Who we are
The Grapple House Story
Grapple House was born from a desire to evolve the way martial arts is taught to the next generation.
Founder and Head Coach Keith Vartanian has spent over 25 years on the mats—first as a competitive youth athlete, and later spending 10 years as a professional Head Coach in Manhattan. After decades in the industry, Keith recognized a critical gap: traditional martial arts often rely on rote memorization and rigid structures that can stifle creativity and slow down learning.
We believe that for a child to truly excel, they need to be engaged, not just instructed.
At Grapple House, we have replaced the "repeat after me" model with a modern, scientifically-backed curriculum. We are building a community where safety, fun, and high-level skill acquisition happen simultaneously. We don’t just teach kids how to move; we teach them how to solve problems.
The Science of Fun: How We Teach
We do not use a "cookie-cutter" curriculum. Our coaching is built on three specific, evidence-based frameworks designed to maximize athletic potential and retention.
1. The Athletic Skills Model (ASM)
The Concept: A holistic approach to physical development that emphasizes becoming a great mover before becoming a specialist.
The Benefit: We reduce the risk of burnout and overuse injuries common in early specialization. Your child will develop coordination, balance, and adaptability that applies to Jiu-Jitsu, but transfers to any sport they play in the future.
2. Ecological Dynamics (The Constraints-Led Approach)
The Concept: Instead of drilling a move against a non-resisting partner 50 times (static repetition), we use "games" with specific rules (constraints) that force the student to find the solution in real-time.
The Benefit: This is "Alive Training." It mimics the reality of a struggle. Students learn to perceive opportunities and react instinctively rather than waiting to be told what to do. It bridges the gap between "learning a move" and actually being able to use it.
3. Nonlinear Pedagogy
The Concept: Learning is not a straight line. Every student has different physical attributes and learning speeds. We do not force every student to move exactly the same way.
The Benefit: We coach the individual, not the technique. We allow students to adapt techniques to fit their specific body types and strengths, resulting in a more personalized and effective learning experience.
Contact us
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