FONDA – High Level Jiu Jitsu, LLC, promotes the principles of Jiu Jitsu. Located in the Riverfront Center in Amsterdam, High Level Jiu Jitsu is a small business that helps its clients exercise and promote good overall health, while helping to teach problem solving and critical thinking. To help get people interested in the discipline, High Level Jiu Jitsu offers you a first class for free, knowing that the exercise and confidence gained will keep you coming back for more.
High Level Jiu Jitsu, LLC, has been selected as Montgomery County’s January Small Business of the Month by County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort and the Montgomery County Business Development Center because of what it means to the community to have businesses that teach practicality, discipline, provide exercise options, and provide the added benefit that Jiu Jitsu does to address positive mental health.
“High Level Jiu Jitsu is a great benefit to the local community,” County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort said. “Having local gyms and businesses that promote exercise and healthy living help lead to communities that are healthier and happier places to be. Sports and recreational opportunities build other strong characteristics. I applaud James and Amy Fallas for having this exercise-based martial arts business located here in Montgomery County.”
High Level Jiu Jitsu head instructor James Fallas owns and operates the business, with his wife, Amy. James received his black belt in 2015, under Professor Eddie Fyvie of Eddie Fyvie Jiu Jitsu Academy. James is a two-time International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Champion and has also competed successfully in many tournaments across the country. A father of four, James understands that Jiu Jitsu can be utilized both on and off of the mat, and he applies Jiu Jitsu principles to the everyday aspect of his family life, as well as training.
“Having our academy located in Montgomery County was important to us because it’s where grew up,” James Fallas said, on behalf of him and his wife, Amy. “We are grateful to be a part of the county’s ongoing growth. Montgomery County is centrally located, so we have many students attend our classes from nearby counties, when they find that it is easy to get to. High Level Jiu Jitsu is for anyone who wants to learn how to defender himself or herself in combat. What most people don’t know is that Jiu Jitsu will also allow you to apply those same principles to fighting the daily battles of life, such as weight loss, stress, relationship issues and self-confidence. You will learn how to think through problems more constructively than before, both on and off of the mats.”
The benefits of Jiu Jitsu are both physical and mental and at High Level Jiu Jitsu, they say that this discipline is for everyone, regardless of age of physical abilities. Jiu Jitsu is a lifestyle that is a great way to make lifelong friends and teaches the ability to defend yourself physically, which provides confidence.
“High Level Jiu Jitsu is a great addition to the business community in the county,” Montgomery County Business Development Center CEO Ken Rose said. “Exercise-based businesses have many benefits to the local community, providing healthy options for residents, while also helping to provide a better quality of life in the area.”
“High Level Jiu Jitsu is a great asset to the community,” said Amsterdam resident and County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) board member Mark Kowalczyk. “They teach both a skill and a positive mindset, anchored in discipline and respect. Their instruction made a huge impact on my son.”
James Fallas is one of three instructors at High Level Jiu Jitsu, along with Professor Matthew Marotta and James’ son, James “JR” Fallas. High Level Jiu Jitsu offers classes to anyone, age 12 and above. For more information, you can visit their website at www.highleveljiujitsu.com, call them at 518-866-4498 or email at highleveljiujitsu@gmail.com or fallasamy@gmail.com.
The small business of the month initiative recognizes local Montgomery County businesses that are making a difference in the community. Anyone wishing to nominate a deserving small business for recognition next month should contact the Montgomery County Business Development Center at 518-853-8334 or email vnicosia2@co.montgomery.ny.us with a brief note about the positive impact the company is making on the community. Nominations can also be submitted by sharing a post and tagging the business on the Business Development Center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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