Ortonville's closest world-class submission grappling academy
If you have been searching for jiu jitsu classes near Ortonville, MI, you already know that training options in northern Oakland County are few and far between. Ortonville is a quiet, tight-knit village in the heart of Brandon Township, celebrated for its apple orchards, rolling countryside, and small-town character. It is a wonderful place to raise a family, but when it comes to martial arts instruction, residents often find themselves driving long distances for anything beyond a basic karate class. If you are curious about the difference, learn what jiu jitsu is and why it stands apart.
That is exactly why so many Ortonville families have made Longhouse Submission Grappling their training home. Located just 18 minutes south on M-15 in Grand Blanc, Longhouse is a veteran-owned academy that delivers world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and no-gi submission grappling in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. With three black belt instructors who bring more than 50 years of combined mat experience, the quality of coaching here rivals anything you would find in a major metro area, without the big-city commute.
Ortonville sits at the intersection of rural beauty and practical inconvenience. Brandon Township does not have a dedicated grappling academy, and the limited martial arts options in the immediate area rarely focus on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Longhouse fills that gap with a short, scenic drive down M-15 that passes through Goodrich before reaching Grand Blanc.
Families are the backbone of Ortonville, and they are the backbone of Longhouse, too. Many of our Brandon Township members first walked through the door looking for a kids jiu jitsu program that went beyond punching and kicking. What they found was a structured curriculum that teaches children how to control situations without striking, building real-world confidence, anti-bullying awareness, and physical fitness in the process.
Our Little Vikings program introduces children ages four and five to basic movement, coordination, and mat etiquette through games and drills. The Kids BJJ program for ages six through thirteen layers in technique progressions, live sparring, and opportunities to compete at local tournaments. Teens train in their own dedicated class where they refine skills and prepare for the intensity of adult-level grappling.
For adults, Longhouse offers a no-gi submission grappling curriculum that covers takedowns, positional control, escapes, and submissions. Whether your goal is self-defense, stress relief, weight loss, or competition medals, the coaching staff tailors instruction to meet you where you are. Beginners receive patient, step-by-step guidance, while advanced grapplers get pushed with high-level technique and hard training rounds.
One detail that Ortonville parents especially appreciate: kids and adult class times overlap during several time slots each week, which means the whole family can train in the same building at the same time. No more sitting in a waiting room watching the clock. You can be on the mat improving your own skills while your children do the same just a few feet away.
Northern Oakland County residents have a handful of martial arts studios within driving distance, but very few specialize in submission grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Longhouse is purpose-built for grappling. The mats are competition-grade and professionally cleaned after every session. The training culture emphasizes controlled, technical sparring where ego is left at the door and safety comes first.
The academy also hosts regular seminars with visiting black belts, in-house tournaments that let students test their skills in a supportive setting, and open mat sessions on Saturdays where members of all levels can roll together. This combination of expert instruction, community spirit, and first-rate facilities is why Longhouse continues to draw members from Ortonville, Goodrich, Clarkston, and across the region.
Ortonville Village — Residents of the village center along M-15 take the scenic drive south through Goodrich to reach Longhouse.
Brandon Township — Families throughout Brandon Township, from Oakwood to the Perry Lake area, train at our Grand Blanc academy.
Groveland Township — Residents in neighboring Groveland Township find Longhouse accessible via Dixie Hwy or M-15.
Total drive time from the center of Ortonville: approximately 18 minutes. There are no tolls, no highway on-ramps, and no confusing interchanges. It is one of the most straightforward commutes you will make all week, and the training you receive when you arrive makes every minute worth it.
Yes. Longhouse Submission Grappling in Grand Blanc is just 18 minutes south of Ortonville via M-15. The academy offers kids and adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes six days a week, with morning, afternoon, and evening time slots. Many Ortonville and Brandon Township families already train there.
Very easy. Head south on M-15 (Ortonville Road) through Goodrich and continue into Grand Blanc. The academy is located at 12793 S Saginaw St. The entire route is a straight, scenic 18-minute drive with no highway merging required.
Longhouse offers Little Vikings (ages 4-5), Kids BJJ (ages 6-13), Teens classes, and a full Adult program including no-gi submission grappling, competition training, and open mat sessions. Every new student gets a free trial class, and families can coordinate schedules so parents and children train during the same visit.
"Was skeptical about the drive from Ortonville at first, but after one class I was hooked. The coaching is world-class and the community is incredible. My kids beg to go to jiu jitsu every week now."
Ortonville residents are already on the mat at Longhouse Submission Grappling. Whether you are looking for a confidence-building program for your kids or a challenging workout for yourself, your first class is completely free. No contracts, no pressure. Just show up, try a class, and see why families from Brandon Township keep coming back. Contact us to get started.
Claim Your Free Trial