• Former professional MMA fighter Joe Solecki is opening a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy in Gastonia. • The Solecki Jiu Jitsu Academy, co-owned with his wife Kacey, opens on Nov. 3. • Solecki has practiced jiu-jitsu for 26 years and aims to create a welcoming environment for all.

Joe Solecki spent nine years as a professional MMA fighter, but he never lost sight of his true goal. He wanted to establish his own studio, where he could teach Brazilian jiu-jitsu to anyone who wanted to learn.

On Nov. 3, that dream will become a reality: Solecki and his wife, Kacey, are opening Solecki Jiu Jitsu Academy at 4478 Posterity Court, Gastonia.

"This was kind of always at least our plan," Solecki said in an interview Oct. 23. "It was always kind of jiu-jitsu. Fighting is cool, and a lot of people

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