helps to mention whether you are interested in Gi BJJ for yourself or Kids BJJ for a child, since that lets the team point you toward the most appropriate class or next step. If you want to compare options, ask about beginner-friendly sessions, current schedule times, and any first-visit expectations so you can arrive prepared.

View 360 Defense Martial Arts on map

Click to load interactive map

Load Map
1 location

Inside the academy

4 photos
360 Defense Martial Arts facility image
360 Defense Martial Arts facility image
360 Defense Martial Arts facility image
360 Defense Martial Arts facility image