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About Us
About Us
The Way BJJ 道 is a new Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school serving Queens and Long Island. Our mission is to foster a safe, respectful, and challenging environment that builds character, confidence, resilience, community, and skill through the art and sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Our school promotes diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity.
The Way BJJ 道 is a new Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school serving Queens and Long Island. Our mission is to foster a safe, respectful, and challenging environment that builds character, confidence, resilience, community, and skill through the art and sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Our school promotes diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity.
"Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a self-defense system, martial art, and combat sport based on submission grappling"
"Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a self-defense system, martial art, and combat sport based on submission grappling"
BJJ & Submission Grappling
BJJ & Submission Grappling
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a self-defense system, martial art, and combat sport based on submission grappling. It is primarily focuses on taking one's opponent down to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks, chokeholds, or compression locks.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a self-defense system, martial art, and combat sport based on submission grappling. It is primarily focuses on taking one's opponent down to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks, chokeholds, or compression locks.
Submission grappling focuses on controlling an opponent without striking and getting your opponent to concede through physical dominance. Grappling often takes the fight to the ground, focuses on outmaneuvering an opponent physically to gain a dominant position, and forcing a submission (tap-out) through pressure or leverage without relying on strikes of any kind. Martial arts can be divided into two categories: grappling-based and striking-based. While some martial art disciplines blend the two or incorporate grappling here and there, grappling is at the core of all of your training in BJJ.
Submission grappling focuses on controlling an opponent without striking and getting your opponent to concede through physical dominance. Grappling often takes the fight to the ground, focuses on outmaneuvering an opponent physically to gain a dominant position, and forcing a submission (tap-out) through pressure or leverage without relying on strikes of any kind. Martial arts can be divided into two categories: grappling-based and striking-based. While some martial art disciplines blend the two or incorporate grappling here and there, grappling is at the core of all of your training in BJJ.
Meet Our Coaches
Meet Our Coaches
Our coaches are seasoned practitioners and competitors. We are IBJJF Rules certified, SafeSport certified, CPR certified, and BJJ students under IBJJF-certified black belt Gabriel Marte.
Our coaches are seasoned practitioners and competitors. We are IBJJF Rules certified, SafeSport certified, CPR certified, and BJJ students under IBJJF-certified black belt Gabriel Marte.
Ethan Milich is a lifelong martial artist, practicing Tae Kwon Do, Gōjū-ryū Karate, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his youth. Ethan joined the Marine Corps at 18 and quickly advanced through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) earning his Brown Belt. In January 2023, Ethan began seriously training BJJ at The Dojo NYC in Bushwick, Brooklyn under IBJJF black belt Gabriel Marte. Since then, he has competed in over a dozen tournaments and trains jiu-jitsu every single day. In 2025 he decided to pursue martial arts as a career and encourage kids to start their own martial arts journey as a way to avoid trouble and become the best versions of themselves. Although he still trains at The Dojo NYC, he currently resides in Bellerose, Queens with his wife Smitha and has opened his own martial arts school called The Way BJJ 道.
Smitha Varghese Milich started her martial arts journey in August 2023. She started training under Josh Melendez and immediately got obsessed and started taking more classes as well as seminars, retreats and competing in tournaments. Smitha trains at The Dojo NYC and Gracie Barra Long Island while helping to coach at The Way BJJ 道.
Martial Arts Lineage
Martial Arts Lineage
Judo: Kanō Jigorō -> Tomita Tsunejirō -> Mitsuyo Maeda -> BJJ: Carlos Gracie, Sr. -> Hélio Gracie -> Rolls Gracie -> Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti' -> Alexandre "Gigi" Paiva -> Fernando "Tererê" Augusto -> Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles -> Gabriel Marte -> Ethan Milich & Smitha Varghese Milich
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Grappling
Grappling
General rules of grappling
General rules of grappling
Clean grappling only. No striking, slamming, biting, pulling hair, head butting, small joint manipulation, applying pressure to the eyes (eye gouging), face, or groin, or placing fingers/toes in your opponent’s mouth.
Clean grappling only. No striking, slamming, biting, pulling hair, head butting, small joint manipulation, applying pressure to the eyes (eye gouging), face, or groin, or placing fingers/toes in your opponent’s mouth.
You must tap! Verbally or physically submit (tap-out) when appropriate (fully extended joint lock, choke hold, unable to escape [pinned] for longer than 15 seconds, too tired to continue, hurt in any way).
You must tap! Verbally or physically submit (tap-out) when appropriate (fully extended joint lock, choke hold, unable to escape [pinned] for longer than 15 seconds, too tired to continue, hurt in any way).
Respect the tap. Respect the verbal or physical submission (tap-out) and release your opponent immediately.
Respect the tap. Respect the verbal or physical submission (tap-out) and release your opponent immediately.
Be a good sport. No unsportsmanlike conduct.
Be a good sport. No unsportsmanlike conduct.
Is there risk of injury?
Is there risk of injury?
Like any sport or martial art, there is always risk of injury, however, we take that risk very seriously. Creating a safe training environment is first part of our mission statement and we work intentionally to help our students prevent and avoid injuries through physical readiness, technical guidance, and supervision. We are always happy to answer any questions and go over our safety protocols.
Like any sport or martial art, there is always risk of injury, however, we take that risk very seriously. Creating a safe training environment is first part of our mission statement and we work intentionally to help our students prevent and avoid injuries through physical readiness, technical guidance, and supervision. We are always happy to answer any questions and go over our safety protocols.
Me/my child is uncoordinated/unathletic/out of shape. Is this okay?
Me/my child is uncoordinated/unathletic/out of shape. Is this okay?
YES! In fact, grappling is one of the best activities that someone can learn to help with their coordination and overall athletic ability. We are very mindful and patient with students and will give individual instruction and support to students who need extra help in class and they will be able to learn and participate at an appropriate level and at their own pace.
YES! In fact, grappling is one of the best activities that someone can learn to help with their coordination and overall athletic ability. We are very mindful and patient with students and will give individual instruction and support to students who need extra help in class and they will be able to learn and participate at an appropriate level and at their own pace.
Class
Class
What should I bring/wear to class?
What should I bring/wear to class?
EVERY Class
Sandals/Slides (Barefoot when walking on the mat, sandals when walking off the mat)
Water bottle
Mouth guard
Hair ties (if necessary)
Undergarments
No-Gi Class:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Compression shorts/pants "spats"
Exercise shorts/pants/board shorts (no zips or buttons) OR gi pants (either black or white)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Compression shirt "rashguard" OR exercise shirt
OPTIONAL: Exercise shirt over a compression shirt "rashguard"
Gi Class:
Compression shorts/pants "spats"
Gi pants (either black or white)
Compression shirt "rashguard" OR exercise shirt
Gi top “Kimono” (either black or white, must match gi pants)
Jiu Jitsu Belt (belt of each color awarded to student upon promotion at no cost)
What are the hygiene/safety rules?
What are the hygiene/safety rules?
- Trim fingernails and toenails
- Clean hair and body (Long hair must be tied up)
- Bring and wear the proper materials (gi or no-go)
- Remove glasses, jewelry, and accessories
- Sanitize and bandage any cuts (No skin diseases or open wounds)
- Stay home if sick!
What does a typical class look like?
What does a typical class look like?
We will always start with bowing in (Oss!) and then begin stretches and warmups for about 10 minutes. Depending on the curriculum and instructor, we will then start with a Jiu jitsu-based positional game. The instructor will explain the game and the position and then the students will play for 5 minutes. Then we will teach the technique of the day. Followed by drilling for another 5 minutes. Then we will either learn and drill a variation of the technique, play another Jiu jitsu-based positional game, do live rolling, or sometimes play other games for fun. The class will always end with a short cool down and bowing out (Oss!)
We will always start with bowing in (Oss!) and then begin stretches and warmups for about 10 minutes. Depending on the curriculum and instructor, we will then start with a Jiu jitsu-based positional game. The instructor will explain the game and the position and then the students will play for 5 minutes. Then we will teach the technique of the day. Followed by drilling for another 5 minutes. Then we will either learn and drill a variation of the technique, play another Jiu jitsu-based positional game, do live rolling, or sometimes play other games for fun. The class will always end with a short cool down and bowing out (Oss!)
What is drilling, positional training, and rolling?
What is drilling, positional training, and rolling?
Drilling, positional training, and rolling, are three common methods for teaching a student how to grapple.
Drilling, positional training, and rolling, are three common methods for teaching a student how to grapple.
Drilling – This is where students practice a specific technique over and over with a partner who isn’t resisting. It helps build confidence, timing, and muscle memory — just like learning the steps of a dance.
Drilling – This is where students practice a specific technique over and over with a partner who isn’t resisting. It helps build confidence, timing, and muscle memory — just like learning the steps of a dance.
Positional Training – This is used to train specific positions or situations with some resistance, but without going into full sparring. Students start in a set position with one student trying to escape or reverse, and the other student trying to maintain control and progress. Once the situation changes, the situation resets.
Positional Training – This is used to train specific positions or situations with some resistance, but without going into full sparring. Students start in a set position with one student trying to escape or reverse, and the other student trying to maintain control and progress. Once the situation changes, the situation resets.
Rolling – This is live sparring. Starting from either standing or on the ground, two students grapple freely and try to apply the techniques they’ve learned and achieve a submission. Rolling is where theory meets reality. It might look like wrestling, but there’s a lot of strategy and control involved. It teaches problem-solving, patience, and how to stay calm under pressure.
Rolling – This is live sparring. Starting from either standing or on the ground, two students grapple freely and try to apply the techniques they’ve learned and achieve a submission. Rolling is where theory meets reality. It might look like wrestling, but there’s a lot of strategy and control involved. It teaches problem-solving, patience, and how to stay calm under pressure.
Promotions
Promotions
What is the promotion system?
What is the promotion system?
The promotion system is a system of colored belts used to inspire, encourage, and incentivize students to continue their BJJ journey and reach mastery. Stripe and belt promotions have four requirements:
The promotion system is a system of colored belts used to inspire, encourage, and incentivize students to continue their BJJ journey and reach mastery. Stripe and belt promotions have four requirements:
- Dojo time and consistency
- Dojo conduct and proficiency
- School conduct and proficiency (approved by a teacher)
- Home conduct (approved by a parent)
Upon meeting these requirements, a stripe can be earned every 1-4 months. 4 stripes are required to earn the next belt.
Upon meeting these requirements, a stripe can be earned every 1-4 months. 4 stripes are required to earn the next belt.
What are the belt ranks?
What are the belt ranks?
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