Militia Mixed Martial Arts & American Jiu-Jitsu

The head instructor, Tom Gallicchio, is a typical toxic ego with a hair trigger temper. He retired from competing, but he hasn’t transitioned to “coach” in either skills, mindset, or temperament.I tagged along to watch a trial class that my boyfriend was attending, since we had holiday plans with my family right after. The class material is pretty basic. They did a simple drill of one position. They didn’t do any transitions in or out of the it, defenses for the other partner, tips on incorporating the position into your wider game, etc. The instructor walked around and made short comments and corrections, but didn’t elaborate or tailor the lesson like other gyms I’ve been to.During the drill, the instructor and my boyfriend spent maybe 90 seconds chatting about the position. Smiling the whole time, everything seemed cool. The class moves onto sparring. After everyone is dismissed, he pulls my BF aside and proceeds to flatten him, grind his face into the mat, and crank on his head and neck for four or five rounds. After—and only AFTER the physical retaliation does he try using his words-- he "explained" that in his class, his students "shut up" and no one was "his peer." He chased us across the gym cussing, kept wandering off and circling back to swear some more about his record and experience (fighting, not coaching). I walked over and tried to silently interject myself, hoping to redirect his attention and say we needed to go, but he ignored me, and I was afraid of escalating things by stepping in. By the time my BF managed to apologize us backwards out the door, we were late for our plans, my family had to wait for us, and my BF’s face looks busted up in all the pictures.It’s always a red flag when respect in a gym only goes one way. I can’t imagine how someone like this deals with kids’ classes, women’s classes where everyone is fifty pounds smaller than he is, or beginners who don’t know the gym etiquette. Working adults with jobs and serious competitors probably won’t want to risk missing work/training just because coach was feeling cranky and tweaked something establishing his dominance. I’ve never before been to a gym where the students don’t talk to the coach--not before, not after, and barely during class. I guess I understand why now. And also, why the class was so small.

This gym is my home away from home. The level of coaching they offer is second to none. Tom, Steph and all the other coaches are willing to help and answer all questions. You can really tell they care about their students and the curriculum that's being taught. All egos are left at the door and everyone takes care of each like family. Speaking of family, I have never been to another gym that has had as many families that train together and you can see they love it. I've been here for almost a year and a half and the people at this gym have become my closest friends. I couldn't recommend this place more, it's something special

Amazing place to train, Tom and Stefani are awesome trainers and really break everything down in a way to easily understand and make you feel at home.Update, after nearly 2 yrs training here I can honestly say this place has me in the best shape of my life, and the training is hands down the best I've ever experienced, I have more ability, endurance, and strength now then I had even in the Army when I was 20, all the instructors are extremely knowledgeable and qualified, Best place to be bar none

My husband and daughter are both a part of the militia family and I cannot thank them enough for all they have taught both of them. My husband joined the gym early 2022 and it was a rough point in his life. Coach Tom has taught him so many amazing skills that he was able to compete at his first NAGA tournament in October. The level of coaching and support Tom provided him was hands down out of love and dedication to the sport. Without all of Tom’s knowledge and true coaching my husband would not have been able to compete. My daughter is a member of the kids classes with Coach Stephanie and this woman is a rockstar! Her patience and love for her kids is amazing! The skills, discipline and outstanding personality makes me so happy to see my daughter beam with excitement snd joy talking about what she has learned. The Militia members are truly a family and the way they rally and support one another you will never find at another gym! I suggest everyone comes in and gives them a try and you will leave feeling glad you did! Coach Tom and Coach Stephanie thank you for all the positive coaching, support and dedication you have given to my family. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I’ve been a member at militia for almost 2 years now and I can confidently say this is the best gym to be at. The head coach tom Gallicchio is very professional and knowledgeable and cares about all of his members very much, all of the classes are very instructional and Tom does an amazing job at breaking down the technique of the day so that all skill levels can participate and learn from the classes. Not only are the classes amazing but Tom is very welcoming and the gym is just an overall positive environment. It’s a privilege to be able to learn under him and his wife Stefanie.

My daughter has been training at Militia MMA for about five months now. We absolutely love this gym, the coaches are so welcoming and do such a great job at breaking everything down. They truly care about everyone there and the gym feels like a close knit family. My husband has even recently joined because we were so impressed and inspired by watching our daughter’s growth with them. We highly recommend them to everyone!

My entire family trains at Militia and it is by far the best place to train around. My son does the kids classes with Stefanie. In 6 months I have watched him grow not just in martial arts skills but most importantly in his attention span, respect, and his overall attitude. He’s happier, more comfortable with school, socializing and always looks forward to going to class.I do both the women’s and other adult classes. The women’s team is the best community of women I have ever encountered. I feel truly supported to be a better athlete and woman there. You have a community of people there cheering you on, believing in you and pushing you to do better. Coach Stef truly believes in her team and you can tell she is passionate about her vision of creating not just a gym but a positive atmosphere full of love and support to create a gym family.In the general adult classes, the head coach Tom is one of the most knowledgeable coaches I have ever encountered. My family trained under him at Team Quest as well and have trained at 4 gyms in various states. We knew when Tom came here this was where we wanted to train because his knowledge and teaching techniques are beyond compare. He pushes us to be better athlete as well as teaching technique. He is the king of the details. I can always count on every class teaching me small details to big overall pictures. Those small critiques are always what make the biggest change in my game. He has helped us become better athletes as well as created a community of people that have made this area feel like home. You will not find a head coach or assistant coach anywhere around that cares about their team, their people, and their craft more passionately than at Militia.

5 stars wish I could give more. Been coming to Milita for 8 months and I’m loving it. Coach Tom does very well with showing structure and breaks everything down so it’s clear with Mauy Thai and boxing. Coach Stephanie does very well at showing and providing support on the mat in Jujitsu. I’m so grateful that I found this gym. Love the sizes of the classes and everyone knows your name. Definitely a family vibe. If I ever wanted to get in the ring Coach Tom is the man in my corner hands down.

When I moved to the area I was looking for a gym that would push me to my limits but be my safe haven. Militia is that, for me. Finding a strong female presence to train under in the sport of Jiu Jitsu is far and few between, and the ladies that train at Milita are some of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. We spend time together on and off the mats. We are family, not just training partners. Tom and Stef have such a strong passion for this sport and for MMA, as a whole, that it becomes infectious and addicting. The hardest part is showing up, but I can promise you this: once you start showing up, you'll never want to leave. There's a different type of class for everyone, from Jiu Jitsu to wrestling to boxing to Muy Thai. Militia has everything you're looking for if you're ready to be the best verison of yourself. Tom and Stef expect nothing but the best from their students, and they'll do everything in their power to make sure you feel confident and comfortable. Now GET TO THE MATS 💙💚 #MilitiaMafia

If your looking for a MMA and Ju Jitsu school, then this is your place. I've been here since the day it opened and I can easily say it has changed my life. Coach Tom, Stefanie and John are amazing people. Beyond their credentials, their personalities are well suited for coaching. They're patient, kind, encouraging and thorough. They have well thought out courses to help build a solid foundation and then have all the know how to elevate your performance to a higher level if you're ready to put the work in and commit. Step by step, they'll be there with you. They also have an amazing kids class. The kids are always having fun as they learn, creating a great opportunity for them to build discipline, respect and a healthy hobby. The students who go and train there are just the best, hands down. I've never found myself in a group of people who have nothing but support and love for each other like I have found here at Militia MMA. Words of encouragement and fun laughs are abundant here. My home away from home.