Groundstone Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
1031 Old Folkstone rd
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
(910) 581-8576
Groundstone Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wasn't created to follow the martial arts industry. It was built to introduce authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to a region that had never experienced it before.
Professor Tulsa Simpson founded Groundstone in 2014 with a handful of mats in a garage and a commitment to preserving the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Before Groundstone, there wasn't a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy serving Sneads Ferry, Surf City, Holly Ridge, or the Topsail beaches. The culture that exists today was built one student, one class, and one roll at a time.
In 2017, Groundstone opened its first brick-and-mortar academy, creating a permanent home for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu along the coast. It was here that local students became homegrown grapplers, hobbyists evolved into competitors, and families found a place to train together under one roof.
When the world slowed down in 2020, Groundstone doubled down.
Rather than taking a step back, Professors Tulsa and Bianca Simpson purchased an aging warehouse at 1031 Old Folkstone Road and transformed it into the academy that stands today. Every wall, every mat, and every square foot represents years of sacrifice, long nights, and an unwavering belief that this community deserved a world-class academy to call its own.
Today, Groundstone proudly represents the lineage of Professor Fredson Paixão, a 6th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, IBJJF World Champion, and internationally respected instructor known as the "Wrist Lock King." As an IBJJF Certified Academy, we remain committed to authentic instruction while embracing the modern evolution of the sport.
Our mats are filled with every style of grappler from first day white belts to seasoned competitors, Gi traditionalists to No-Gi specialists, wrestlers, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and dedicated leg-lock hunters. We don't build cliques. We build training partners who make each other better.
The Groundstone name continues beyond North Carolina through our sister academy, Groundstone Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Virginia, led by Professor Phil Haly. While separated by miles, both academies share the same standards, values, and commitment to technical excellence.
This has never been about building the biggest academy.
It's about building an academy people are proud to call home.
If you're looking for authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, experienced instructors, and a room full of people who will challenge you to become better every day, your search ends here.
Welcome to Groundstone Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Kindly Remove Your EGO.
"Kindly Remove Your EGO"
Your ego isn't your enemy. It has a purpose. It gives you confidence and courage. The key is knowing when to use it and when to set it aside.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn't built on ego. It's built on humility, discipline, and a willingness to learn. Ego tells us to prove ourselves; Jiu-Jitsu teaches us to improve ourselves.
When we say "Kindly Remove Your EGO," we're asking every student to step onto the mats with respect, an open mind, and a commitment to growth. Train with confidence, compete with purpose, but never let your ego stand in the way of becoming better.