Longtime wrestling coach Chuck Stall and his wife, Shana, launch Phoenix Grappling Academy, offering classes for children as young as 3 and adults.
METAIRIE – There’s a new place in Metairie for kids and adults to learn wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a little more about what they’re capable of.
Phoenix Grappling Academy, founded by husband-and-wife team Chuck and Shana Stall, recently celebrated its grand opening inside Premier Fitness at 1909 Airline Drive. The family-owned academy offers wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) programs for everyone from first-time beginners to experienced competitors.
For Chuck and Shana, opening Phoenix was about more than starting a business. After years spent coaching, he and Shana wanted to create something they could build together as a family while allowing him to continue doing what he loves.
“We wanted to create a place where other families feel just as welcome as our own,” said Shana Stall, co-founder of Phoenix Grappling Academy. “Whether it’s a child’s first time on the mat or an adult trying something new, we want everyone to feel comfortable walking through our doors and excited to come back.”
Chuck brings years of experience to the academy. A former standout high school wrestler, he was part of four Louisiana state championship teams and finished his high school career with a 96–22 record. He went on to spend 13 years coaching varsity wrestling and earned a master’s degree in Coaching Education from Ohio University in 2018. He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and USA Wrestling Bronze certified.
That experience helped shape the philosophy behind Phoenix, where progress isn’t measured solely by wins, losses or medals.
“Everyone comes in with different abilities, strengths and weaknesses,” said Chuck Stall, co-founder of Phoenix Grappling Academy. “Our goal is to help every student become a stronger version of who they were yesterday, both physically and mentally.”
The academy offers classes for a wide range of ages and experience levels. Its Tiny Tough program welcomes children as young as 3, while additional classes serve kids ages 14 and under. Adult classes are also available, with some teenage students choosing to participate for an added challenge.
For those curious about stepping onto the mats, Phoenix offers a free trial week to experience its programs firsthand. Discounts are also available for active military members and first responders.
Phoenix Grappling Academy is located inside Premier Fitness at 1909 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001. For class schedules and more information, visit phoenixgrapplingacademy.com, call (504) 233-0769, or follow @phoenixgrapplingacademy on Instagram.
About Phoenix Grappling Academy
Established in 2026 by Chuck and Shana Stall, Phoenix Grappling Academy is a family-owned wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Metairie, Louisiana. Serving children and adults of varying experience levels, the academy focuses on developing technical skills, mental toughness and confidence both on and off the mats. Learn more at phoenixgrapplingacademy.com.
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