Bio – Anthony Friese, Founder & Head Coach
Early Wrestling Journey
I began my journey in grappling as a freshman in high school in Alaska. After my first season of wrestling, I was hooked. Every spare moment went into improvement, including two J Robinson Intensive Camps — one of which was the grueling 28-day camp where I earned the coveted black hat award. That pursuit of excellence led me to compete at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where I wrestled as a starter during my sophomore and junior years.
Discovering Jiujitsu
After college, I spent two years in bodybuilding before a close friend introduced me to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Within a week I knew I had found something life-changing. Since July 2020, I have trained jiu-jitsu 5–7 days a week, most of that time under the tutelage of UFC veteran and Olympic alternate Trevor Prangley. Shortly after receiving my blue belt, I founded Sparta Training Academy in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where I taught 19 youth classes a week for ages 4–17. I later scaled back to focus on competing, but continued teaching weekly.
Competition Experience
Competition took me across the country to train at world-class gyms including Art of Jiu Jitsu, B-Team, Atos HQ, Surfight, and 10th Planet Austin. Along the way I’ve beaten black belts in both gi and no-gi, won a submission-only black belt bracket, and competed in three ADCC Trials and multiple ADCC Opens. In October 2024, I was awarded my brown belt. Returning to Stevens Point, I now also serve as a volunteer assistant coach for the UWSP men’s wrestling team.
Coaching Philosophy & Calling
Grappling has profoundly shaped my life. Raised primarily by a single mother, it taught me lessons I could not have learned elsewhere — discipline, resilience, integrity, and faith. More than medals or accolades, my true passion lies in coaching. I believe I have been blessed and called to share the transformative power of grappling with others.
Family & Community
Outside the academy, I am blessed with a wife of ten years and three children, ages 8, 5, and 2. Our two oldest already train in jiu-jitsu, and together we are deeply rooted in the Stevens Point community, where I am also a proud UWSP alumnus.
Vision for Generations Grappling Academy
Through Generations Grappling Academy, I hope to create not only a space for athletic excellence, but a legacy of strength, character, and community that will impact families for generations to come.
