Deadweight Martial Arts is where tradition meets evolution.

We’re bringing modern martial arts culture home to Brooklyn — blending lineage, creativity, and proof of work into a movement rooted in Community.

Our mission is to show Brooklyn that martial arts isn’t something you outgrow — it’s something you grow through.

We’re building the next generation of lifelong practitioners, proving that kids, seniors, persons with disabilities, parents, professionals, and fighters alike can all grow through the same art.

Our goal is to create a space where Brooklyn’s next generation can train with the same level of excellence found anywhere else in the world.

Lineage

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is passed down directly from teacher to student. Lineage shows how the art was transmitted and who shaped the instruction you receive here.

It’s not about status or ownership—it’s about responsibility. Each instructor carries what was taught to them, tests it, refines it, and passes it on.

When you train here, you’re learning from a living tradition built through experience, not theory.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Lineage

Jigoro Kano — Founder of Judo

→ Mitsuyo Maeda — Judo Black Belt

→ Hélio Gracie — Grand Master

/ Carlos Gracie Sr. — Grand Master

→ Carlos Gracie Jr. — 8th Degree Coral Belt

→ Carlos Lima — Master

→ Hélio Soneca — Master

→ Israel Gomes — 5th Degree Black Belt

→ Luis Martinez — 3rd Degree Black Belt

→ Yero Sterling — Black Belt

Association

We are proud to be part of the AKB Association, under the leadership of Israel Gomez and Anderson Silva — two icons whose mastery and mentorship continue to shape the global standard for martial arts. Through AKB, Deadweight is connected to a worldwide network of coaches, competitors, and schools.

Instructors

Our instructors bring world-class experience with a local edge. Founded by Bed-Stuy native and BJJ Black Belt Yero Sterling, Deadweight’s coaches combine competitive experience, teaching expertise, and community engagement to help every student level up — from first-timer to fighter.

Professor Yero Sterling - Founder & Head Instructor 
Brazilian Jiu jitsu Black Belt | Striking Coach 

Professor Luis Martinez - Head of AKB NYC & 5Boro Fight Haus
3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt | Combat Training Specialist

Professor Dailah Martinez - Women's BJJ and Self Defense Instructor
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt 

Affiliates

5 Boro Fighthaus | Queens, NY

The Uptown Hive | New York, NY

American Killer Bees Pennsylvania | Stroudsburg, PA

Partners