We offer a flexible schedule of Gi, No Gi, Self Defense, Womens only and Mobility classes. Our Little Otters program is for kids age 5-8, and our Otters Program is for kids 9-13 and is held 2 times a week. While competing is not required, we have a young competition team that is consistently on the podium. No matter your goals, we have classes and coaches to help get you there.
Whether you are a complete beginner, hobbyist, competitor or professional fighter, Riverfront Jiu Jitsu has classes and coaches that can help you reach your goals. You will be welcomed and supported as a member of the team from your first visit.
Riverfront Jiu Jitsu is focused on a positive first experience on the mats. We know that taking your first Jiu Jitsu class can be intimidating and we are committed to making you our priority. Our diverse coaching staff will teach you jiu jitsu techniques in a controlled environment to increase your confidence in your ability to defend yourself and learn a new and ever evolving sport.
What to Expect at Riverfront Jiu Jitsu
Our culture is built on respect, safety, and community. Riverfront Jiu Jitsu is an inclusive and welcoming space where people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels can train with confidence. We hold ourselves to a high standard and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe behavior, harassment, or bullying of any kind.
Every member deserves to feel comfortable and supported, and we are proud to provide an environment where students feel safe training alongside our coaches and teammates. While Jiu Jitsu can feel intimidating at first, we are intentional about creating a space that is approachable, positive, and fun so you can focus on learning, growing, and enjoying the journey on the mats.
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Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Ricardo De La Riva > Alexey Cruz-Pickerell > Alexandre Quintella > William Shaw
Riverfront Jiu Jitsu is a We Defy approved school and Billy is a mentor for combat veterans who use jiu jitsu to overcome their challenges. Outside of jiu jitsu, Billy enjoys hiking and is a dog rescue advocate and has 4 rescue dogs.
Billy Shaw is the owner and head instructor at Riverfront Jiu Jitsu. He has been training since 2007 and received his black belt in 2019 from Alexandre Quintella. Billy started running the kids class when he was a blue belt and realized his passion and talent for teaching jiu jitsu. Billy is very open about his troubled past and battle with addiction and credits jiu jitsu for helping him get on the right path. Riverfront Jiu Jitsu was opened with the goal to create a more welcoming and non-traditional gym environment. Billy is an ambassador for mental health treatment and recovery and offers sponsorships to children and adult students in need.
Owner and Head Instructor
Billy Shaw
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Ricardo De La Riva > Luíz Vicente da Silva Júnior > Sean Allen
Sean began training jiu jitsu in early 2006. After being introduced to the art by a close family friend, he was immediately drawn to jiu jitsu's ability to neutralize and defeat opponents regardless of size. In 2013, Sean received his black belt from Luíz Vicente da Silva Júnior (Vicente Jr.). In 2021, Sean joined his long-time friend and training partner, Billy Shaw, at Riverfront Jiu Jitsu. Sean's focus now is helping newer jiu jitsu practitioners build their skill sets by sharing his over 15 years of knowledge.
Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Sean Allen
Nick is an accomplished jiu jitsu competitor with over 100 matches at all levels. Nick has competed at numerous local tournaments, the IBJJF Pan and World championships, and has been featured on multiple superfight cards for Fight2Win and Finishers Sub Only. Nick is an amateur MMA fighter with a recent win via TKO and is a consistent presence in Grant Bacon's "Striking" class. Nick currently teaches Riverfront Jiujitsu's "Wrestling for Jiu Jitsu" class, where he shows how he has adapted his takedown game to fit jiu jitsu.
Nick is currently a jiu jitsu brown belt and a lifelong wrestler that began training jiu jitsu full time in December 2018. Nick wrestled as a heavyweight through elementary and middle school and stopped growing, forcing him to learn how to wrestle step-by-step as a young adult in high school. In high school, Nick was a 3-year varsity wrestler, captain of his team, and placed 3rd in the state tournament. As a collegiate wrestler, Nick wrestled 5 years at the NCAA Division II level for Millersville University, where he served as a 2-year starter and a team captain.
Wrestling For Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Nick Mancini
Elyse is the co-owner of Riverfront Jiu Jitsu. She started training in January of 2020 when the school opened and is now a competitive purple belt. She competes regularly at local and IBJJF tournaments and is consistently on super fight cards including Finishers Sub Only, F2W, FURY, Ground Zero Grappling, Arena Grappling, Hammer Challenge, Emerald City, Tap Cancer Out, and Sub Out Domestic Violence.
Elyse is the head instructor for our women's program that focuses on self defense and learning jiu jitsu in a safe and welcoming environment. She also teaches a mobility class that focuses on functional movements specifically designed to improve your mobility during your jiu jitsu practice. She also is the assistant coach for the kids program.
Billy and Elyse are dog rescue advocates and have 4 dogs. When they arent on the mats you can find them hiking somewhere in the PNW!
Jiu Jitsu and Mobility Instructor
Elyse Shaw
With nine years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience, Ryan is a brown belt who's trained at top academies like Quintella, The Vault, and Riverfront. A seasoned competitor, he's seen success in events like GZ Grappling, Fight to Win, Arena, and Finishers.
Specializing in leg locks and triangles, Ryan is a skilled guard player known for his clean technique. His martial arts journey began in karate, where he taught kids before shifting his focus fully to jiu jitsu. He brings that same teaching passion to the mat, breaking down complex concepts in a way that clicks.
A 4th-degree black belt in both Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do, Ryan blends a wide martial arts background into his coaching. His classes focus on having fun, building confidence, and helping students truly understand and enjoy jiu jitsu.
Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Ryan Stark
Janelle is a blue belt who started training jiu jitsu in April 2019 with her child due to bullying and assaults happening at school. She is a huge advocate for and have a passion for children learning jiu jitsu for this reason. Janelle has participated in local jiu jitsu competitions and a charity super fight to raise awareness and finds for victims of domestic violence.
She has a degree in psychology and have specialized in special education with a background being a pre-k teacher and experience with children in schools as a behavioral therapeutic support.
Janelle is currently a law enforcement officer, with experience in defensive tactics training and Gracie Survival Tactics training. She serves in the U.S Army and is a We Defy ambassador and mentor to veteran athletes
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Janelle Malone
Benjamin is a Blue belt who has trained under Professor Billy Shaw since January 2023. At Riverfront Jiu Jitsu, he instructs kids classes. In the military, has been a U.S. Coast Guard Firearms Instructor for the past 4 years. As well as a CPR/AED and First aid instructor for the last 2 years. He is the main Firearms Instructor for Coast Guard Sector National Capital Region.
He has competed in multiple local competitions and his favorite submission is a triangle. He has a wonderful wife who encourages him to train daily and an incredibly well behaved dog who was trained as a service dog.
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Benjamin SalibA
Randel is a blue belt under Professor Billy Shaw and a proud WeDefy Ambassador. He’s been training Jiu-Jitsu since December 2022 and brings over 13 years of experience in Law Enforcement, where he serves as both a Field Training Officer and a certified FLETC Control Tactics and Use of Force Instructor.
Randel loves helping kids build confidence, discipline, and a positive attitude both on and off the mats. He believes every class should be fun, active, and focused on learning valuable life skills through Jiu-Jitsu. He also volunteers with the Special Olympics, sharing his passion for movement, teamwork, and personal growth with athletes of all abilities.
When he’s not on the mats, he enjoys working out, staying active, spending time with his rescue dog, and traveling with his wife.
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Randel Abrenica
photo coming soon
Cadence began her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2013 at the age of 5, when an afterschool program inspired her to take up the art. She spent nine years studying at Fifty/50 Martial Arts Acadamy, where she spent five years as a coach for the 3-5 year olds. Cadence joined Riverfront Jiu Jitsu in May of 2025 and is currently a Blue Belt.
In addition to Jiu Jitsu, Cadence is an accomplished aerialist, and spent several years training in Capoeira earning the nickname Tigresa. In her free time Cadence enjoys reading, baking, and snuggling with her six cats!
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Cadence Yu
photo coming soon
Daniel started training at the age of 8 with Muay Thai world champion Yoddecha Sityodtong at Evolve in Singapore. He found his passion for martial arts at a young age and that passion has never wavered.
When Daniel moved to Delaware in 2024 to begin his college carreer at the University of Delaware, he decided to act on his long held desire to add to his martial arts skills.
Daniel has been training at Riverfront Jiu Jitsu ever since, and is blue belt under Billy Shaw. He is a kids instructor for both age groups and has taken on more of a leadership role at the gym.
When Daniel isn't training (which isn't very often!) he enjoys spending time with his dog and skateboarding.
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Daniel Hayes
Brian has been a member of the Riverfront family for almost 6 years! He is a constant positive presence on the mat along side his dad and brother. Dont let his nickname "Little Brian" fool you, he is not kid sized and has serious blue belt skill.
He has a passion for Gi Jiu Jitsu and now shares that by teaching the kids classes at Riverfront!
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Brian Kline
Kids coaches
Brian has been a member of the Riverfront family for almost 6 years! He is a constant positive presence on the mat along side his dad and brother. Dont let his nickname "Little Brian" fool you, he is not kid sized and has serious blue belt skill.
He has a passion for Gi Jiu Jitsu and now shares that by teaching the kids classes at Riverfront!
Blue Belt
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Brian Kline
Daniel started training at the age of 8 with Muay Thai world champion Yoddecha Sityodtong at Evolve in Singapore. He found his passion for martial arts at a young age and that passion has never wavered.
When Daniel moved to Delaware in 2024 to begin his college carreer at the University of Delaware, he decided to act on his long held desire to add to his martial arts skills.
Daniel has been training at Riverfront Jiu Jitsu ever since, and is blue belt under Billy Shaw. He is a kids instructor for both age groups and has taken on more of a leadership role at the gym.
When Daniel isn't training (which isn't very often!) he enjoys spending time with his dog and skateboarding.
Blue Belt
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Daniel Hayes
Cadence began her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2013 at the age of 5, when an afterschool program inspired her to take up the art. She spent nine years studying at Fifty/50 Martial Arts Acadamy, where she spent five years as a coach for the 3-5 year olds. Cadence joined Riverfront Jiu Jitsu in May of 2025 and is currently a Blue Belt.
In addition to Jiu Jitsu, Cadence is an accomplished aerialist, and spent several years training in Capoeira earning the nickname Tigresa. In her free time Cadence enjoys reading, baking, and snuggling with her six cats!
Blue Belt
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Cadence Yu
Photo Coming Soon
Randel is a blue belt under Professor Billy Shaw and a proud WeDefy Ambassador. He’s been training Jiu-Jitsu since December 2022 and brings over 13 years of experience in Law Enforcement, where he serves as both a Field Training Officer and a certified FLETC Control Tactics and Use of Force Instructor.
Randel loves helping kids build confidence, discipline, and a positive attitude both on and off the mats. He believes every class should be fun, active, and focused on learning valuable life skills through Jiu-Jitsu. He also volunteers with the Special Olympics, sharing his passion for movement, teamwork, and personal growth with athletes of all abilities.
When he’s not on the mats, he enjoys working out, staying active, spending time with his rescue dog, and traveling with his wife.
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Blue Belt
Randel Abrenica
Photo Coming Soon
Benjamin is a Blue belt who has trained under Professor Billy Shaw since January 2023. At Riverfront Jiu Jitsu, he instructs kids classes. In the military, has been a U.S. Coast Guard Firearms Instructor for the past 4 years. As well as a CPR/AED and First aid instructor for the last 2 years. He is the main Firearms Instructor for Coast Guard Sector National Capital Region.
He has competed in multiple local competitions and his favorite submission is a triangle. He has a wonderful wife who encourages him to train daily and an incredibly well behaved dog who was trained as a service dog.
Blue Belt
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Benjamin SalibA
Janelle is a purple belt who started training jiu jitsu in April 2019 with her child due to bullying and assaults happening at school. She is a huge advocate for and have a passion for children learning jiu jitsu for this reason. Janelle has participated in local jiu jitsu competitions and a charity super fight to raise awareness and finds for victims of domestic violence.
She has a degree in psychology and have specialized in special education with a background being a pre-k teacher and experience with children in schools as a behavioral therapeutic support.
Janelle is currently a law enforcement officer, with experience in defensive tactics training and Gracie Survival Tactics training. She serves in the U.S Army and is a We Defy ambassador and mentor to veteran athletes
Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Purple Belt
Janelle Malone
Kids Coaches
Bio Coming Soon!
Brown Belt
Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Chris Williams
Photo Coming Soon
With nine years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience, Ryan is a brown belt who's trained at top academies like Quintella, The Vault, and Riverfront. A seasoned competitor, he's seen success in events like GZ Grappling, Fight to Win, Arena, and Finishers.
Specializing in leg locks and triangles, Ryan is a skilled guard player known for his clean technique. His martial arts journey began in karate, where he taught kids before shifting his focus fully to jiu jitsu. He brings that same teaching passion to the mat, breaking down complex concepts in a way that clicks.
A 4th-degree black belt in both Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do, Ryan blends a wide martial arts background into his coaching. His classes focus on having fun, building confidence, and helping students truly understand and enjoy jiu jitsu.
Brown Belt
Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Ryan Stark
Elyse is the co-owner of Riverfront Jiu Jitsu. She started training in January of 2020 when the school opened and is now a competitive purple belt. She competes regularly at local and IBJJF tournaments and is consistently on super fight cards including Finishers Sub Only, F2W, FURY, Ground Zero Grappling, Arena Grappling, Hammer Challenge, Emerald City, Tap Cancer Out, and Sub Out Domestic Violence.
Elyse is the head instructor for our women's program that focuses on self defense and learning jiu jitsu in a safe and welcoming environment. She also teaches a mobility class that focuses on functional movements specifically designed to improve your mobility during your jiu jitsu practice. She also is the assistant coach for the kids program.
Billy and Elyse are dog rescue advocates and have 4 dogs. When they arent on the mats you can find them hiking somewhere in the PNW!
Purple Belt
Owner and Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Elyse Shaw
Nick is an accomplished jiu jitsu competitor with over 100 matches at all levels. Nick has competed at numerous local tournaments, the IBJJF Pan and World championships, and has been featured on multiple superfight cards for Fight2Win and Finishers Sub Only. Nick is an amateur MMA fighter with a recent win via TKO and is a consistent presence in Grant Bacon's "Striking" class. Nick currently teaches Riverfront Jiujitsu's "Wrestling for Jiu Jitsu" class, where he shows how he has adapted his takedown game to fit jiu jitsu.
Nick is currently a jiu jitsu brown belt and a lifelong wrestler that began training jiu jitsu full time in December 2018. Nick wrestled as a heavyweight through elementary and middle school and stopped growing, forcing him to learn how to wrestle step-by-step as a young adult in high school. In high school, Nick was a 3-year varsity wrestler, captain of his team, and placed 3rd in the state tournament. As a collegiate wrestler, Nick wrestled 5 years at the NCAA Division II level for Millersville University, where he served as a 2-year starter and a team captain.
Brown Belt
Wrestling for Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Nick Mancini
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Ricardo De La Riva > Luíz Vicente da Silva Júnior > Sean Allen
Sean began training jiu jitsu in early 2006. After being introduced to the art by a close family friend, he was immediately drawn to jiu jitsu's ability to neutralize and defeat opponents regardless of size. In 2013, Sean received his black belt from Luíz Vicente da Silva Júnior (Vicente Jr.). In 2021, Sean joined his long-time friend and training partner, Billy Shaw, at Riverfront Jiu Jitsu. Sean's focus now is helping newer jiu jitsu practitioners build their skill sets by sharing his over 15 years of knowledge.
1st Degree Black Belt
Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Sean Allen
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Ricardo De La Riva > Alexey Cruz-Pickerell > Alexandre Quintella > William Shaw
Riverfront Jiu Jitsu is a We Defy approved school and Billy is a mentor for combat veterans who use jiu jitsu to overcome their challenges. Outside of jiu jitsu, Billy enjoys hiking and is a dog rescue advocate and has 4 rescue dogs.
Billy Shaw is the owner and head instructor at Riverfront Jiu Jitsu. He has been training since 2007 and received his black belt in 2019 from Alexandre Quintella. Billy started running the kids class when he was a blue belt and realized his passion and talent for teaching jiu jitsu. Billy is very open about his troubled past and battle with addiction and credits jiu jitsu for helping him get on the right path. Riverfront Jiu Jitsu was opened with the goal to create a more welcoming and non-traditional gym environment. Billy is an ambassador for mental health treatment and recovery and offers sponsorships to children and adult students in need.
1st Degree Black Belt
Owner and Head Instructor
Billy Shaw
