Category Five Jiu-Jitsu
About Us
At Category Five Jiu-Jitsu, we maintain a tidy and clean training environment to give us the prime space to focus on Jiu-Jitsu techniques and physical improvement. Everyone who trains and teaches here has a mutual respect for one another and we celebrate our differences in background, skills, and personality. Our instructors represent various martial arts backgrounds and specialties such as Jiu-Jitsu, mixed martial arts, defensive tactics, and more. We embrace these diverse influences and incorporate them into our core Jiu-Jitsu training.
Category Five Jiu-Jitsu
Instructors
Along with learning how to grapple, Jiu-Jitsu classes provide you with an inspiring community that motivates you to achieve your goals in fitness and life.
It gives you an outlet to relieve stress, build focus, and stay stimulated. Beyond our walls, Category Five Jiu-Jitsu students overcome mistakes and problem-solve independently. Whether you’re a hobbyist or competitor, the journey you’ll have with Jiu-Jitsu training in Hurricane, West Virginia will positively impact you socially, mentally, and physically.
Owner & Head Instructor
Wes Thompson
Black belt under Scott Layton with over 20 years of combat sport and self defense training experience. Head instructor and owner of Category Five Jiu-Jitsu.
Read More
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Ted Malone
Black Belt under Saulo and Xande Ribeiro and training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 15 years. Certified Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Instructor for the state of West Virginia. Certified Military and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Instructor.
Read More
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Shannon Newhouse
Received his Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Scott Layton in 2018 and has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 15 years. Shannon’s passion is in passing on his knowledge of the art to every student willing to learn and that passion is evident every class he instructs.
Read More
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Matthew Haid
Matthew is the no-gi instructor at Category Five with over 15 years of Jiu-Jitsu experience. He began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2009, and received his black belt in January 2024.
Read More
About Our
History
Originally established by Shannon Newhouse in 2014, Wes and Kristi Thompson fully inherited Category Five Jiu-Jitsu during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and have enjoyed witnessing Category Five Jiu-Jitsu’s growth through the years. Category Five’s lineage comes from Jiu-Jitsu legends and multiple time World Champions Saulo and Xande Ribeiro. Saulo received his black belt from Royler Gracie in 1995 and passed on his knowledge to Chris Blanke – his first American Black Belt. The gym continues to grow and improve through the guidance of Chris, who is the owner of the Toledo Jiu-Jitsu Center / Badger Style Team, senior member of the Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Team, IBJJF 4th degree Black Belt, multiple time champion, and a certified defensive tactics instructor for the state of Ohio.
Don't Take Our Word For It:
Regardless if you are brand new to the sport or have been doing BJJ for several years, this is the best gym in the area. The people are extremely welcoming, and they treat everyone like family. They’re also extremely conscientious of safety here, especially when working new techniques. Highly recommend it.
Tony O.
Student
Great place and great instructors. If you are looking for the right place Category Five Jiu-Jitsu its the right place. I have been taking my son for the past year and he has enjoy the atmosphere, chemistry with peers and has learned amazing skills. Very highly recommended.
Andres F.
Parent
Had no idea this place existed, found it completely by accident. My Wife and I took a class last night, it did not disappoint. Lot's of children, very clean, positive atmosphere. We are becoming members, and 100% endorse this facility and the staff.
Dave M.
Student