Welcome to the Home of Grappling in Elk Grove
- Building Champioins on the mat and in life -
Who We Are at The Academy EG
Our Story
The Academy EG was built on a simple belief: great athletes are developed through great people. What began as the Elk Grove Wrestling Academy has evolved into a year-round grappling academy dedicated to developing champions in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and mixed martial arts while instilling the values that last far beyond competition.
Originally founded by retired United States Marine Corps Colonel Jim Cook and later led by Elk Grove native Nick Jordan, The Academy EG has deep roots in the Elk Grove wrestling community. Nick is a product of Elk Grove High School's historic 2005 state-placing team and went on to become a Section Champion, two-time CIF State Qualifier, State Placer, and two-time Pac-10 Conference placer while competing at Cal State Fullerton. Today, he continues to invest that same passion into developing the next generation of athletes.
As our academy has grown, so has our vision. Through our partnership with Team Alpha BJJ, we now offer world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction alongside one of Northern California's premier wrestling programs. This partnership brings together two of the region's strongest grappling traditions under one roof, giving students access to an unmatched learning environment.
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is led by Professor Joseph "Bopo" Morales, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under world-renowned Professor Fabio Prado. A lifelong martial artist who grew up within the Team Alpha Male family, Bopo has competed on the biggest stages in mixed martial arts, fought in the UFC, captured the A1 Combat Flyweight Championship, and won The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Flyweight Tournament. Beyond his accomplishments inside the cage, Bopo is passionate about building confident, disciplined students through high-level instruction rooted in fundamentals, respect, and continuous growth.
At The Academy EG, our mission extends far beyond producing champions. We are committed to helping every student—regardless of age, experience, or goals—develop confidence, discipline, resilience, humility, and leadership. Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu provide a unique opportunity to teach accountability, problem-solving, perseverance, and respect while preparing our athletes to overcome challenges both on and off the mat.
Our coaching philosophy is centered around creating a positive, challenging, and family-oriented environment where athletes are encouraged to pursue excellence while supporting one another along the way. Whether a student dreams of winning state championships, earning a college scholarship, competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, stepping into professional MMA, or simply becoming more confident and capable, every member receives the same commitment to quality coaching and personal development.
Our wrestling program offers comprehensive year-round training in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling, with instruction ranging from beginner fundamentals to advanced competition techniques including takedowns, chain wrestling, hand fighting, mat control, escapes, leg attacks, riding systems, and pinning combinations.
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program emphasizes technical excellence, positional understanding, self-defense, live training, and competition preparation while remaining welcoming to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
At The Academy EG, we don't simply teach grappling—we build character. Every practice is an opportunity to become stronger, more disciplined, and more confident. Our goal is to help every athlete leave our academy better than they arrived, equipped not only with elite skills on the mat, but with the mindset and work ethic to succeed throughout life.
Programs
Wrestling
Wrestling + Jiu Jitsu
Wrestling
Program designed for all levels from beginner through advanced skillsets.
Jiu Jitsu
Wrestling + Jiu Jitsu
Wrestling
Program designed for youth development and growth, along side Adult training for both competitive and non competitive athletes.
Wrestling + Jiu Jitsu
Wrestling + Jiu Jitsu
Wrestling + Jiu Jitsu
Program for complete grapplers. Participate in both wrestling and Jiu Jitsu to build next generation skillsets.