Complete Grappling
Martial Arts in Avon
Interested in joining our Complete Grappling family? We’d love to help! Fill out our quick form, and we’ll reach out with membership information, answer any questions you have, and help you find the option that’s right for you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Join Us For
BJJ, Wrestling & Judo
We’re more than just a martial arts gym—we’re a community where everyone belongs. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the very first time, training for competition, looking to get in shape, or simply wanting to learn practical self-defense, you’ll find a supportive and encouraging environment here. We welcome adults, kids, women, beginners, experienced grapplers, and athletes of all backgrounds. Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo, we help our students build confidence, improve their physical and mental well-being, and have fun while learning valuable skills. No matter your goals, our coaches and community are here to help you grow every step of the way.
Sign up for two FREE martial arts classes!
Come experience Complete Grappling for yourself! Enjoy 2 FREE classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, or Judo with no obligation and no pressure. It’s the perfect way to meet our coaches, train with our community, and see if we’re the right fit for you.
Who We Are at
Complete Grappling
About Our School
At Complete Grappling, we believe martial arts should be welcoming, challenging, and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, or Judo, our supportive coaches and community will help you grow at your own pace. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, competition, or simply trying something new, you’ll receive personalized instruction in a positive, respectful environment. From kids and busy parents to veterans in our We Defy program, every student has their own journey—and we’re here to help you succeed every step of the way.
Our Founders Journey
Complete Grappling was founded by Eric Plourde, whose passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, competition, and helping others is at the heart of everything we do. A dedicated competitor, Eric believes that challenging yourself on the mats builds confidence, resilience, and character—lessons that extend far beyond martial arts.
Eric began his martial arts journey as a child, earning his black belt in Tang Soo Do before returning to combat sports at the age of 36 when he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—a decision that changed his life.
What started as a way to improve his own physical and mental well-being became a lifelong passion. After 13 years of dedicated training and earning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in 2022, Eric was inspired to open Complete Grappling in the summer of 2026. His mission is to create a welcoming community where people of all ages and experience levels can build confidence, challenge themselves, and experience the life-changing benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo.
Explore Our Schedule
Your journey starts here! Explore our class schedule and find the perfect time to step onto the mats. We can wait to train with you!
Get to Know our
Coaching Team
Our team brings expertise to all areas of our training. Each coach specializes in their area of grappling. We have experts in Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo. Learn more about our leaders in their bios below.
Eric Plourde Sr.
2nd Degree Black Belt
Owner / Head Instructor
Eric Plourde is the Owner and Head Instructor of Complete Grappling, bringing more than 13 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience and a lifelong passion for martial arts. He began training at the age of 6, earned his Black Belt in Tang Soo Do in 1988, and received his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in 2022 under Team Nova Uniao’s 5th Degree Black Belt Danilo Cherman.
Eric leads the academy’s Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for adults and youth classes. With more than six years of coaching experience, he is passionate about helping students of all ages build confidence, improve their skills, and achieve their goals in a positive, supportive environment. A dedicated competitor, Eric continues to test himself on the competition mats while bringing that knowledge and experience back to his students.
Competition Highlights:
- 7× IBJJF Gold Medalist
- 1× IBJJF Double Gold Medalist
- 1× IBJJF World Master Silver Medalist
- 2× State Champion Gold Medalist
- 1× Tap Cancer Out Gold Medalist
- Multiple additional IBJJF silver and bronze medal finishes
Eric believes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has the power to change lives, and his mission is to help every student experience the confidence, discipline, and sense of community that martial arts has given him.
Andi Sunseri
Black Belt
Women’s Program Instructor
Andi leads Complete Grappling’s Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. She began her BJJ journey in 2014 under Team Nova Uniao’s Danilo and Jessica Cherman at the age of 42, proving that it’s never too late to start.
A passionate and experienced competitor, Andi has competed in numerous IBJJF tournaments and brings both high-level experience and a supportive coaching style to the mats.
Her accomplishments include:
- IBJJF World Master Champion
- 2x IBJJF World Master Silver Medalist
- 1x IBJJF World Master Bronze Medalist
- 3x IBJJF Pan American Champion
- 6× IBJJF Gold Medalist
Whether she’s coaching beginners or experienced students, Andi is dedicated to creating a welcoming, empowering environment where every woman can build confidence, develop her skills, and discover the life-changing benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Nick Adler
No-Gi & Wrestling Coach
Nick serves as the academy’s No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling Coach. He is currently a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has trained in several martial arts disciplines, including Capoeira, Krav Maga, MMA, and Folkstyle Wrestling.
In addition to his martial arts background, Nick has over 10 years of experience coaching high school wrestling. In 2022, he was recognized as Class S Coach of the Year and coached a State Championship team.
His accomplishments include:
-
3x Tap Cancer Out Gold Medalist
-
1x IBJJF Silver Medalist
Outside of the academy, Nick is also a local 8th grade teacher.
Eric Plourde Jr. (EJ)
Assistant Kids Coach
Eric “EJ” Plourde Jr. began training martial arts at just 5 years old and is currently a 3-stripe Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
EJ serves as the primary assistant coach for the academy’s kids program and has been assisting with youth classes for the past five years. He also competes regularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments.
Outside the academy, EJ plans to attend school to become a paramedic.
Eric Carrero
Mobility & Performance Coach
Eric is an Occupational Therapist and Personal Trainer with a passion for helping people move better, feel stronger, and stay active both on and off the mats.
He has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for six years and is currently a four-stripe Purple Belt approaching Brown Belt level. Eric has earned multiple podium finishes at local tournaments, but his primary focus is long-term consistency, health, and continuous improvement.
Drawing from his professional background in occupational therapy and personal training, Eric emphasizes a body-smart approach to training that prioritizes mobility, targeted strengthening, injury prevention, and recovery. His goal is to help students train effectively while maintaining long-term longevity in the sport.
Steve Ciarleglio
Head Judo Instructor
Steve is a retired detective who brings more than 30 years of martial arts experience to his instruction. His training spans multiple disciplines, including Kempo Karate, Aiki Jujutsu, Aikido, Wrestling, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
His martial arts credentials include:
-
Black Belt in Kempo Karate (1994)
-
Black Belt in Aiki Jujutsu/Aikido (1997)
-
Black Belt in Judo (2005) under Sensei Sid Kelly, 9th Degree Black Belt (Kudan)
-
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2019) under Danilo Cherman, 5th Degree Black Belt
Steve serves as the academy’s Head Judo Instructor.
Sign up for two FREE martial arts classes!
Come experience Complete Grappling for yourself! Enjoy 2 FREE classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, or Judo with no obligation and no pressure. It’s the perfect way to meet our coaches, train with our community, and see if we’re the right fit for you.
Explore Our
Martial Arts Programs
No matter your experience or goals, there’s a place for you at Complete Grappling. Whether you’re interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, or Judo, our experienced coaches and supportive community are here to help you learn, grow, and succeed. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, competition, or simply trying something new, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Explore our programs below and find the one that’s right for you!
Gi & No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is about so much more than learning techniques—it’s about personal growth, confidence, and community. At Complete Grappling, you’ll develop practical grappling and self-defense skills while training in a positive, supportive environment that helps you become your best both on and off the mats. Many adults find that training provides a healthy outlet to relieve stress, build resilience, and improve their overall well-being. For kids, Jiu-Jitsu teaches confidence, respect, discipline, emotional control, and the skills to handle challenging situations with calm and confidence. No matter your age or experience level, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers something for everyone, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Women’s Only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Women’s Only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes offer a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where women of all ages and experience levels can train with confidence. Build practical self-defense skills, improve your fitness, relieve stress, and gain confidence while training alongside an encouraging community of other women. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll discover just how empowering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be in a space where you’ll always feel comfortable, supported, and respected.
Wrestling
Our Wrestling program is designed to help athletes of all levels reach their full potential. Whether you’re preparing for the high school season, looking to sharpen your technique, or wanting to gain a competitive edge, our experienced coach provides high-level instruction in a supportive environment. Through focused training and specialized seminars, you’ll build the skills, confidence, and work ethic needed to succeed on and off the mat.
Judo
Our Judo program is a great way to expand your grappling skills and become a more complete martial artist. Whether you’re new to Judo or looking to refine your throws and takedowns, our open mats and seminars provide a fun, supportive environment to learn and grow. Our Judo program will help you build confidence, improve technique, all of which will help you to become a more well-rounded grappler.
We Defy
Complete Grappling is proud to support our military veterans as an ambassador of the We Defy Foundation. Through this incredible partnership, eligible veterans living with service-connected disabilities and PTSD can receive the life-changing benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at no cost. Veterans who qualify through We Defy are welcomed into our academy, where their membership is fully covered by the foundation. We believe the mats provide more than just training—they offer community, purpose, confidence, and healing. To further support this mission, we proudly host two fundraising events each year around Memorial Day and Veterans Day to help We Defy continue changing lives.
Nova Uniao Affiliate
Explore Our Schedule
Your journey starts here! Explore our class schedule and find the perfect time to step onto the mats. We can wait to train with you!
Contact Us Today!
Come train with us at Complete Grappling! We’re proud to serve the communities of Avon, Farmington, Burlington, Simsbury, West Hartford, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, or Judo, you’ll find a welcoming community and expert coaching at our academy. Conveniently located on Main Street in Avon, we’re ready to help you start your martial arts journey!