Roots Combat Academy: A Hidden Gem of Hornell’s Martial Arts Community

Teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, teaching self-defense and respect

By: Johanna Elattar

At 138 Main Street, in Hornell, Roots Combat Academy is more than just a martial arts school—it’s a growing community, a place where discipline, respect, and empowerment are not only taught but lived every day. At the helm of this vibrant academy are Reid Welch and his wife, Brittany Seeley Welch, a dynamic duo whose journey into martial arts began with a serendipitous meeting at a self-defense class in South Carolina in 2013. From that chance encounter to their marriage in 2018, their bond grew alongside their shared passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Today, with a little girl of their own, Reid and Brittany have built a thriving martial arts academy that has already made its mark on the community.

Roots Combat Academy is currently celebrating its one-year anniversary at its Main Street location, but the journey to this milestone was far from easy. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, like many small businesses, the academy was forced to shut down. With resilience and unwavering dedication, Reid and Brittany reopened their academy in the basement of the old courthouse once quarantine restrictions were lifted. Word spread quickly, and the academy’s loyal following returned, ready to train and reconnect. Today, Roots Combat Academy boasts 1,000 square feet of training space, providing ample room for students of all ages and experience levels to practice the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

BJJ is often described as a chess match rather than a brute-force combat sport, and it has become a global phenomenon for its practical approach to self-defense. The essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu revolves around the idea that a smaller, weaker individual can effectively defend against a larger, stronger opponent using leverage, technique, and positioning. It focuses primarily on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds, with practitioners employing a variety of joint locks, chokeholds, and compression locks to force their opponents into submission. Unlike traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu (JJJ), which incorporates strikes, throws, and a broader range of techniques, BJJ zeroes in on ground-based fighting and submissions. Both styles, however, share the core philosophy of self-defense and respect.

Reid Welch, who works as a construction lineman at Empire Access during the day, brings the same work ethic to his teaching at the academy. He understands the nuances of training different students, especially children. “You have to be careful how you teach kids,” Reid says, noting that while BJJ is an empowering and effective self-defense system, it can also be dangerous if not taught properly. At Roots Combat Academy, every student must sign a waiver before beginning their training, and safety is a top priority. Reid has trained police officers, bouncers, and other professionals in self-defense, so he knows how crucial it is to cultivate a safe, respectful learning environment.

Brittany Welch, who grew up with a farming background, has a unique perspective on teaching martial arts, especially to beginners. She believes that students with no previous grappling experience—what she affectionately calls “green” people—are often the easiest to train. “They don’t have bad habits that need to be broken,” she explains. In fact, many students are surprised at how quickly they adapt to the movements and techniques. Those with backgrounds in boxing, wrestling, or gymnastics often find their transition into BJJ less difficult, as they already possess a keen awareness of body movement and balance.

One of Brittany’s greatest passions is teaching women’s self-defense. She is adamant that women’s self-defense classes should be led by women, emphasizing that the fastest-growing sport in the country is women’s wrestling. At Roots Combat Academy, the fundamentals of the women’s class center on body movement, distance management, and awareness. It’s about more than just learning how to fight—it’s about instilling confidence and self-assurance in women, giving them the tools and mindset to survive an attack.

“Women come to the academy for more than just self-defense,” Brittany adds. “It’s also a social experience, a place to connect, support each other, and grow.” This sense of community is something both Brittany and Reid take immense pride in. Over the past year, they have worked tirelessly to transform what was once just an office space into a warm, welcoming environment for students of all ages and backgrounds. When they first moved into the building, it needed significant renovations. But through the generosity of their students and friends, who donated their time and skills, the space was transformed into what it is today—an academy that truly feels like home to many.

What sets Roots Combat Academy apart from other martial arts schools is not just the technique but the personal touch Reid and Brittany bring to the table. Every student is treated like family, and the couple makes it a priority to ensure that the academy remains a safe, inclusive space for everyone. “We’ve created something that resonates with people,” Brittany says, her voice filled with pride. And it’s not just rhetoric—the results speak for themselves. Roots Combat Academy has produced several success stories, with students going on to win competitions, medals, and titles in regional and national BJJ tournaments.

For those with families, Roots Combat Academy is especially accommodating. The academy has a designated children’s room, complete with a TV and WiFi, where parents can leave their little ones while they train. It’s just another way Reid and Brittany strive to make the academy a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

The academy currently has seven instructors, each specializing in different classes. They offer a range of programs from beginner-level fundamentals to advanced techniques. All instructors are CPR certified, further emphasizing the academy’s commitment to safety. Reid’s teaching philosophy is simple but profound: “Train people to know what they’re capable of.” It’s about pushing students to their limits while ensuring they understand their own strengths and weaknesses.

Brittany echoes this sentiment when talking about the women’s classes. “It’s all about body awareness,” she says. “Once women understand their own physical capabilities, they become more confident, more assertive, and, ultimately, better able to defend themselves.”

Reid and Brittany’s move to Hornell six years ago came with its own set of challenges. When they arrived, they discovered that there was no place in town offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Sensing a void in the community, they decided to create their own space where people could come together to train, learn, and grow. Roots Combat Academy was born from this vision, and over time, it has flourished into the thriving community it is today.

One of the key factors that make Roots Combat Academy so special is its diversity. The academy has become a melting pot of cultures, experiences, and walks of life, all united by a shared love of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “We’ve built a family here,” Brittany says. “It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you do. When you step onto the mat, you’re part of something bigger.”

As Roots Combat Academy continues to grow, Reid and Brittany remain dedicated to their mission of fostering a safe, inclusive space for all. With their unique combination of discipline, empathy, and expertise, they have created a martial arts school that is not only about learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but about building confidence, resilience, and community in Hornell. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your journey, Roots Combat Academy welcomes you with open arms—ready to teach, ready to support, and ready to help you discover what you’re truly capable of.

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