Damon, Ewan, and Ian get award from the Mayor and Police Chief

First ever East Coast Gracie JJ Tournament

Dont belive the hype, PJJ was Philly's first MMA school

Classes are taught by Damon Umholtz,
Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu's founder and Primary instructor.

A Native Philadelphian, Damon has been studying, competing, and teaching in the Martial Arts for over 25 years.

In 1999 he received an award from Mayor Ed Rendell and Police Commissioner Timony for his "outstanding contribution to the Philadelphia community". For over 17 years, Damon has been developing a unique application of Mixed Martial Arts, Legal Weapons, Sport Jiu-Jitsu and Judo called "Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu".

At 149lbs, Umholtz has had to explore and apply the more technical side of Self-Defense and Sport Jiu-Jitsu/Judo to be able to compete with and dominate larger, stronger opponents. One of his best quotes is "Follow your opponent, one step ahead", and he often reminds his students to "be like the Pilot Fish, not like the Shark when practicing pure Jiu-Jitsu". Unlike many other Jiu-Jitsu teachers, Damon believes Jiu-Jitsu is a way of life. Regardless of whether a student wishes to be competitive or not, the application and practice of the Art of Jiu-Jitsu, will create positive energy in peoples lives.

From August of 1992 to the present, Damon Umholtz has trained with world champion, Modern-Stick and Knife fighter, Ed Pilsitz. It was Ed Pilsitz's realistic application of diverse martial arts that helped deepen Umholtz's vision of a Mixed Martial Arts style and technique that is uniquely "Philadelphian". As well, Ed Pilsitz's honest approach to business and education, inspired Damon to give people quality and a fair deal. In December of 1992, on Ed Pilsitz's recommendation, Damon began his over seventeen year study in Jiu-Jitsu with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's Relson Gracie and Steve Maxwell at the former Philadelphia Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Association. As well, Umholtz sites Gokor Chivichyan, with whom he trained with in Haystan Jiu-Jitsu, as a true inspiration. After training under Gokor Chivichyan and learning the true depth of Leg Locking Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Stick Grappling, "Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu" was formed.

Damon's focus as a teacher is not only to train great fighters and competitors, but also to help his students realize their full potential, to motivate them to achieve their goals and to believe in themselves. His own experience teaching has taught him that learning is strengthened and deepened by the act of teaching itself; and so he encourages all his students to freely share their insights and help others. The strength of Damon's vision has made "Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu" one the first and foremost schools where top level Martial Arts cross training and positive spirit can occur in a friendly environment.