Plus One Defense Systems
About
Plus One Defense Systems in Hartford, CT offers an exceptionally broad range of martial arts disciplines, including MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, kickboxing, judo, karate, and more specialized arts like Krav Maga, Capoeira, and Kung-Fu. This diversity is supported by a deep roster of experienced instructors, from headliners like Mestre Marcus Aurelio, a PRIDE Fighting Champion and UFC record holder, to certified specialists like strength coach Scott Myrick and physician Professor Wolpaw. The facility is fully equipped with an MMA cage, a boxing ring, multiple training rooms, locker rooms with private showers, and a complete gym area featuring cardio machines and free weights. Members consistently highlight how this extensive infrastructure supports a safe, clean, and professional training environment.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym's welcoming and supportive community, where both beginners and experienced practitioners feel immediately included. They highlight the instructors' exceptional knowledge, talent, and willingness to provide personalized attention, with specific mentions of coaches like Dom being inviting and helpful while still pushing students to improve. Reviews frequently note the clean, well-maintained facilities, the safe training environment, and the sheer variety of martial arts styles available to try. Long-term members describe it as one of the best schools in the state, ideal for anyone starting or continuing their training.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
James Tan
a year ago
This gym is fantastic. I came from out of town and got a week's worth of classes. I immediately felt welcomed and part of the community. The training is safe and the instructors are knowledgeable. They also keep the facility clean. I highly recommend them!
Julian Han
2 months ago
As someone who has been going to this school on and off for years I can confidently say it is one of the best Martial arts schools in the state. The facilities are extremely well maintained and the staff is extremely kind knowledgeable and talented. If your looking to start or continue your Martial arts journey look no further than Plus one. The variety of classes and styles of arts taught here are numerous and unique. Plus the Tacital boutique is the perfect place to get into the world of firearms.
Anthony Paparazzo
a year ago
I cant say enough about Plus One Defense Systems. My daughter started there about 18 years ago when she was 8. she had the time of her life. Over the years I have kept in touch with the owner who is an awesome person! I took the plunge about a month ago and joined. It is the beginning of my journey and couldnt be at a better place. At first it might look intimidating but everyone is very helpful and supportive. .Lots of different martial arts you can try, and they have a great gym where you can workout(cardio ,weights etc)!! I highly recommend you check it out..Adult, Kids whomever!
Olivia Tummescheit
9 months ago
I am so happy to have found Plus One Defense Systems! I have been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for several months now, and I love the classes. The instructors are generous with their time and expertise, and the other students are kind and willing to help each other. This gym is one of a kind, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Giovanni Rodriguez
a year ago
I visited for the first time yesterday. They offered a free introductory class, so I decided to try Muay Thai. I'm brand new to any sort of martial art/combat sport, but I was excited to give it a shot! Coach Dom was awesome. He was super inviting and helpful. Since it was my first time doing anything like this, he gave me some extra attention and made sure that my technique was good. He didn't take it easy on me, though, which I definitely appreciated! He constantly pushed and challenged myself and everyone else in the class. Everyone who was taking the class with me was welcoming, too! Afterward, Coach Dom gave me a tour and explained to me everything that I needed to know before signing up. I'm excited to continue training here and trying out the variety of classes that they have to offer! Also, if you don't have your own equipment (like me), they have everything that you'd need to participate. If you're on fence about coming here, give this place a try. I didn't regret it, and I don't think you will either!
fitness_centerAmenities
Contact
9 Tolles St, West Hartford, CT 06110, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:15 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Professor Robert Austin
Head of United Martial Arts Alliance
High level black belt in several disciplines
Avid practitioner of Filipino martial arts, founded multiple martial arts academies in Colorado.
Trevon Stapleton
Coach
Quick learner and one of the hardest workers, talented martial artist.
Jacob Figueroa
Muay Thai/BJJ Instructor
Studies Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over ten years of practice, loves teaching.
Aaron Hickey
Muay Thai Instructor
Started Muay Thai in 2006 at Minnesota Martial Arts Academy under Greg Nelson.
Scott Myrick
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Certified Athletic Trainer
Preferred strength and conditioning coach for competitive athletes at Plus One.
Professor Wolpaw (Dr. Dave)
BJJ Instructor
Full-time physician, black belt in BJJ
Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for around two decades, brings high level of knowledge to BJJ classes.
Kyoshi Darin Reisler
Head Instructor/Owner
Over 40 years of training
Student for over 40 years, dedicated to studying and teaching martial arts.
Oluwole Oyelola
Capoeira Instructor
Fluid Capoeira practitioner who enjoys the floreios, practices Capoeira Regional and Angola.
Rohan Mitchell
Kung-Fu Instructor
Provides instruction primarily to adult Kung-Fu students with a kind and gentle demeanor.
Mestre Marcus Aurelio
BJJ Head (Lineage)
Multiple time Pan Champion, PRIDE Fighting Champion, holds record for fastest submission in UFC history
Nearly 40 years of BJJ experience, runs Marcus Aurelio BJJ Academy in Florida.
Travis Johnson
Lead Karate/Silat Instructor
Training for about twenty years, captain of Karate competition team, head instructor of Silat program.
Rochelly Duncan
Youth BJJ Instructor
Works with youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program and brings a high level of skill to the group.
Professor Marco Delima
BJJ Instructor
3rd degree black belt under Marcus Aurelio (Carlson Gracie lineage)
Practicing Jiu-Jitsu for over 20 years, born and raised in Fortaleza, Brazil.
Joshua Kaufman
BJJ Instructor
Well-versed individual with solid background in climbing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Donald Meyers
BJJ Instructor
Studies all things self-defense, teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the mornings, takes training seriously.
Ajarn Nelson Siyavong
Muay Thai Instructor
Trained in Northeast Esan regions of Thailand, turned pro at 14
Started training at twelve years old in Thailand under his late grandfather.
Alberto Collazo
Muay Thai Instructor
Started training at Plus One in 2006, grew up on the mats, works with advanced and beginner Muay Thai students.
Professor Derrick
BJJ/Wrestling Instructor
Black belt in BJJ, high school wrestling coach
Been grappling for about 15 years, loves wrestling, experience as a high school wrestling coach.
John Vo
Lead Youth BJJ Instructor
Lead Instructor for youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program with a technical approach.
Kristina Bystrak
Krav Maga/Silat Instructor
Krav Maga enthusiast and instructor, also studies Silat at Plus One.
Coach Rachel
Krav Maga Instructor
Graduate of Legion Krav Maga program
Teaches Krav Maga, graduate of the Legion Krav Maga program.
Mark Balkun
Coach
Involved with sports entire life, coach for over 15 years with strong competition foundation.
Able Aldave
Youth Instructor (Kung-Fu, Karate, Muay Thai, BJJ)
Works with kids in multiple disciplines including Kung-Fu, Karate, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Coach Amir
Krav Maga Instructor
Graduate of Legion Krav Maga program
Enjoys teaching Krav Maga, graduate of the Legion Krav Maga program.
Joel Melendez (Suave)
Capoeira Instructor
Accomplished Capoeirista
Trained with Mestre Efraim Silva for four years and Mestre Pinga Fogo for eight years.
Tristian Sudac
Krav Maga Instructor
Enthralled with the no-nonsense approach of Krav Maga for many years, mechanical engineer by day.
Marlene Reisler
Head Instructor, Women's BJJ
Training at Plus One for about twelve years, experienced educator by profession.
Karen Myrick
Martial Arts Instructor
Doctor
Great martial artist with a very diverse background, focuses on healing and martial arts.