GMA Pesadelo BJJ is back in business after severe fire damage nearly one year ago

GMA Pesadalo BJJ is back in business! Photo: Personal archive

Stephen “Pesadelo” Hall has struggled with many obstacles over the years but with the help of Jiu-Jitsu, he has maintained his perseverance and positivity to get through it all. Nearly a year ago his academy, Pesadelo BJJ in Dallas, TX, suffered damage from a fire. The amount of loss was devastating for the academy, the students and Stephen since their haven on the mats was destroyed.

But as with any low point in his life, Stephen worked to rebuild. Together with the support of the Jiu-Jitsu community, the academy made its way to recovery. Today marks the first day of classes in the gym since being rehabilitated.

Stephen released this statement on Facebook:

“It’s been a LONG and hard road, but tonight, FINALLY, Pesadelo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is home! Without all of you, who are really too many to name, we would not be able to be here. My students thank you, and I thank you personally for believing in us and caring for us enough to help us get back by praying over us, donating money, donating time, allowing us into your gyms to train, and encouraging us along the way! The first class will be the Ladies-Only Self Defense class at 6:30p and then we will have GI Jiu-Jitsu at 7:30p. If you are reading this, and would like to roll, you are most certainly welcome to come. We will be having a Grand Opening/Open House soon, and you will all be invited! We still have some work to do to get things perfect, and still need work on the place but we are able to train at home…God is always Faithful! May God bless and keep you all. Thank you is not enough!”

Take a look at the initial damage:

The fire in February 2013 ripped through Pesadelo BJJ. Photo: Personal archive

Pesadelo BJJ is located at 1607 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas 75235.

Follow the road to recovery by visiting www.pbjj.net