Team Lawton Martial Arts has become a way of life for me and my family. I have been involved with martial arts and trained with many organizations and trainers over the years. Unfortunately, I ended up putting my training on the “back burner” due to family commitments and job schedules. When I decided in early 2012 to start training again, it was so I could compete in an MMA fight and prove to myself that I wasn’t too old. Thankfully when I decided to reenter the gym I met Jarod Lawton, who became my trainer. I can unequivocally say that of all the trainers I have had over the years, Jarrod is by far the absolute best I have trained with. In just four months of training I have lost 35 pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. I have incredible strength and a ripped body and at the age of 43, I am able to hold my own with any of the “youngsters” in the gym.

Because of the success I have had and the great atmosphere, I am now bringing my children. My 6 year old son and 7 year old daughter participate in the children’s classes and they love it. Every day they ask if they have class tonight. My two older sons used to wrestle in high school and they are now attending classes and find it very challenging and exciting. Innovative Athletics is truly a family organization. I have several gyms near my home and I choose to travel 45 minutes one way for the best experience and best trainer in Maine.

My husband and I were looking for something to do as a family with our youngest son (6 years old at the time) We had heard from a friend about Team Lawton and BJJ. On our first visit we were very pleased to see it was a very family friendly environment. Now over 2 years later, we are both proud, and happy to be part of Team Lawton. They have pushed us as a family to be our best, both my husband and son have competed in various tournaments. Brazilian jujitsu and Team Lawton have both been life-changing to our family from our level of fitness, body awareness and self-defense. This is due to the coaching, mentoring and friendship of Jarod and Marcela.

Team Lawton is an amazing environment to learn and grow. Jarod and Marcela are great coaches, and together they cover the gamut of body type training – whether you are large or small, you will get the tools you need to be and feel successful. It is a very welcoming place and I would encourage anyone to try it out – and get hooked. Not only will you learn valuable skills, but you will get in great shape. It is the perfect place to train for fun or competition!

Team Lawton is a great place to train. It was important for me to find a place to train with great instructors, a strong community and others to work hard with and Team Lawton provide all of those. It is clear that Jarod and Marcela are passionate about training, learning and helping their students grow.