Brecksville Wrestling Ohio State Champion Rylan Seacrist
If you're searching for wrestling classes in Brecksville or a new way to build strength, confidence, and community—Watermark Jiu Jitsu is the place to be. Our Saturday no-gi session this month was a special one, thanks to a visit from national wrestling champion Rylan Seacrist.
Rylan’s Seacrist's No-Gi Session: For Everyone on the Mat
At Watermark Jiu Jitsu we were proud to host Rylan Seacrist as he ran a 1-hour wrestling-focused No-Gi session, followed by 30 minutes of live Jiu Jitsu rounds. Ryan, a senior at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, recently won both a state championship and a national title at the Fargo Freestyle Nationals—widely considered the biggest high school wrestling tournament in the country. It’s not every day that someone with that level of grit and talent walks through the doors of a local gym to share what he knows.
But at Watermark, that’s exactly the kind of experience we want our members to have.
Jiu Jitsu: What’s the Difference Between Wrestling and Grappling?
If you’re new to martial arts, the term grappling might sound unfamiliar. Grappling is the umbrella term used in martial arts for techniques that involve clinching, controlling, or taking down an opponent—without striking. Both wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) are forms of grappling.
So, how are they different?
- Wrestling emphasizes takedowns and pinning your opponent to the mat. It’s fast-paced, explosive, and technical.
- Jiu Jitsu, especially in no-gi format, focuses on ground control and submissions—chokes, joint locks, and positional dominance.
- No-gi grappling, like what we practice at Watermark, blends the two disciplines and borrows the best techniques from each.
That’s why a wrestler like Rylan is such a powerful addition to a Jiu Jitsu environment. His takedown knowledge, balance, and control translate directly into stronger performances for anyone training in Jiu Jitsu—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor.
Rylan’s No-Gi Session: For All Ages and Experience Levels
For this special Saturday session, Rylan led a 1-hour wrestling-focused no-gi technique class, followed by 30 minutes of live grappling rounds. The room was packed with students of all ages and experience levels—from 7-year-old beginners to adult hobbyists and competitive athletes.
And everyone learned something new.
Whether it was a new takedown grip, a footwork trick, or a concept about timing, Rylan’s teaching was clear, encouraging, and grounded in real experience. These sessions aren’t just for the elite—they’re for the curious, the hardworking, and the excited-to-learn.
As Rylan said after the class, “Thank you to Travis for having me show some technique out at his place! Got some awesome pictures from the clinic.”
This Is What Watermark Jiu Jitsu Is All About
We’re more than just a gym. At Watermark Jiu Jitsu, we’re building a community where champions and first-timers train together, side-by-side. Our classes are fun, technical, and inclusive, and we take pride in making Jiu Jitsu accessible to everyone—kids, teens, adults, women, competitors, and hobbyists alike.
Our coaches, like Travis Anderson, care deeply about every student’s progress, and we love bringing in high-level local athletes like Rylan to inspire and sharpen our skills.
Join Us in Brecksville — Close to Cleveland and Akron
If you're in Brecksville, Broadview Heights, North Royalton, Independence, or anywhere on Cleveland’s south side or Akron’s north end, Watermark is just a short drive away. Whether you’re looking for:
- Wrestling classes for kids
- No-gi grappling for adults
- Beginner jiu jitsu near me
- Or just a supportive, energizing place to train
…we’d love to meet you.
Try a Week of Martial Arts for Free
Ready to hit the mat? Come see what we’re all about. Watermark Jiu Jitsu offers a free one-week trial—no pressure, no contracts. Just you, your goals, and a team that’s excited to help you get started.
Located in Brecksville, OH — 15 minutes from Cleveland, 25 from Akron.