"Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts." – Dan Gable
Meet the owner
Vincent Cramer is a long-time Alaskan resident driven by a belief in hard work, discipline, and giving the next generation every opportunity to succeed. With over 20 years of experience coaching youth sports and a background in judo, wrestling, football, and baseball, Vincent has dedicated his life to developing both athletes and character.
An entrepreneur since the age of 18, Vincent spent more than three decades building businesses in the construction trades, carrying that same work ethic into athletics. In 2014, seeing a need where none existed, he founded Pioneer Grappling Academy to give his son and local athletes a place to train when school mats were no longer available. What began as a solution for a small group of kids became Alaska’s first year-round grappling gym offering both wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Vincent has poured his heart and life into Pioneer Grappling Academy, expanding it three times into an 8,500-square-foot facility. Today, the gym stands as a testament to perseverance, community, and the belief that when you build something with purpose, it can change lives far beyond its walls.
What does PGA have to Offer you & your family?
Wrestling
Our wrestling program lead by head coaches Hollan Gravely & Vinnie Cramer, is tailored to moves that work. All of our coaches have wrestled at the college level and know what it takes to get to the various peaks that wrestling has to offer. especially for those seeking scholarship opportunities! Wrestlers will gain all the experience they need in our year-round wrestling program! We offer 1:1 lessons as well. please click the scheduling and Pricing tab for more info.
Pictured above: Wrestlers gather around to learn how to defend and attack in this demonstration with Coach Hollan
BANG Muay Thai
The Muay Thai Program taught by sensei Ostermiller, gives you all the knowledge you need to protect yourself and others. By focusing on teachings from Duane Ludwig and Bas Rutten, the combos your children will learn, have been tested by the pros! watch your kids self-esteem grow as they become one with the teachings of Bang Muay Thai. 1:1 lessons are available upon request, please see our scheduling & Pricing Tab for contact info.
Pictured above: Sensei Ostermiller teaching technique to the little ninja class
Caique Jui Jitsu
Caique Jui Jitsu of Alaska, is a technical masterclass of high energy drills and great techniques taught by Professor Paul Sturgeon and his daughter Harlee. Their drills and active rolls will keep you fit but also bring you close with your fellow community members. come roll with us, we offer 1:1 jiu jitsu lessons upon request as well please click our scheduling and Pricing tab for contact info.
Above: Professor Sturgeon teaches the class technique from the top position
First Class is always free! Come try everything we have to offer and choose what speaks to you!
Tutor & Mentorship
Little Yetis Corner
Want to train but have a child you can't just leave at home? Bring them here while you're in class! For a low nominal fee $15, they can play board games, color and developmental games, in the little yeti's corner! Review the Flyer for more information, Pictures below!
