Youth 1 (ages 5-8) – Zerbey Family

We hadn't seriously considered martial arts training for our five-year-old until we met Stephen and Renee and experienced what Elevated Studios could offer. At the introductory (and private) class our boy was comfortably relaxed, yet his focus was already being drawn into Stephen's energy, enthusiasm, and instruction. In the last few months we've witnessed that focus tighten on the training. Even after a full day of soccer camp this summer, our boy was ready to get back to the studio and train.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu has become a significant part of our educational life as well. Stephen presents monthly themes like Integrity, Nutrition, and Modesty to ground the physical training in a more holistic approach. The themes give our family great topics for conversation over dinner and help develop the self-discipline that is so important when learning powerful self-defense techniques. It's even been a fun way to discuss South American and Asian geography!

Enough can't be said about Stephen as an instructor. His patience, positivity, and upbeat intensity benefit every kid in the room (including spectating siblings). He wants the students to succeed and cares about their progress. At any challenging moment, he opens communications with parents and addresses concerns. Beyond all the wonderful things we could say about Elevated Studios, Stephen's presence and instruction are really the driving factors of the experience.

Youth 2 (ages 9-13) - Guessford Family

Our son had been training jujitsu for seven and a half years when circumstances necessitated changing training facilities. Elevated Studios came highly recommended to our family by friends in our son’s homeschool park group. Our son began training at Elevated several months ago and we couldn’t be happier with the training our son receives at this facility.

Elevated Studios excels in a core component we found lacking at my son’s former training facility: consistency. Class schedule is set across day and times, with five Youth 2 classes available each week.

Curriculum is taught by means of choosing a core technique, associated techniques, and defenses to the core technique and is taught for the month. Students have ample opportunity for repeated presentation of the material and I really think this method allows for the kids to gain a much deeper working knowledge of the concepts being taught.

Instructors are consistent. Having the same instructors, teaching the same material with instruction delivered in a very similar fashion is invaluable for the students development. Moreover, all the instructors seem very invested in facilitating the children’s jujitsu development. The respect the instructors have for the students and for the art of jujitsu is evident.

Initially, our family resisted the recommendation of trying classes at Elevated Studios because of the distance of the facility from our home. We live in Smyrna and the facility is in Wilmington. After moving our son’s training to Elevated Studios, our only regret is we didn’t do it sooner.

Perhaps, the best illustration of the value for our son that we find at Elevated Studios is in fact that distance we travel. We are willing to invest the time and resources to travel from Smyrna to Wilmington four to five days a week to provide our son the opportunity to train at Elevated Studios. I think that speaks well to the quality of the environment and instruction that the owner Stephen provides for those wanting to study jujitsu.

Adult Fundamentals - Darren Walters

As a former professor, I appreciate Stephen's teaching methodology. He allows students to grow at their own pace, articulates concepts behind the moves, and performs techniques with focus and safety. Regardless of the skill level, Stephen ensures a place for every practitioner, making it inclusive and supportive.

While the training at Elevated can be intense, Stephen's wise words, Kevin's sense of humor, and the encouragement from practitioners of all belts make the experience truly enjoyable. With Stephen and Kevin's guidance, I have been pushed to challenge myself and even compete, resulting in physical and personal growth through my Jiu-Jitsu practice.

What sets Elevated apart is the remarkable sense of camaraderie, friendship, and companionship among the practitioners. The positive and empowering training environment fosters mutual support and encourages everyone to test the limits of their capabilities.

I highly recommend Elevated to anyone seeking a place to practice Jiu-Jitsu. Thank you, Stephen and Renee for creating an outstanding training space.

Adult Advanced - Joseph Healey

There are a few key markers that contribute to the overall success of a martial arts school and its respective programming. Over the years I have had the privilege of training with exceptional black belts (Nestor Bayot, Shawn Williams, Murilo Santana, Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro, among others), and these skillful instructors all have distinguishable qualities that shape their top-notch training programs. Having spent my entire jiu-jitsu journey being exposed to such high-quality teaching, I developed a selective palate as it relates to training environments. Upon moving to Wilmington four and half years ago I visited Elevated Studios and quickly realized that it was the jiu-jitsu home I was looking for and became accustomed to.

It is evident that Steve and Renee’ have cultivated a community where they emphasize the value of leadership, skill development, and the prioritization of a safe training atmosphere. Whether you are a high-level competitor or hobbyist, you will not find a better jiu-jitsu studio in Wilmington, DE. There is a reason that Elevated is home to a regular group of visitors from other schools. It’s because they seek out the best training options and have recognized Steve’s gift of teaching as well as his unmatched ability as a practitioner. Furthermore, there is tremendous value when the makeup of the student body represents a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds. When I show up to train, I get the benefit of spending time with friends and training partners who come from all walks of life. This is something I greatly appreciate, and I know that I am not alone in this appreciation.

A black belt has the responsibility to be knowledgeable, humble, capable, and kind. These attributes are well embodied by Steve and his instructors. I am a practitioner with physical limitations and need to be extra vigilant with who I train with, and more importantly how I train. Steve fosters a true martial arts training environment with a genuine concern for ensuring all his students keep longevity in mind. As a black myself, he continues to encourage this in me, but his sincerity is not just reserved for higher belts. For, he is equally attentive to the brand-new student as he is to the individual with decades of mat experience. Aside from his technical prowess, I believe it is Steve’s genuineness that sets him apart as a coach and martial artist. All of my friends at Elevated Studios would eagerly echo my personal experience, and we look forward to seeing you on the mats.

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