Professor Brandon is an amazing teacher. My entire family has trained at Core Academy for the past year and we couldn’t be happier. Both my 7 year old daughter and 9 year old son have made incredible strides on and off the mat in every way. I highly recommend Core Academy for anyone interested in BJJ - this is a great environment with outstanding people and the highest quality coaching.

My son (8 years old) has thrived in Professor Brandon’s class—gaining confidence, self-control, and focus. Most important, he’s discovered the joy of working hard to reach his goals. My son is so proud of his promotions. It’s wonderful to see. I’m grateful to Professor Brandon for helping to teach this invaluable life lesson.

Started training here one year ago with the goal of learning some simple techniques and fundamentals. Came in with limited knowledge and experience. In a year's time I have been able to learn all the things I wanted and substantially more. The instruction here is excellent, fundamentals and detail focused. The local culture fosters safe, productive and sustained development. For the more adventurous types this isn't a big competition school; that being said it I have never seen a student here fail to place top 3 in competition. Long story short, whether you are new to BJJ or are an experienced practitioner this is an excellent place to train. I would keep an eye on this school, I fully expect it to set the gold standard for the state moving forward.

I met Professor Brandon at a festival last fall and he convinced me to give his classes a try. Martial arts and BJJ were completely outside of my wheelhouse but after one class I was totally hooked. Professor Brandon is exquisite at teaching to all levels and has a energy that is unparalleled. The classes I've taken at Core Academy BJJ have been life changing for me - they have given me a new type of confidence, a unique mental challenge and a renewed physical strength and endurance I have never had before in my adult life. This is a truly awesome community to join - come check it out!

My work has led me to travel a bit and after training in multiple schools in NYC and west coast Bay Area, I have to say that Professor Brandon promotes a well run, safe and a friendly competitive environment. Also he is a master technician in the art of Jiu Jitsu. Can’t see myself training anywhere else!!!

I was looking for an engaging, physically active opportunity for my 8-year old daughter. She started training with Professor Brandon and Core Academy BJJ about 4 months ago and she is hooked. Professor Brandon is the real deal- his knowledge, skills and patience are exactly what she needs to succeed!

My children started at CORE Academy over the summer. After getting to know Professor Brandon, he began asking me when I was going to start BJJ. It took 6 months of his encouragement before I gave it a try. Immediately, I fell in love with Professor's class and was hooked on BJJ. The strength it provides both physically and mentally was immediate. I'm so glad I gave it a try and look forward to learning more.

Great place to train! Wonderful instruction and great atmosphere!

I and my son have trained with Professor Durham for many years and had an very positive set of experiences. He is an outstanding practitioner, teacher and person and incredibly passionate about Brazilian jiu-jitsu - with a breadth and depth of knowledge that is inspiring. Learning BJJ and working with Professor has helped me grow in many way - physically, personally and professionally. The constant learning and challenges at the academy create a great environment that is fun, rewarding and motivating.

Positive: ProfessionalismThe best in BJJ!! The instruction is top notch! The space is clean and beautiful! I can’t say enough good things about this school!!

Professor Brandon Durham has the best program around. Professors teachings are clear, concise and runs the most organized BJJ program in Fairfield County. Professor has a wonderful way of keeping his lessons exciting, engaging and fun.

Not all black belts are created equal! I've had the privilege of training jiu-jitsu all over the country from the last two decades and I've come to realize that while there are many great practitioners out there, there are only a handful of truly masterful professors. Professor Brandon is one of those masters who understands the art on near cellular level and after twenty years of training, he can still open my eyes to details and nuisances that I miss. If you live anywhere near Ridgefield and want to learn BJJ, I can't recommend this place enough!

Brazilian Jiu jitsu is a great martial art for many of all ages that want to stay healthy and learn real self defense. I've been training with Professor Durham from my start in 2014 from a white belt to currently a purple belt in his new school, Core Academy BJJ, I only wish I had started when I was much younger (over 50 club). Professor Durham is a teacher with great attention to the details of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu so that anyone can learn, even if you've been training for years you'll learn some new concepts and techniques with our program. I would highly recommend joining Core Academy BJJ for anyone from the new beginner or someone continuing their lifelong BJJ journey.

Professor Brandon has been an influential teacher and positive influence to my teenage son (now 14) over the past 6 years or so, and he finally convinced me to start BJJ at Core Academy last month. It’s a great challenge at 57 years old to enter into such a physically and mentally demanding challenge but Professor Brandon has the skill, confidence, clarity and passion to make it all incredibly rewarding. He embraces all skill and experience levels equally and genuinely instills a sense of community and commitment for all. Come check Core Academy out - you won’t regret it!