For the fourth straight year, No Limits Grappling Academy has been voted Scranton’s Best Martial Arts Gym in the Scranton Times Community Votes competition — a milestone that reflects not just wins on the mat, but the culture being built inside the gym.
The annual Community Votes competition highlights local businesses that make a meaningful impact, and for NLGA, this recognition carries special weight. Unlike large commercial gyms or franchise operations, No Limits Grappling Academy is a focused, athlete-driven no-gi jiu-jitsu academy built on fundamentals, discipline, and long-term development.
A Humbling Honor — and Fuel for the Future
Head coach and owner Matt Marcinek shared his thoughts on the recognition:
“Obviously anytime you’re chosen as the best in something it’s a huge honor, and to do it four years in a row — and to have the support from our community and the community at large — is amazing. But honestly, we aren’t even close to where I know we can be. We’re still very much building and what I consider a work in progress. The belief and recognition from our athletes and our community just motivates me that much more.”
That mindset has become a cornerstone of NLGA. While awards and recognition are appreciated, the academy’s focus remains firmly on improvement — technical, physical, and personal.
What Sets No Limits Grappling Academy Apart
NLGA’s success isn’t rooted in flashy trends or short-term hype. Instead, it’s built on:
- A no-gi jiu-jitsu system influenced by wrestling and judo
- An emphasis on fundamentals, positioning, and control
- A tight-knit training environment focused on growth, not ego
- Athlete development that values consistency over shortcuts
This approach has resonated with both competitive athletes and everyday practitioners looking for something deeper than just a workout.
Still Building
Winning Scranton’s Best Martial Arts Gym for a fourth consecutive year is a proud moment — but it’s not a finish line. At NLGA, recognition is viewed as confirmation that the process is working, not a signal to slow down.
The mats are still rolled out every day.
The work still continues.
And the standard keeps elevating
As Coach Marcinek puts it, “we have come a long way..but..We’re just getting started.”