​

    At Pioneer Grappling Academy, we don’t just train athletes—we build champions for life. What began as a vision by Vincent Cramer and his late wife Maria, lifelong Alaskans passionate about bringing year-round wrestling programs to the state, has now grown into a cornerstone of Alaska’s martial arts community. From a humble 960-square-foot dirt-floored barn to our current state-of-the-art, 8,500-square-foot facility, our growth mirrors the spirit of hard work, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible with the right mindset.
 

    The story of Pioneer Grappling Academy is one of collaboration, community, and shared passion. After the first expansion, Vince partnered with one of his close friends, Paul Sturgeon, a highly respected Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Master Ciaque. Together, they created one of the largest and most successful BJJ programs in Alaska. Paul, along with his daughter Harlee, has built an amazing coaching team that integrates both sport Jiu Jitsu and self-defense, providing a comprehensive training experience for athletes of all backgrounds and skill levels. This partnership, built on trust and shared vision, allowed the Academy to continue growing, both in size and in the depth of its programs.

 

    As the Academy continued to evolve, so did the quality of our offerings. When the gym expanded again, Sensei Shameus Ostermiller—who, along with his family, had been training in both wrestling and Jiu Jitsu at the Academy—stepped up to lead the next phase of growth. Under Shameus’s guidance, Bang Muay Thai was born, after he began training under the legendary Sensi Duane “BANG” Ludwig. The Muay Thai program has flourished under Shameus and his dedicated coaching staff, attracting a diverse group of athletes and making it one of the most respected Muay Thai programs in Alaska. Recently Sensei Shameus earned his Black belt in the BMT system!

 

    Today, Pioneer Grappling Academy is home to over 400 athletes, offering world-class instruction in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai. Our students compete at local, national, and international levels, showcasing their skills in folk style wrestling, freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and MMA. The partnerships with Paul Sturgeon and Shameus Ostermiller, along with the outstanding support from their teams, have played a crucial role in establishing Pioneer Grappling Academy as one of the leading training centers in Alaska.

 

    Our mission remains simple yet profound: we aim to build not just champions in sports, but champions in life. Whether our athletes go on to compete at the highest levels, pursue college scholarships, or simply develop the confidence and discipline to succeed in life, we are committed to providing them with the tools to succeed. Our programs teach valuable life lessons—discipline, respect, perseverance, and leadership—that our students carry with them both on and off the mat.

 

    Looking ahead, Vince and his son Vinnie (Head Coach and graduate of Eastern Oregon University) are committed to continuing the Academy’s growth by expanding training opportunities, enhancing facilities, and ensuring that every student has the resources to achieve their full potential. We are not just a training center—we are a community where lifelong relationships are built, where athletes grow and thrive, and where champions are made.

 

    At Pioneer Grappling Academy, we’re shaping more than just athletes—we’re shaping the future. Whether you’re training in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or Muay Thai, you’re not just preparing for competition; you’re preparing for life. Our vision is to continue inspiring the next generation of leaders, champions, and warriors, both inside and outside the gym.