Before starting my training at Neutral Ground I had never trained martial arts. I did not know where to start or if it was something I could physically do. Looking back on it now, starting my journey into the world of brazilian Jiu Jitsu was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I cannot speak more highly of the atmosphere, and instruction at Neutral Ground Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Making the first step and entering the gym for the first time was nerve racking. However from the first day I felt welcome. I was worried about being the “Fresh Meat” on the mat. However, there was ample instruction to bring me up to speed as fast as possible. I never felt picked on and with the constant stream of new students no one is new guy for long.
The instruction at Neutral Ground is top notch. Jon Friedland has a very technical approach to practicing and teaching Jiu Jitsu. A philosophy he passes to all the instructors and students at Neutral Ground . The systematic approach and predefined curriculum makes Neutral Ground an excellent place for people to begin their Jiu Jitsu career, or for seasoned practitioner to take their game to the next level.
I'm Jose Hernandez. I started training at Neutral Ground in October of 2006. Prior to that I was training at a traditional martial arts school. It was very regimented, boring and there was a lot of egos. Jon Friedland invited me to his school and I was always interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so I decided to join him and his crew.
Being part of Neutral Ground (NG) is more than just training martial arts, it's a brotherhood, a lifestyle! The atmosphere is jovial and informal, but we always get real training and we take our art seriously. There is a lot of respect, camaraderie and no egos. The more experienced students are always willing to help and/or discuss anything about Jiu Jitsu.
Not only do we train hard at NG, but we also network outside of it and we spent time with each other as a big family.
Training at NG you may be assured that you will get smarter, more confident, will be able to release stress and stay healthy overall.
You may train at any other mixed martial arts school, but there will never be an experience like the one we have at NG!! Winning in competition is always nice, but we all win by just being part of Neutral Ground!! It's been a privilege to be part of NG all these years!!
I joined Neutral Ground in March 2009 as a fun way to exercise and a way of getting back into competitive sports. After growing up playing sports my entire life, I had taken a 6-7 year break from much of any organized sports activity. I would still try and go to the gym for exercise and stress relief, but just running on a treadmill or only lifting weights was never as enjoyable to me.
Once I got over some nerves and took advantage of the free week trial, I knew the atmosphere at Neutral Ground was just what I was looking for. The instructors are very accomodating and understanding of the range of skills new people in the gym are going to have. The gym has a great team environment and everyone is willing to answer questions and help each other grow and achieve their personal goals. So whether you are looking to lose weight, get in shape, learn jiu-jitsu / MMA / self-defense, or compete locally or nationally, Neutral Ground is the place to be!
When I was first told about Neutral Ground North, then known as Riptide Grappling, I was a bit skeptical at first. I knew a few of the guys training over there and I had not been great friends with any of them. I was always a fan of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and was eager to know more. I stopped into Neutral Ground North for the first time after exchanging emails with one of the instructors and my first day in I was treated immediately treated like I was family. I can honestly say that the people at Neutral Ground North are the nicest people I have met. There are no arguments or fights amongst the students or teachers. When I first started I was 210 pounds. With the amount of work they put you through I am down to 190. Amazing exercise and teaching quality. The teachers are some of the best.
As for the instructors over at Neutral Ground North. When I first started I thought I was good. I got a reality check when I first started but the instructors were really helpful. They apologize for being picky on your technique but they are just tightening up your game. I have made leaps and bounds in my BJJ game and I have been accepted into the Neutral Ground family. I hope to train there for as long as possible and can't wait for days in which I train. When you want a great workout and learn a great martial art. Consider Neutral Ground North. Amazing.
Jon Friedland's technical prowess is only matched by kindness. Though he gives respect to all that walk through his door, he is not stiffened by formalism, and his easy-going attitude offers a fine complement to his structured and demanding classes. Regarding his classes, he has a Judo instructor, a professional fighter teaching kick-boxing, his own professional career and BJJ blackbelt behind his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, and has a Second Nature Fitness inspired conditioning program. There really is no way that a person could do every class in a week without truly feeling it, nor is anyone expected to.
Neutral Ground is a family, but one in the sense of all that makes a family wonderful rather than over-critical, over-bearing, and generally insufferable. Many people who meet at Neutral Ground become good, quality friends, because the martial artists at Neutral Ground are good and quality people.
With a relaxed atmosphere and excellent instruction Neutral Ground is the premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Gym in southeast Wisconsin. Hands Down. With a variety of classes, including Brazilian Jiu Jistu, Judo, Striking, and Conditioning. I've found that there is always something fun to try. The classes have some of the best instructors in the state. And all classes are a great way to get in shape!
I would definitely recommend Neutral Ground to anyone who is interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, and Physical Fitness.
Neutral ground North is a great gym for several reasons. First and foremost is the atmosphere. Everyone is very friendly and helpful, the people with more experience are more than willing to help out and don't worry we aren't hiding our "secret" techniques from anyone, if you have a question just ask. Next is the instruction, our instructors break down the moves into minute detail which may sound like overkill but in grappling sports that extra detail is often the difference between victory and defeat. There is also the exercise aspect of training, we don't do a ton of form type movements. We practice a move for a little bit and then go into live "sparring" so we can try to implement it right away, burning it into muscle memory. Also as an exercise grappling is difficult to beat, there is cardio conditioning in both aerobic and anaerobic forms plus a decent amount of strength training takes place. I am confident that if you come to neutral ground north with realistic expectations and a good attitude that we are going to see you week after week. Good training to you!
A few things that I noticed when I first started at Neutral Ground North was the laid back atmosphere, how out of shape I was, and how efficient my partners were at making me tap out! The dojo has been a perfect place for me to get in shape in a non-intimidating environment, as well as learn some very practical methods to protect myself while I am on the ground. The practice of jiu-jitsu in general is very work intensive, which, if you give it a few months, quickly gets you into excellent cardiovascular condition. There is no way that I could replicate this type of workout by myself in a gym. Having an active grappler trying to essentially 'tap me out' gives me a drive to keep going when, quite honestly, I probably wouldn't have if I was in a gym working out by myself. I have lost approximately 15 pounds since I have started early in the year. I feel lighter on my feet. My flexibility has greatly increased. I am 35 years old, and I can confidently say that this is the best shape I have been in since my early twenties.
As I 'roll', many of my colleagues here have been able to give me pointers both in one on one and small group environments. I find that this type instructional environment, paired with the 'see one, do one, teach one' mentality, has quickly helped me grow into a very proficient grappler in a short period of time. How do I know? I can judge myself against the new students that come into the dojo. This is a strong testament to the quality of instruction that I have received during my last eight months.
Since joining Neutral Ground North in 2009, I have participated in BJJ, Judo and Combat Conditioning classes. I have gained not only the physical advantages from classes, but have also gained mental advantages that help with stress management and knowing I can protect myself, and others around me. The instruction is phenomenal at Neutral Ground North. The instructors are knowledgeable, courteous and more than willing to help students progress and understand every aspect of the process.
I am very fortunate to be part of the Neutral Ground North family and look forward to my future progression there. I cannot thank Luke, Perry and all the other members of Neutral Ground North enough.
Luke and Perry are crazy good instructors. Theyve both put so much effort and time into their busy ass schedules as they are. Its clear they love what they do, and they sure as hell know how to do it. Not only is it a good business, but they both truly enjoy watching people grow, and become fluent in BJJ. Luke and Perry both push you, and work on each individual because they know its good for you, and if you love what we do you already know its good for you so lets keep training! I personally havent competed in a BJJ tournament yet, but Luke and Perry will make sure you are more than prepared for success, especially if you are committed to training intense and often. Not only do i feel safe where ever i am, but i am more confident knowing what im being taught is so vital at the most unexpected times of your life. that might not make much sense, but confidence is key. BJJ at NGN changed my life for the better, and almost evolved me as a person. If you need an addiction, BJJ at NGN is one of my favorite hobbies. Its difficult to put down, after meeting everyone their and training with instructors Luke and Perry. Its not a bad place to shoot the shit, and drain some sweat. The people are great and no matter if you just practice, improve, or go to war, the respect is all around. Its fun teaching what you know as a trainee and knowing that what your being taught is effective, and you personally over time will no doubt improve your skill as a fighter. Bottom line is i have the utmost respect for Luke Summerfield and Perry Wirth; for accepting me as a student and investing all of the unmentional process in bringing BJJ to Grafton, plus everyone else who has taught me various techniques and secrets. I appreciate every session, and would like to submit this respect towards my teachers with a thank you.
Before starting my training at Neutral Ground I had never trained martial arts. I did not know where to start or if it was something I could physically do. Looking back on it now, starting my journey into the world of brazilian 
I'm Jose Hernandez. I started training at Neutral Ground in October of 2006. Prior to that I was training at a traditional martial arts school. It was very regimented, boring and there was a lot of egos.
I joined Neutral Ground in March 2009 as a fun way to exercise and a way of getting back into competitive sports. After growing up playing sports my entire life, I had taken a 6-7 year break from much of any organized sports activity. I would still try and go to the gym for exercise and stress relief, but just running on a treadmill or only lifting weights was never as enjoyable to me.
When I was first told about Neutral Ground North, then known as Riptide Grappling, I was a bit skeptical at first. I knew a few of the guys training over there and I had not been great friends with any of them. I was always a fan of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and was eager to know more. I stopped into Neutral Ground North for the first time after exchanging emails with one of the instructors and my first day in I was treated immediately treated like I was family. I can honestly say that the people at Neutral Ground North are the nicest people I have met. There are no arguments or fights amongst the students or teachers. When I first started I was 210 pounds. With the amount of work they put you through I am down to 190. Amazing exercise and teaching quality. The teachers are some of the best.
Jon Friedland's technical prowess is only matched by kindness. Though he gives respect to all that walk through his door, he is not stiffened by formalism, and his easy-going attitude offers a fine complement to his structured and demanding classes.
With a relaxed atmosphere and excellent instruction Neutral Ground is the premier Brazilian 
Neutral ground North is a great gym for several reasons. First and foremost is the atmosphere. Everyone is very friendly and helpful, the people with more experience are more than willing to help out and don't worry we aren't hiding our "secret" techniques from anyone, if you have a question just ask. Next is the instruction, our instructors break down the moves into minute detail which may sound like overkill but in grappling sports that extra detail is often the difference between victory and defeat. There is also the exercise aspect of training, we don't do a ton of form type movements. We practice a move for a little bit and then go into live "sparring" so we can try to implement it right away, burning it into muscle memory. Also as an exercise grappling is difficult to beat, there is cardio conditioning in both aerobic and anaerobic forms plus a decent amount of strength training takes place. I am confident that if you come to neutral ground north with realistic expectations and a good attitude that we are going to see you week after week. Good training to you!
A few things that I noticed when I first started at Neutral Ground North was the laid back atmosphere, how out of shape I was, and how efficient my partners were at making me tap out! The dojo has been a perfect place for me to get in shape in a non-intimidating environment, as well as learn some very practical methods to protect myself while I am on the ground.
Since joining Neutral Ground North in 2009, I have participated in 
Luke and Perry are crazy good instructors. Theyve both put so much effort and time into their busy ass schedules as they are. Its clear they love what they do, and they sure as hell know how to do it. Not only is it a good business, but they both truly enjoy watching people grow, and become fluent in 
