LEARN HOW TO EFFECTIVELY DEFEND YOURSELF! JOIN US NOW!
Dedicated to Teaching You and Your Family the Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai
Celebrating 10 Years
Open since October 2016, LJJA provides a family learning environment to people of all ages and abilities. From our kids' BJJ classes to our Women's-Only Self-Defense training (FREE to the community), we have something for everyone ages 5-95!
Top-notch Facility & Equipment
In addition to our 4,000 sqft of mat space, Boxing Ring, Private Training Space, Men's & Women's Changing Areas with Showers, and Pro Shop (including BJJ GIs, Belts, Boxing Gloves, and Gym Attire), we also offer an exercise equipment and fitness area to our adult members. For recovery, we have an infrared sauna and ice bath on site offered to all adult athletes. The workout space is available during regularly scheduled hours.
CPR/AED/FA Certified Coaches
All our coaches are trained by the US Center for SafeSport to recognize, respond to, and prevent abuse both inside and outside the gym. To learn more about US Center for SafeSport, visit www.uscenterforsafesport.org.
Take a tour
Class ScheduleA Proud Affiliate of the Ares BJJ Association
We are a proud affiliate of the Ares BJJ Association, one of the biggest and best associations worldwide.
The Ares Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association was created by a group of friends that value friendships and principals before business. We agree that in the end of our journey, our friends and family are the ones that will be by our side; not business relationships, which tend to end when the interest is gone.
Our goal is to be a huge family with world wide ties that bring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the next level and change lives. We have a very powerful tool on our hands and we shall show the world. With the right attitude and values, we will spread our sense of community to as many places as we possibly can.
Meet Our BJJ Instructors
Professor Brendin Phillips
Professor Brendin is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He oversees the kids and adult fundamentals BJJ programs, with assistance from the other professors. He has been training BJJ since 2013 and is an active competitor. Brendin trains under Professor Osvaldo “Queixinho” Moizinho, 4th degree black belt and co-funder of the Ares BJJ Academy Association.
Professor Kelton Hungate
Professor Kelton is a black belt who teaches the adult No-Gi classes. He has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2011 and is an active competitor and referee on the local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene.
Asst. Coach - Megan Phillips
Assistant Coach Megan is a brown belt in BJJ, and co-owner of LJJA. She has been training in BJJ since 2015, with several prior years of kickboxing and judo.
Megan works full-time outside of the gym, as a senior technical advisor, as well as manages day to day responsibilities at Legacy. From time to time, you'll find her on the back mats with the Littles BJJ or the front mats assisting with the kids BJJ class. Megan is an active competitor on the IBJJF circuit.
Asst. Coach - Rebekah Norman
Assistant Coach Rebekah (Coach Becks) is a brown belt in BJJ. She has been training since 2016 and has a lot of experience working with the younger kids. She oversaw our Littles BJJ program for 8 years before moving up to help with the Kids BJJ classes in 2025. Coach Becks is an active competitor.
Littles BJJ Coach - Danielle Faries
Assistant Coach Danielle is a blue belt in BJJ. Her two kids have been a part of our gym family since 2021. She started her journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in late 2022 and immediately fell in love. She has jumped in to help our with Littles BJJ program in early 2023 several days a week. Coach Danielle is an active competitor.
Littles BJJ Coach - Caressa DeSimone
Assistant Coach Caressa is a blue belt in BJJ. She has been training since early 2022. Her three kids have been a part of our gym family since 2019. She started training in Muay Thai in early 2021 and then decided to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in early 2022. She has stepped in to assist in our Littles BJJ program in early 2023. Coach Caressa is an active competitor.
Representing Srisuk Muay Thai
We’re proud members of the Srisuk Muay Thai team, owned and operated by Master Anupong “Saohin” Srisuk.
Master Saohin is a professional fighter from Thailand who relocated to the Pacific Northwest, bringing decades of high-level experience and traditional Muay Thai training. He has trained at the renowned Tiger Muay Thai facility and is an accomplished striker with an impressive professional record of 88 fights, 70 wins, 47 knockouts, and six championship belts. He fought for Sor Thanikul in the legendary Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadiums, earned the title of two-time PABA World Champion (118 & 126 lbs), and captured the S-1 Muay Thai Title Belt.
Master Saohin has also coached elite athletes, including UFC fighters John “Prince” Albert, Urijah Faber, George Sotiropoulos, and Stephan Bonnar, as well as Muay Thai standout Sam Poulton.
We’re incredibly grateful to be part of his team and to learn from one of the most accomplished coaches and competitors in the Pacific Northwest.”
Muay Thai Instructors
Head Instructor - Kru Brendin Phillips
Kru Brendin is the head instructor for our Muay Thai program. Kru Brendin earned his Kru rank under Master Anupong Saohin Srisuk of Srisuk Muay Thai. Kru Brendin has been instructing Muay Thai since 2017 and brings with him a wealth of striking knowledge. He comes with a background in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, Karate, & Taekwondo.
Kru Pierce Williams
Kru Pierce has been training in Muay Thai since 2014. He holds the rank of Kru (red/white), through Kru Brendin and Master Saohin. Kru Pierce oversees the kids, teens, and adult Muay Thai programs under Kru Brendin.
Testimonials
Legacy Jiu-jitsu Academy, located in Richland, WA, is dedicated to teaching you and your family the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Srisuk Muay Thai.
Choose the Better Way!
What are you waiting for? Grab our incredible $20 deal: enjoy 3 trial classes and receive a FREE t-shirt! Defend yourself and learn to handle life—the better way!
