Lake Effect Martial Arts

One of the best life decisions I've ever made was starting bjj at Lake Effect. Katilus is an amazing instructor. He motivates and drives you to be great. The teammates have become like a second family to me. I'd recommend this school to anyone looking make a change, challenge themselves, and be a part of a team that has the greatest comradery bjj has to offer. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

As a fellow Jiu Jitsu Academy owner in the area, it is great to know that jiu jitsu is in good hands while it continues its growth here. The instructors here are pros and the atmosphere is positive and family oriented. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

It's a great honor and pleasure to have the ability to train with the caliber of Jiu Jitsu practitioners this club has to offer. The environment and vibe of our gym has been something I've been in search of for a long time now and it's great to have so many guys around you that not only will help you elevate your game but also want to see you succeed in this endeavor. Your team is only as strong as its weakest link and i truly believe the guys and girls here all get that. The standard that is set is high but it's only because we all know the ultimate potential of each an every single one of us far surpasses even our own expectations and its wonderful to be around a group that pushes you pass those mental and physical barriers we put up. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy, but i can say without a doubt that no one at this club will let you fail yourself and will help you push through those moments of doubt. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Thank you so much for having me in to train. I really enjoyed your facility, and everyone was so welcoming.

Reviewed on Facebook

� � �... ❄ is coming... If you want a great workout, to learn some crazy good bjj, to be around good people, to challenge yourself, and to listen to funky music check this place out.

Reviewed on Facebook

Great place to train for the experienced martial artist but also an amazing place to start your journey as a martial artist. Great atmosphere, hard training and amazing camaraderie! One of the best places to train in western New York !!! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Lake Effect is a club that truly cares about the development of their students. Great coaching from IBJJF certified instructors who are well versed in high level competition which is extremely hard to find these days. A complete BJJ academy. Highly recommended for new students looking to have fun, get in shape and learn or experienced students looking to compete at a high level. Great for all ages. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

The Head Coach Professor Mike Katilus has been a friend and a jiu jitsu training partner of mine since forever because he embodies all of the virtues that I deem important - strong work ethic, honesty, motivated, and passionate about not only jiu jitsu but his family and community.
So if you want the best martial arts instruction in a family friendly motivating environment Lake Effect Martial Arts is your place. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I have been a part of this team since the beginning and it feels great! The instructors are top notch and the other teammates really make this an inviting place to learn. Do yourself a favor and start (or continue) your jiu jitsu journey with our team. We would love to have you! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Lake effect martial arts is an amazing place. A top level Brazilian jiu jitsu academy with great top level instruction. Welcoming to all skill levels from advanced to beginners. Professor Mike Katilus is a high level black belt instructor who put his heart into every class and it shows. Can't say enough good things about this place. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I just started at LEMA, recommended by a friend who trains here. So far I've had an extremely positive experience, the instructors are knowledgable and can teach to everyone in a comprehensible manner. Even if you're brand new to jiu jitsu like myself, you're in great hands here. The other training partners are all very inviting people, helping with some of the nervousness with starting something of this nature. All in all I feel everyone just wants to grow and become better while helping each other do the same. An amazing environment to be in, and will be looking forward to exposing myself to more. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

The team at this great BJJ gym welcomed me on my vacation and I had some awesome rolls here! Classy, friendly, athletic crew. Nice, large facility too; plenty of mat space for most players to start rolls on the feet (as opposed to knees). Would love to come back for more rolls next time I’m in Buffalo More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Great Professor and Coach Joao... Very welcoming and glad I was able to make class. My 67th school to train at and it was like I had trained here all the time. Tough rolls and all around good peeps... Not to mention a really nicely laid out facility. Being Born and raised in Buffalo and being home visiting it had that warm Buffalo welcome. Look forward to training here again. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Outstanding school! Everyone there no matter experience is beyond welcoming from the minute you walk in the door. Plenty of options for training throughout the week and without a doubt at this school, you will be competition ready.

Reviewed on Facebook

See.. You go into a gym to check them out, while you're waiting on the owner to show up, every single person that shows up is welcoming whether they're are higher belt or not, the place is clean. .. then you start training and boy let me tell you, the level of skill displayed on the mat is nothing short of excellent. If this sound like a Jiu Jitsu gym you might relate to, this is place! I don't leave many reviews... I fell compelled to do so for this place More...

Reviewed on Facebook