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Joe Benedict
via Google

Everyone at LEMA has been very welcoming and it is a great place to learn from knowledgeable coaches. I started jiu jitsu there last year and at 43 years old it's gotten me in the best shape of my life.

Dan Rozanski
via Google

As someone with a previous history in various martials, sports and overall fitness, my experience with Lake Effect Martial Arts has been nothing short of transformative. Having achieved high-ranking belts in different forms of marital arts, I can confidently say that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at Lake Effect is an unparalleled and enriching experience, offering both physical and mental challenges that have helped me focus and redfine my approach to life.
One of the most striking aspects of Lake Effect Martial Arts is its inclusivity. Regardless of age or skill level, the discipline embraces all ages, skill levels (even if you have none), backrounds (ethnic, social or professional), creating an environment that fosters growth and development. As someone who joined later in life, I found a welcoming community that accommodates beginners and advanced practitioners alike. The diversity of students creates a supportive atmosphere that encourages everyone to push their limits and strive for improvement.
The challenges posed by BJJ are genuine and multifaceted, developing and demanding both physical prowess and mental acuity. Yet, it's precisely these challenges that have helped me discover a newfound purpose and focus, especially now that my children are at the age where they are on their own. BJJ at Lake Effect has become more than just a physical activity; it has become a source of clarity and peace of mind in this new chapter of my life.
One of the distinguishing factors of Lake Effect Martial Arts is the exceptional quality of its instructors. Deeply knowledgeable, patient, and accommodating to practitioners of all levels and ages, they play a pivotal role in creating a welcoming, positive and enriching learning environment. Their guidance has not only improved my BJJ skills but has also extended to personal and professional development, making a tangible impact on various facets of my life.
In the two years since I joined Lake Effect, I have not only gained physical strength, conditioning and agility but have also experienced emotional and mental benefits that extend beyond the mats. The sense of community fostered by the academy is akin to a family, where members challenge and support one another, both on and off the mats. This sense of camaraderie has become an integral part of my life, creating lasting connections with people who share a passion for personal growth in their heart, mind and soul
In conclusion, Lake Effect Martial Arts has been a beacon of positive change in my life. It offers a unique blend of physical and mental challenges, a welcoming community, and expert instruction that extends beyond the realm of BJJ. For anyone seeking a transformative journey that goes beyond traditional fitness routines, Lake Effect Martial Arts stands out as a place where one can discover purpose, focus, and a supportive community that enriches both personal and professional aspects of life. I am profoundly grateful for the impact it has had on my journey, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone ready to embark on a holistic martial arts experience

Harold Little
via Google

Looked up some possible places while in Buffalo for the week for some work related training. Found this place and reached out. Coach Michael quickly responded, welcoming me to drop in and provided some good info. When I got there the environment was very welcoming, from the instructors down to the newest white belt. I never felt like anyone wanted to prove themselves against the "stranger", a vibe I've gotten on occasion when I drop in on classes during my travels. Got some good drilling in to work on muscle memory, and some good positional rolling for practice and to get the heart rate up. Overall great class.

Dillon Caines
via Google

I’ve lived and trained jiu jitsu in New York City, Pittsburgh PA, Toronto Canada and Frankfurt Germany for Work at some of the most regarded Jiu Jitsu academies in the country.

Lake Effect Martial Arts located in Buffalo, New York stands out among all of them not only for the technical quality of the jiu jitsu instruction & self defense development but mainly for its sense of community. For reference’s sake I spent 2 full years with Lake Effect.

Head Professor Michael Katilus is a well respected professional in WNY and runs this academy as a passion project outside of his daily living. For this reason everything is done for the right reasons and for the positive development of his students. His supporting cast of over 6 jiu jitsu black belts share the same through line and are a highly respectable band of Police officers, University Professors, Master Chef, Military Airplane Mechanic and more. Special mention of Coach Chris Former Active-Duty Marine turned stand up comedian and butterfly guard master in his retirement.

The students of Lake Effect are equally interesting individuals and i’m happy to call many of them friends.

If you are looking for great life development of your kids or nephews/nieces look no further.

If you are an adult looking to become a great jiu jitsu fighter and challenge yourself in a positive community look no further.

Hugo Hur
via Google

Dropped in for a No-Gi class while in Buffalo where I’ll be traveling now for work. Facility, staff, and instructors were great. They made me feel welcomed and got some good rounds in. Look forward to coming back next time I’m in town.
-Traveling Brown Belt from Philly

Daniel Ayd
via Google

I was in town for work and Michael welcomed me to join any session that worked for my 42 year old white belt self which happened to be a 6:30am intro session on a cold November morning. Gym was very clean, spacious and well appointed with timers, cubbies, seating and changing space. I love their appreciation for foot hygiene! Great location with lots of windows and a big parking lot--super easy to find and convenient to Buffalo. Greg was the instructor for this session and he spent a lot of time with a thorough warm-up and individualized attention during reps. He even got involved in the gauntlet-style positional grappling which I seldom see black belts risk their noses and lips with us white belts! I hope to come back in the future... thanks again for the hospitality!
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Chris Kwilas
via Google

I participated and competed in various martial arts in my life. Everything from Tae Kwon Do, Kempo, and Karate in my younger years and even trained in Muay Thai for two years in my late 20s. I was always a heavier set build and I thought I have experienced what I could out of martial arts regarding weight loss while pushing my body and confidence to the limits. That is, until, I took my first class of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Lake Effect Martial Arts (LEMA).
When I joined the LEMA family, I was the heaviest I been in my life and pushing an obese weight of 290lbs at the height of 6’0. I was extremely intimidated and embarrassed to start training in a martial art once again knowing how heavy I was, let alone a martial art I have absolutely no familiarity! However, due to the amazing culture and leadership of the academy, I felt right as if I was training on the mats there for months. Everyone is extremely helpful, friendly and always willing to assist (Professors and students); does not matter if your tall, short, heavy, skinny, everyone is training together on their jiu-jitsu journey. You’re not alone at LEMA or just “another number” at a gym, and the inviting family-like culture demonstrates the second-to-none leadership from the professors.
In only 5 ½ months I have shed 50lbs and counting! Along with the weight loss, I am the most flexible and mobile I have been in my life and this is including my earlier martial arts years. Jiu-Jitsu is very challenging and will push your mind and body to the limits, but, you’re not on this journey alone.
Regardless of what someone’s goals are: lose weight, get in better shape, compete or learn self-defense with arguably the most efficient martial arts in the world, there is no other place to train other than Lake Effect. I am grateful for taking the leap into the world of Jiu-Jitsu and looking forward to conquering more goals with the Lake Effect team!

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Lake Effect Martial Arts
Lake Effect Martial Arts and Fitness for All Ages!
Lake Effect Martial Arts

Professor David Szprygada

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Professor

Certifications

Black Belt Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jr > Jean Jacques Machado > Fabio Clemente > David Szprygada

Biography

What year did you start training and what was your attraction to BJJ?

My first tournament and training was in 2007, but hovered around MMA and no gi mostly until 2009 and since then I have been consistently training in the gi. I liked training in combat sports and was trying them out and at first honestly, the class time just worked better with my schedule.

What do you most enjoy about BJJ and training at LEMA?

Training at Lake Effect is a culture. It’s a place that I believe instils values in the students from the kids classes to the adults. The coaches and the students care about each other and tend to hang out with each other outside the gym and support each other in competitions and life generally. BJJ as a whole I like because it’s the more efficient way to get a great workout in, it’s the most efficient way to control someone in a self defence situation and helps with confidence and mental health.

Who is your inspiration and why?

For BJJ inspirations I’ll go with my NYC coaches like Fabio, Marcelo, Bernardo. Mendes brothers as well. Sure I like their Jiu Jitsu, but as I get older I like to see at a certain point they walked away from personal success in order to focus on their schools, their students and their families and I think that self sacrifice for others is so much better than chasing the dragon. Outside of Jiu Jitsu I have grown a fondness for John Paul II. The more I learn about him the more blown away I am by his resolve and fearlessness of the truth against two evil and hostile forces and the fact that he lived to see them both defeated.

What are some of your achievements?

I’m happy with my achievements in competition. I’ve done Jiu Jitsu, boxing, kickboxing and MMA to test myself. I’m proud to have gotten my blackbelt. Proud to be a defensive tactics instructor for law enforcement. No achievement is bigger to me than my vocation as a family man. I’m sure my experience with BJJ helps navigate those waters as well.

What is your favorite submission?

Up to purple belt I would have to definitely say the triangle. Now, maybe the spiral armbar? Heel hooks are fun, because you can look at the person and smile and wink.

 

 

Professor David Szprygada is currently a second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He also is a defensive tactics instructor with the NYS Park Police.

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