I have trained at Arsenal for two years now. Sam Burns is an amazing instructor and makes class…read morevery enjoyable. on a personal note between Jiu-jitsu and the striking I have lost a total of 45LBs so if you are looking for a great workout with a great group then come check Arsenal out

From the owner: Serving Southern Illinois adults and kids with martial arts instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,…read moreSelf Defense, Striking/MMA, We Defy Foundation Facility, S.P.E.A.R. System Law Enforcement Officer Training

My two boys started training at Gracie in the fall of 2016, and I cannot speak highly enough about…read morethe academy. Coach Brian is phenomenal with the kids (and adults as well!) and my boys love it. Very great training and expertise, combined with a family, non-judgmental atmosphere that is hands down the best for miles around.

Visited while in from out of town. Couldn't have asked for a better experience of a more welcoming…read moregroup of dudes. Great session!

This is a legit BJJ school run by a great black belt. I trained on a Friday night when he did a…read moreQ&A. In the Q&A the instructor offered each student the opportunity to ask a question and he would answer it, offering his opinion and instruction on how to improve. I asked about kimura from half guard and was offered some different ways to work that move. There was a good range of questions from basic all the way to takedowns. If was a fun evening and I enjoyed training. I look forward to training there when I am in town again.

Mike does a great job of keeping the place clean and making an open and fun, yet serious and…read morestudious training environment.

This school is a hidden gem. I suspect Mr. Westfall is one of the most knowledgeable martial…read moreartists in the country. Best of all, he doesn't see himself as a guru or know-it-all. He sees himself as a student--always learning and passing his new knowledge to his students. The prices are extremely reasonable and it's not a huge money grab or cult like some martial arts schools around the country.

First of all, Jeff Westfall, owner and head instructor, is probably the most scientific instructor…read moreI've had the pleasure of learning under. While I have experienced Brazilian jiu jitsu instruction at Rising Phoenix, it is obvious that he has a similar very scientific, enthusiastic, and patient approach with his other martial arts. Mr. Westfall is vastly knowledgeable and masterful across several martial art disciplines. He has experience training under/alongside some of the greatest and most influential martial artists in recent history. He provides concise instruction with a very respectful attitude that gives the gym a leg up on others in the region. I'd guess someone would have to travel hundreds of miles in any direction to get the same level of training. The facility is complete with grappling mats, bags, trapping dummy, boxing ring, and plenty of open space for kali or Jun Fan. It is always clean and well organized. The prices for classes are very reasonable as well. If you're looking for a martial arts gym for fitness, competition, or self defense, this is your place. If you are looking to get started or find a new place to train, this is it. The first class is free, so what do you have to lose? I suppose I should also note that there is no machismo-factor at this gym, everyone is very respectful and very easy to get along with, which makes it an excellent place to excel at your art.