Steeple City Jiu Jitsu: Building Confidence and Community in North Adams
What began as a shared passion between two dedicated martial artists has grown into a thriving community hub in downtown North Adams. Steeple City Jiu Jitsu founders Jon Manley and Tim Stys saw an opportunity to bring year-round martial arts training to an underserved region while investing in a city they believe in. Their welcoming gym attracts students of all ages and backgrounds, creating a space where discipline, resilience, and personal growth are developed on and off the mat. Now, with a growing youth program, they are helping shape the next generation of athletes, leaders, and community members.
Scroll down to learn more about the gym, its mission, and its founders.
Are you from North Adams?
Jon Manley is originally from Adams, MA, while Tim Stys relocated to the area from New York City.
What brought you here, and what made you want to open your business in North Adams?
Jon moved back to the area after the pandemic forced the closure of his previous gym in Easthampton, MA. He initially launched a part-time Jiu-Jitsu program at the Williamstown Youth Center, aiming to transition into a larger, full-time facility as his student base grew organically.
Meanwhile, Tim left the NYC area after the pandemic disrupted his career. He took a leap of faith to own and operate a general store, setting up a part-time Jiu-Jitsu training space in the basement to continue pursuing his passion.
After training together for nearly five years, Jon and Tim realized they shared a vision. They decided to partner up and launch a business together in North Adams, turning their shared, unstoppable passion into reality.
What keeps you here?
First, both Jon and Tim chose to purchase homes in North Adams because they believe in the city's future. They see it as a community rich with ground-level opportunities for entrepreneurs and risk-takers. Jon and Tim bring a niche skillset and deep experience to an underserved market; there is currently no direct competition for their business in the immediate area. They are thrilled to introduce a rapidly growing global sport to the local community.
Additionally, North Adams has historically lacked year-round martial arts and youth sports programs. Steeple City Jiu Jitsu fills this gap, providing local youth with consistent challenges that build skill, discipline, and confidence in a playful, fun environment.
What do you want people to know about your business?
Steeple City Jiu Jitsu is a highly welcoming, friendly gym that brings together people of all ages, sizes, genders, and professions. On any given day, you might see a 17-year-old grappling with a school principal, or a financial planner training alongside a customer service worker.
Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing build resilience and success through consistency and dedication. We challenge both mind and body through problem-solving and skill development. In our gym, mistakes and failures are simply baked into the process—every time you fall, you learn from it, get back up, and try again while having fun. Jon and Tim pride themselves on cultivating an environment where everyone who walks through the door is striving to become a better version of themselves. They are always on the mat, ready to coach children, hobbyists, and competitors alike.
What are you working on right now that you're most excited about?
Jon and Tim are incredibly excited about expanding their youth program. These children represent the next wave of community members, whether they choose to train as casual hobbyists or compete on local, regional, and world stages.
Earning a Jiu-Jitsu black belt is a long journey that averages 8 to 10 years. By starting these kids at a young age, Jon and Tim are building the future representation of their hard work and the lasting legacy of Steeple City Jiu Jitsu.
