About Gracie Farmington Valley

Who We Are

Gracie Farmington Valley is more than a place to learn martial arts. It is a community dedicated to helping individuals grow through structured training, education, and mentorship.

Since opening our doors, we have focused on changing lives one student at a time. Our instructors work closely with every student to ensure they receive the guidance and encouragement needed to progress in their training.

Whether someone is stepping onto the mat for the first time or continuing their martial arts journey, they will find a welcoming environment where they are supported and challenged to improve.

My name is Joseph Montgomery Head Coach & Owner of Gracie Farmington Valley. As Head Coach and Owner of our academy, Joseph brings over 12.5 years of dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts experience to the mats. A proud black belt under the respected instructors Robbie Donofrio and Jay Bell, he is part of the esteemed Gracie Tampa Network, ensuring our program delivers authentic, high-quality Gracie Jiu-Jitsu rooted in tradition, self-defense, and Joseph’s journey in Jiu-Jitsu has been profoundly transformative—building not only technical mastery and physical resilience but also mental strength, discipline, and a renewed sense of purpose. What began as personal growth has become his life’s passion: growing Jiu-Jitsu throughout the Farmington Valley community. He is deeply committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and positive culture where every student—beginner or advanced—feels respected, challenged, and empowered.

GFV is truly an incredible place to train. I’ve been part of this gym family for over 9 years, and I’m proud to call it home. In that time, I’ve earned black belts in both Jiu Jitsu and Judo, and I’m still learning every day from some of the best instructors in the area. My kids train here too, and now I have the privilege of giving back by donating some of my own time to help teach. The atmosphere is something special—full of humble warriors, a few humble savages, and a spirit that welcomes everyone who walks through the door.

Coach Joseph is excellent at what he does. The children’s program is amazing. GFV is a great place for the entire family, and we are so happy to be a part of this community.

Joseph has a very gifted instructional approach with the kids. When he speaks, they are tuned in and connected. To bring our son more up to speed with the other kids, we added some private lessons (in addition to fundamentals class) from Joseph and we gradually witnessed an unlikely transformation take place before our eyes. Our son who was always very timid and unable to defend himself in the past, today stands tall and fancies himself as a sort of hot shot now! mind blown! 🙉🤯 Because of this positive transition I saw taking place, we signed our older son up several months later.