Instructors

Dale Pickett

Dale Pickett began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2016 in Chattanooga and was awarded his black belt in 2025. He opened Ometz Health & Jiu-Jitsu in January 2023 and still teaches on the mats every week. Dale believes Jiu-Jitsu's real value is teaching people to be comfortable with discomfort a skill that carries far beyond the gym, while doubling as one of the best tools around for physical fitness and overall well-being. He trains gi and no-gi, and has been known to keep rolling through an injury or two. As an instructor, his focus is on the why: how specific movements fit together, what makes a technique work, and how the pieces connect into a system rather than a list of moves to memorize.

Andy Powell

Andy Powell is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and instructor dedicated to sharing his passion for the art. Encouraged by his friend Dale, Andy began his grappling journey in February 2022 under Professor Robert Hupman and fell in love with the sport immediately. In January 2023, he moved to training under Professor Dale Pickett at the opening of Ometz Jiu-Jitsu.
As a proud representative of Ometz, Andy pairs a practical, self-defense-minded approach with the team's competitive drive and philosophy. On the mats, he focuses on breaking complex movements down into clear, actionable steps. He believes Jiu-Jitsu is a powerful tool for physical fitness, mental clarity, and functional self-defense, and by keeping training structured, safe, and encouraging, he helps every practitioner, from first-day beginners to active competitors, progress confidently toward their own goals.

About Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art focused on throws and takedowns—bringing an opponent to the ground to control through leverage, or submit via chokes and joint locks. Once grappling on the ground, over 80 % of dynamic striking is removed from play. BJJ serves multiple goals: self-defense, competitive sport, and fitness. Research also highlights BJJ’s therapeutic benefits, including support for PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, and depression.

Adult (unlimited monthly)

$120/month

Kids (ages 8–12, unlimited monthly)

$75/month

Kids (ages 4–8, unlimited monthly)

$55/month

Gi Jiu-Jitsu

Uniform: Involves a traditional kimono-like jacket and pants, along with a belt to indicate rank.
Techniques: Emphasizes grip fighting, using the gi fabric for control, takedowns, and submissions. This often leads to a more methodical and slower pace.
Advantages: Develops strong grip strength, refined technique, and positional control. It can be beneficial for those focused on a more technical and strategic game.
Disadvantages: Can be slower, more restrictive, and may require more physical strength to maintain control.

No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu

Uniform: Typically involves rash guards, spats, and shorts, allowing for greater freedom of movement.
Techniques: Focuses on underhooks, overhooks, wrist control, and body positioning. It tends to be faster-paced and more dynamic.
Advantages: Promotes athleticism, speed, and adaptability, making it suitable for those who prefer a faster, more scrambly style.
Disadvantages: May require a strong base and athleticism to compensate for the lack of grips. It can also be more difficult to control an opponent without the gi.