Welcome to The Way Martial Arts Academy

Train With Purpose. Find Your Way.

Strength. Discipline. Purpose. The Way Martial Arts Academy offers a welcoming place to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi grappling, striking, and MMA for students who want real coaching and a strong team atmosphere.

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Strength

Discipline

Community

Find Your Way

About the academy

Your Journey Starts Here.

At The Way Martial Arts Academy, the mission goes beyond building fighters. The academy is focused on building confidence, resilience, discipline, and the skills to grow both on and off the mats.

Students can train for self-defense, competition, fitness, or personal growth in an environment centered around respect, purpose, and steady improvement.

Location1813 E 51st Street, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004

Emailthewaymartialartsacademy@gmail.com

HoursMonday–Friday 6:00 PM–8:00 PM • Saturday 10:00 AM–12:30 PM

Programs

Martial Arts for the Whole Family.

From your first class to competitive training, explore Gi, No-Gi, MMA, and our Kids BJJ program.

Gi Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Structured Gi training focused on technique, control, submissions, and building a strong grappling foundation.

No-Gi

No-Gi Grappling

Fast-paced training designed to improve transitions, takedowns, scrambles, and real-world grappling awareness.

MMA

Mixed Martial Arts

Bring striking and grappling together with MMA-focused training that develops balance, pressure, timing, and composure.

Youth Grappling

Kids BJJ

A positive, structured introduction to Gi Jiu-Jitsu. Kids build confidence, coordination, respect, and real grappling fundamentals while having fun.

Membership pricing

Simple Monthly Options.

Straightforward pricing for students who want focused BJJ training or the full BJJ + MMA experience.

Option 1

Unlimited BJJ

$100 / month

Ideal for students focused on Gi and No-Gi grappling with consistent mat time and skill development.

Unlimited BJJ training
Great for beginners or dedicated grapplers
Build technique, confidence, and conditioning

Option 2

BJJ + MMA

$125 / month

The best fit for students who want full access to grappling plus MMA-focused training.

Unlimited BJJ training
Access to MMA training
Perfect for well-rounded martial arts development

Husband & wife team

Meet Brandon & Alesha.

Brandon and Alesha lead The Way Martial Arts Academy as a husband-and-wife team committed to building a welcoming, disciplined, and family-friendly martial arts environment in Ashtabula.

Their vision for the academy is simple: create a place where beginners feel comfortable, experienced athletes continue to sharpen their skills, and every student has the support to grow with confidence, consistency, and purpose.

Real Experience

Competitive experience, continued development, and a practical training mindset.

Strong Culture

A positive room built on discipline, respect, and a team-first atmosphere.

HEAD INSTRUCTOR & CO-OWNER

Brandon McLaughlin

Brandon McLaughlin is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Professor Brent Insco, earning his rank on June 20, 2026. With a background spanning collegiate wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and mixed martial arts, Brandon brings extensive competitive experience and practical knowledge to The Way Martial Arts Academy.

Read Brandon's Full BioShow Less

His martial arts journey includes collegiate wrestling at Alma College, a green belt in Judo, and a successful career in mixed martial arts. As an amateur MMA competitor, Brandon compiled an undefeated 7–0 record, with every victory secured by a first-round finish. He continued his competitive career as a professional, earning five victories by TKO or submission.

Beyond competition, Brandon has dedicated years to refining his grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training alongside high-level competitors and continually developing his technical understanding of the sport.

As Head Instructor and Co-Owner of The Way Martial Arts Academy, Brandon is committed to providing high-quality instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, Judo, striking, and mixed martial arts. His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision, practical application, discipline, and continuous improvement.

Brandon believes martial arts should develop more than fighting ability. Through structured training and a commitment to personal growth, he strives to help students of all experience levels build confidence, resilience, and the skills necessary to succeed both on and off the mats.

At The Way Martial Arts Academy, his mission is to cultivate a welcoming, disciplined training environment where students can learn from experienced martial artists, challenge their limits, and grow both as competitors and as individuals.

CO-OWNER

Alesha McLaughlin

Alesha and Brandon lead The Way Martial Arts Academy together as a husband-and-wife team, helping create a welcoming, encouraging place for children, adults, beginners, and experienced athletes to train and grow.

Come See The Way.

Have questions about classes, getting started, or membership? Reach out by email or stop by during open hours.

Address1813 E 51st Street, Ashtabula, OH 44004