I came in from TX on work looking for a legit BJJ school and was welcomed with open arms. I was…read moreimmediately welcomed when I arrived and everyone had a smile on their face. John Gutta (head instructor & black belt) is an awesome guy who lives the BJJ life style. What to expect: Amazing class structure, critical details, effective techniques, great culture, plenty of partners to roll with (male and female), clean mats, bathrooms and changing room. If you're in the area and looking to learn at a legit academy I'd highly recommend Tipping Point BJJ. For reference: I'm currently a purple belt under Jeff Massina at Revolution Dojo Katy, TX.

I was in Cedar Rapids for a training seminar and had the pleasure of being able to squeeze in a…read moretraining session at Tipping Point. I have nothing but positive things to say about this academy. The students were all welcoming and friendly and the instructor (John) did an excellent job breaking down technique and also explaining why the technique should be used. What I thought was really cool was that the class instruction was based around some things John had noticed from other competitors at a recent competition. He broke down what he was seeing and taught solutions to techniques that were being used. The skill level of the various belts was on par if not higher than many of the academies I have trained at along the west coast. There is a misconception that 'not a lot of jiujitsu gets in and out of middle America' and I can reassure that this is clearly not the case at Tipping Point. These guys are tough! I had a lot of fun training here and will absolutely visit again the next time I'm in town.

I've been training at this gym for a number of years now. All I can say is that training here has…read moregreatly improved my life in a number of ways. The coaches are top-notch and are willing to work with everyone. The facilities are the best in the area. There are numerous classes throughout the week to accommodate most schedules. Everyone at the gym is amazing and friendly and willing to work with new people. If you're interested in jiu-jitsu, I cannot recommend DMJJA enough. ADDITIONAL: I wanted to add that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an excellent form of exercise that also has been shown to be an effective form of self defense. The academy has adult classes every day but Thursday for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and recently increased the number of kids' classes during the week. The gym also has Muay Thai kickboxing and a modest MMA program. Yoga was also recently added to the schedule two to three times per week. The academy caters to athletes of any level, from straight-off-the-couch to expert martial artists. The academy also has a weight lifting / cardio room for members to use during the hours the academy is open. I seriously cannot recommend this gym more. It is amazing and I feel like anyone would enjoy and benefit from classes provided.

Excellent instructors and a great environment.read more

Very clean and inviting Jim everyone was super kind. Very high-level instruction. I highly…read morerecommend you check it out.

I absolutely have fallen in love with training at Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines-…read more I was also lucky enough to start at the right place, with the right coach Carsten Carlsen. As a life long strength & conditioning coach and nutrition coach, coaching is my forte. I understand and study the art. Coach Carsten is everything you could ask for in a coach and BJJ mentor, plus some. His speed is your speed, and he can be as strong as a lion yet as gentle as a lamb in the same class. It's really something to witness, and awesome to be a part of. I very much am "the new guy" at school. And I'm happy being that guy. I'm a firm believer in a "white belt mentality" and will continue to have that when I've completed hour 5,000...and if I don't have that mentality I'll never make it that far... -That's the beauty of Jiu Jitsu- If you live in Des Moines and are looking for something new, fun, and challenging both physically and mentally I can't recommend Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines enough. You won't regret walking into Carsten's class and will leave a better man/women because of it.

Training at Citadel BJJ has not only helped me reach my fitness goals, but the mental and physical…read morebenefits of training martial arts have permeated every aspect of my life. It's given me more energy, focus and discipline, all of which have helped me pursue my personal goals with a renewed vigor and intensity. Whether you are an experienced grappler, or brand new to the mats, Citadel BJJ can help you reach your fullest potential. You'll receive world class instruction from teachers that are invested in your growth. Matt is a top level competitor that brings years of experience, Jim is an encyclopedia of wrestling and combat sports knowledge and Tony is one the most technical grapplers you will ever meet. They offer early morning, afternoon and evening classes; no matter what your schedule looks like they will have a class that works for you. I know starting something new can sometimes be intimidating, but all it takes is stepping on the mats once and you will see how much Citadel BJJ can improve your life. Hope to see you on the mats. Oss

I am visiting from out of town. Dropped in for an open mat session. Both Sensei's greeted me and…read moremade me feel welcome. As a white belt it was a friendly place filled with people who wanted to train and enjoy I enjoyed the vibe. Clean and professional. I will definitely go back.

Great place for all skill levels. For those who don't know, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most…read moreproven self defense arts. Mixed martial arts(MMA) was revolutionized by BJJ practitioner Royce Gracie in the mid 90s when UFC was originally to see what fighting style was the best, BJJ pretty much dominated and then became a base for all fighters as year progressed. I have been training here for about a month, love it so far and has been a great investment of my time. The instructors are really down to earth, very helpful, highly knowledgeable, and great all around teachers. Also, the classmates are helpful as well. They offer classes for both kids and adults(men and women). Not a hard place to fit in, very good atmosphere. Really good place for anyone interested in learning bjj. It really challenges you in different ways while preparing you in the process. Check it out if you have a chance, I promise it will be worth it!

I have trained at ICBJJ for 9 months now and have loved every minute being on the mats since I…read morefirst started. You learn a lot of things from the moves themselves, self-discipline, and gain confidence through each lesson. The instructors have been great with keeping up morale in the gym, and have helped me to win a gold medal in my second competition only a few months in! I have lost a total of 35lbs since the start of training here, and feel a lot better physically and mentally. I am always bummed out when I have to miss a class, because each class has extremely valuable lessons and information on specific techniques. Overall, ICBJJ is an awesome gym to train in, with very positive and uplifting friends there who help you out to continue striving.

Very welcoming to my daughter when we were in town for the week. She enjoyed meeting new friends…read moreand coaches. Comp class was a good challenge for her and she liked the way the classes were taught.

The owners, coaches and students at No Coast BJJ go out of their way to make all guests and new…read morestudents feel welcome. The instructors are highly skilled and teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with an emphasis on exceptional technique with a little humor sprinkled in to keep things light hearted and entertaining. All members of the school take pride in the gym keeping it a clean, safe, non-judgmental, family friendly environment. No Coast BJJ offers a free week to all new students letting new members experience the benefits of BJJ with no commitment.

Best kid's Jiu Jitsu classes in Des Moines in my opinion. Great technical instruction from coach…read moreJordan but also lots of really good families here. My son has made a lot of friends and always has great sparring partners close to his age and weight class. He's made tremendous progress in his Jiu Jitsu over the past 18 months with Jordan. I couldn't be happier. Very highly recommended!

From the owner: Learn Modern No-Gi Jiu Jitsu from one of the most respected and well-known Brazilian Jiu Jitsu…read moreBlack Belts in the Des Moines grappling scene! Precision Submission Grappling offers Kids Jiu Jitsu, Teens Jiu Jitsu, and Adult Jiu Jitsu for students of all skill levels in a safe and welcoming environment that emphasizes skill acquisition, character development, and fitness.

All my kids wanted to learn martial arts, where we used to live we didn't have anything like this…read more So I figured Triumph offered a free week of classes it was a great way for the kids to figure out which classes to take. Triumph even has classes for our 6 year old! Their confidence level has increased so much. They love going and practicing at home. Thank you Triumph for inspiring and teaching our children to protect themselves.

Our son has been loving his classes since day 1! The instructors are all great helps and you can…read morereally tell they love what they do and teaching others the same. They teach great skills and sportsmanship. We have been recommending triumph martial arts to all our friends as well

I'm in my early 40s, and my fitness was suffering due to a hectic career and having a family. I…read morejoined ICOR to try something very different from anything I had ever done and be challenged. I'm a very peculiar person. I wasn't sure how well I would fit in at a boxing club. To my pleasant discovery, the coaches (Emily and Clif) run a very inclusive club and actively manage conflicts between members if they occur. Members are expected to leave any prejudices at home before they arrive at the gym, and the coaches enforce that. On my first visit, as I was ascertaining how comfortable I would be in this new environment, I saw the first thing that let me know the coaches genuinely care about the community. There was a class in session for people with Parkinson's disease, called Rock Steady Boxing. I watched for a few moments, and was impressed with the passion that the coach appeared to have for helping these folks thrive in the midst of adversity. And it was evident that the class members genuinely enjoyed what was being provided to them in the class. My journey to a fitter life so far has been very positive at ICOR. In spite of being 20 years older than the majority of the members I routinely see in my classes, I feel comfortable and have made some friends. I have also learned a lot about boxing that I never knew before. There is a lot more depth to it than just two people in a ring hitting each other.

If you are looking to get in shape, test yourself, learn to box, and to celebrate your wins in a…read moresupportive environment, check out ICOR. This is a premiere boxing club that is first class in all regards. I have studied martial arts for several years and wanted to take up some formal boxing. Coach Clif is a prior service Marine, boxer, and overall inspiration to all who walk through the door. After my first one-on-one private lesson, I was hooked. This is not a place where people are shamed or embarrassed. All skill levels and varying levels of fitness are welcome. The key is about individual growth and progress. You will be tested, but you will not be broken. I have seen elderly individuals with Parkinson's, middle aged weekend warriors, 20 and 30 somethings, young athletes looking to compete, and everything in between. There is no "type" here. Do yourself a favor and take the plunge. You will get in shape, you will learn some skills, and you will feel better about yourself.