TRUE BELIEVER / ABOUT

The
Academy.

A room built around detailed instruction, real technique, and a genuine investment in every student's progress — from their first day on the mat to their first competition medal.

Coach Jake Miclot teaching technique at True Believer Jiu-Jitsu FOUNDER · 2015
// 001 · Origin

Coach Jake
Miclot

True Believer Jiu-Jitsu was founded in 2015 by black-belt Jacob "Jake" Miclot. Since its inception, True Believer has worked to foster an inclusive and safe environment for practitioners of all ages, sizes, and experience levels.

In 2025, True Believer Jiu-Jitsu became a part of TAC (Thursday Afternoon Crew) Team — a prominent association committed to the development of great citizens through the art of Jiu-Jitsu. The team emphasizes a strong, supportive, and competitive, community-focused culture.

Jake's coaching philosophy is built on one simple idea: anyone who walks through the door should leave a better version of themselves. That happens through detailed instruction, a welcoming room, and coaches who care as much about your first week as your hundredth.

2015Academy Opened
2025TAC Team Affiliate
7Weekly Classes
// 002 · Principles

How
We Train

Three rules that shape every class, every drill, and every coaching conversation on the mat.

P / 01

Technique
First

Every class is built around a specific technical concept. Warm-up, drills, and live rolls all reinforce the same theme — so you walk out having learned something you can actually keep.

METHOD · STRUCTURED→
P / 02

Ego
Off the
Mat

Big people train with small people. Blue belts roll with white belts. We coach the room like a team, not a tournament — so beginners stay safe and intermediates keep leveling up.

CULTURE · OPEN→
P / 03

Every
Student
Matters

If you're there, we notice. We check in on your progress, remember your name after day one, and make sure nobody disappears into the back of the room.

VALUE · FAMILY→
// 003 · Affiliation

Part of
TAC Team.

In 2025, True Believer Jiu-Jitsu became a part of TAC (Thursday Afternoon Crew) Team — a prominent association committed to the development of great citizens through the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

The team emphasizes a strong, supportive, and competitive, community-focused culture. Under the TAC Team, True Believer Jiu-Jitsu continues to bring top competitors and instructors to Pittsburgh to share their knowledge and techniques with students.

TACThursday Afternoon Crew
2025TB Joined
True Believer Jiu-Jitsu academy — TAC Team affiliate Pittsburgh NETWORK · TAC TEAM
// 004 · Next Step

Come
Train
With Us.

The fastest way to understand the room is to be in it. Your first class is free — show up in anything you can move in, we'll handle the rest.

Book Free Class View Schedule