Paragon of Jiu Jitsu
About
Paragon of Jiu Jitsu in Wilmington, DE offers training in both MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the guidance of four black belt instructors: Cris Dinofa, Brett Kostern, Robert Taylor, and Jeff Sorbel. The gym provides a clean, well organized facility with programs designed for all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned competitors. Members consistently highlight the top tier instruction, with coaches described as knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in each student's growth.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe Paragon of Jiu Jitsu as an outstanding academy with fantastic coaching and a positive, welcoming culture. They praise the instructors by name, including Jeff, Brett, and Robert, for being patient, knowledgeable, and creating a safe, encouraging environment for both children and adults. Reviewers specifically mention the clean facility, well organized classes, and the genuine camaraderie among members, with many noting it's the best academy in the area. The kids' program receives particular acclaim for building confidence, discipline, and respect in a fun, structured way.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Tanna Powers
3 months ago
My 3 grandkids ages 4, 6 and 9 are enrolled here. They absolutely love it! I recently visited from out of town and was very impressed. The staff was super friendly and professional, and the studio was clean and welcoming.
Jared Cranford
2 months ago
Paragon of Jiu Jitsu is outstanding! All three of my kids train here. The professors and coaches are fantastic with children, blending engagement and structure that’s building confidence, focus, and respect. The culture is positive, safe, encouraging, and classes are well organized and age‑appropriate. We couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend Paragon of Jiu Jitsu!
Michelle C
4 weeks ago
I started October having no training in any type of marital arts, paragon had been the most welcoming and enjoyable space for me to learn. The instructors are awesome and there’s an amazing girls group.
Preston Toole
a month ago
Paragon Jiu Jitsu is hands down the best academy in the area. Jeff, Brett, and Robert have built something truly special here, the gym is clean, well-organised, welcoming and competitive, but what really sets it apart is the culture. From the moment you walk in, you understand this team are friends and they treat you as such too, great group of humans. There's a genuine camaraderie on Paragon's mats and that's not as common as it once was among schools I travelled to. The long-time members are legends in the flesh. They show up consistently, train hard, and go out of their way. Please expend most of your energy on Jack, Tony, and Kiwiaha, we need to beat them up (friendly), I'll be back to do the same. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned competitor, Paragon has the coaching, the community, and the environment to help you level up. Can't recommend it enough, I'll be back!
Michael Johnson
2 months ago
Paragon of Jiu Jitsu is an outstanding academy with an incredible atmosphere and truly top-tier instruction. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in every student’s growth—whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or training at an advanced level. The kids’ program builds confidence, discipline, and respect in a fun and structured environment, while the adult classes are technical, motivating, and supportive. The culture is positive, professional, and family-friendly, making it a great place to train, learn, and grow.
Contact
5226 College Rd unit 9-b, Wilmington, NC 28412, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Cris Dinofa
Instructor
Black Belt
One of the four black belt instructors on staff, contributing to the combined 55+ years of Jiu Jitsu experience.
Brett Kostern
Owner / Instructor
Black Belt
Co-founder who started training in 2012. One of the four black belt instructors with a combined 55+ years of experience.
Robert Taylor
Owner / Instructor
Black Belt
Co-founder who started training in 2012. One of the four black belt instructors with a combined 55+ years of experience.
Jeff Sorbel
Owner / Instructor
Black Belt
Co-founder who started training in 2012. One of the four black belt instructors with a combined 55+ years of experience.