All of our practices are flexible and low pressure. Members are encouraged, but not required, to compete. We understand that people train for different reasons. Some train for physical fitness while others train to do well in tournaments. We try to meet everyones needs while progressing ahead as a group. Stop in to see the different ways to stay in shape.
Jump to: Club Founder Bill Krieg | History of the Fox Valley Grappling Club
 Club Founder Bill Krieg
Bill began his martial arts training in July 1994 when he began learning Diamond Karate while attending college at UW-Milwaukee. Diamond Karate was a unique style that blended many different martial arts into it's training. Eventually Diamond Karate changed its name to Shinbudo and an increased emphasis was placed in ground grappling.
While training in Shinbudo, Bill also took classes in Judo and Shotokan Karate. While they were fun, it wasn't until attending a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminar with Rodrigo Vaghi that Bill found his true passion for martial arts. Bill will be the first to tell you that there are good things that can be taken from all martial arts, but it's important to find one to really make your own.
Since forming the Fox Valley Grappling Club, Bill has won the Gracie Nationals, fought in Mixed Martial Arts and Pankration, and has entered Law Enforcement by becoming a police officer for a local department. Bill now shares his knowledge of ground grappling with his fellow officers enjoys learning new tactics during the Sunday Law Enforcement Only classes at the club.
» As a side note, Bill would like to recognize Keith Schuch for his contributions to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu here in Appleton. Keith was the first instructor to offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Fox Valley, and for many years he had a very successful group of grapplers. Keith has since stepped back from training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and now focuses on teaching Inayan Eskrima here at FVGC.
History of the Fox Valley Grappling Club
The FVGC started in the spring of 2000. Practices were held in Bill Krieg's basement as a kind of open mat for anyone to come and train. We started with just under 100 square feet of mats. As the club's popularity grew, we began looking into moving practices into a facility that could handle more than a handful of members.
 After calling a number of karate schools in the area, we were offered space within Karate America. Practices were split between Karate America - Neenah and Karate America - Northland. The FVGC is grateful to Karate America for helping us get our start, and we would not be the club we are today withot their assistance.
FVGC then had the opportunity to move into the new Heart of the Valley YMCA in Kimberly. While things were going well with Karate America, the YMCA offered improved training nights and times. Initially this seemed like a good fit for the club, but the facilities just were not working out.
The club then moved its practices to Original Martial Systems. This allowed the club increased flexibility with training times and an improved facility. Original Martial Systems once had a successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program, and they were excited to offer that program again through the FVGC.
The Fox Valley Grappling Club continues to be grateful to Karate America and Original Martial Systems for giving us a home and allowing us the opportunity to grow.
In February of 2005, we were finally able to move into our own facility. With the move, we were able to add additional practice times, as well as Mixed Martial Art, Boxing, Wrestling, and Eskrima programs. The space was admittedly small, but it allowed us the freedom to add equipment as needed to train. The club continued its growth for the next couple years. By late 2007, it was time for us to again expand.
 In November 2007, the FVGC moved into its current location - a 6,000 square foot warehouse on Perkins Street. Having such a large space will allow us room to run multiple classes at the same time. We were also able to add additional grappling mats, an MMA training cage, a boxing ring, heavy bags and conditioning equipment. We are now among the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts training facilities in Wisconsin.
Since our beginning we have represented Team Vaghi. For 10 years we have structured our practices to follow the training style and philosophy of Rodrigo Vaghi's main school in St. Louis, MO. We are forever grateful for his teachings, and are looking forward to representing his team for many years to come.
Each year the Fox Valley Grappling Club has grown and seen success in its members. Through hard work and dedication, we know that success will continue. Look for FVGC members in upcoming local and national level competitons. They are the ones that will be writing the next chapter in our story.
Click Here to see how the facility looks now in our club gallery section.
Day and evening practice times are available. Be sure to take advantage of our TWO FREE WEEKS OF TRAINING for all potential new members. Start with no cost and no obligation.
For more information, call 920-740-6005 or email info@foxvalleygrapplingclub.com.
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