About Us
Jeff Vale is a black belt in jiu jitsu, awarded under Brian Stuebner, a second-degree black belt under 14-time World Champion Caio Terra. With over a decade of experience as both a competitor and instructor, Jeff has established himself as a highly credible figure in the jiu jitsu community. Born and raised in Avon, OH, Jeff graduated from Avon High School in 2002. He relocated to Springfield, MO, for college, where he spent 19 years teaching and training at Springfield BJJ before deciding it was time to reinvest in his hometown by opening Substructure Jiu Jitsu, the first Caio Terra Association affiliate in Ohio.
Jeff began his jiu jitsu journey in 2009 after attending local MMA fights, drawn to the submission aspect of the sport. Initially training at a 10th Planet affiliate, he focused on no-gi for four years before his instructor transitioned the school to the Caio Terra Association, introducing him to gi training. Over the years, Jeff has achieved significant competitive success, including multiple IBJJF regional tournament victories and major titles at purple belt, such as double gold at the IBJJF Pan Championship and Masters Worlds. He also won the IBJJF No-Gi Pan Championship at brown belt. Jeff’s competition experience in both gi and no-gi has solidified his belief in the importance of training both disciplines equally.
Beyond competition, Jeff has a strong background in weightlifting and strength and conditioning, which complements his teaching philosophy. He credits jiu jitsu with shaping his mental toughness, teaching him to handle pressure and adversity with clarity—a skill he believes is essential both on and off the mat. Jeff emphasizes the importance of developing resilience, as the ability to think clearly under pressure can be life-changing in critical situations.
Jeff’s roots in northeast Ohio run deep. As the son of a pipe fitter, he grew up with a profound respect for the blue-collar work ethic that defines the region. Returning home to open Substructure Jiu Jitsu was not just a career decision but a personal mission to give back to the community that shaped him. He loves living in the Cleveland area, where he enjoys the stunning skyline along Lake Erie, the vibrant culture, and what he passionately describes as the best food in the country. A lifelong Cleveland sports fan, Jeff admires the resilience and determination that the city embodies, values he seeks to instill in his students.
At Substructure Jiu Jitsu, Jeff’s mission is to create a community of practitioners who live by the team motto: “Technique Conquers All.” Through a supportive environment built on discipline, hard work, and respect, Jeff aims to inspire his students to grow not only as martial artists but also as individuals.
