There are several choices for training Martial Arts in the Springfield area, but I feel the best family based and individual martial arts training facility by far is John Geyston's Martial Arts Academy (JGMAA). At JGMAA you are a family. You can train at the adult level while your child or children train at the youth level or you can even train together as a family. At the same time on the same floor. You can train during your lunch breaks, between noon and 1 o'clock, or you can train in the evenings. Whatever works best! You can learn Self Defense, Striking, and Jiu Jitsu. In addition, my son learns how to deal with bullies without confrontation, if at all possible, but is taught to defend himself, if necessary. I am taught as a woman not only how to defend myself, but the importance of being aware of my surroundings and that first and foremost the best thing I can do in a bad situation is to avoid it. In the case it cannot be avoided, then the tools I have learned become tools to protect myself and my son. You will study under an 8th degree Black Belt, Hanshi John Geyston, a 4th degree Black Belt, Renshi Ryan and other very well qualified black belts . JGMAA is a certified Jiu Jitsu school under the legendary Royce Gracie who personally visits the school and promotes its members as part of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu program! What more can you ask for? By the way, if you are a stud or a stud muffin who wants to step into the cage to test your skills as an MMA fighter, you can prepare for that here as well! Come be a part of our family! read more

We believe that kids learn by example and it all begins at home. For 7 years we have been members of JGMAA and it is a home and family, from the instructors to other members. JGMAA reinforces the values we want instilled in our kids and encourages them to set goals and attain those goals. Parenting is not easy, especially when you are trying to undo what is heard at school and outside of your supervision. It is refreshing to come into this environment, with accomplished martial artists whom your children respect, and have them shown the simple difference between right and wrong. All of the kicking and punching instills confidence which allows our children to stand up to a bully for themselves and often times to defend a classmate who is being bullied without ever having to throw a punch or a kick. It also teaches kids how not to be a bully. It makes us feel very proud of our boys when we receive compliments from teachers, coaches and other parents about their positive attitude, willingness to learn and taking leadership roles in the classroom and team sports. We cannot say enough positive things about this academy and what it has done for our entire family. read more

My dedication to training is a credit to the fine academy that JGMAA is. If it was not for the fine people that work here, each with their unique gifts and personalities, I may not have become as dedicated of a student. Their example of dedicated personal training, kindness, service, and concern for others is contagious. There is a camaraderie that has developed and it is one I look forward to being a part of every week. The one thing I feel Martial Arts have really added to my life is true living. Many spots in my life that had something missing have found their completeness in Martial Arts. It's physical, social, challenging, and competitive. I feel valued when I come to JGMAA. I smile. I go through growing pains and growth spurts as I experience both success and failure, but it's all good. I strive for martial arts lessons to integrate other areas of my life. John Geystons Martial Arts Academy is a class act facility that is always improving their program to meet their goal of providing successful learning experiences for everyone. read more

John has been a seasoned martial artist and instructor for many years, and his approach to teaching youth and adults are equally balanced and focused no matter what the age of the student. Programs start for early childhood to teach coordination, reflexes, and fun all the way to Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu for junior grapplers and experienced adults. My children have benefitted from the range of classes, camps, and seminars to make them into confident and emerging young leaders. His approach teaches children respect, dedication, confidence, focus, motivation and leadership. Through classes of Jiu Jitsu, basic and advanced karate, John is able to take your children as far as they would like to go. The BullyProof program is not about fighting, it's about learning and practicing the martial arts to keep one's self safe and to learn how to avoid and diffuse situations. The students will train in the arts of Jiu Jitsu, striking, self defense, and even have to learn some historic martial arts weapons and forms. read more

This is what martial arts should be! JGMAA teaches an excellent blend of striking, grappling, throws, and importantly, self-defense. I have been around martial most of my life and JGMAA is the real deal. Plus, there are numerous options to attend class so you or you family won't be stuck in the one hour only two days a week schedule you see so often at other schools. read more

Being a student at JGMAA has changed my life. I went over a year without leaving the house because of my anxiety, and the welcoming students and staff made JGMAA the first place I was comfortable to regularly come out of the class for. The confidence I have gotten out of helping the kids and being a student myself has helped make me a better person. read more

Please make sure to scroll to the bottom and read the 10 positive reviews that Yelps hide. Yelp has a history to hide positive reviews and then contact the owners of businesses to offer a paid service to improve your ratings. You can search online for the validation of this practice. facebook and google shows a 4.8 rating on this business read more

JGMAA is an open and friendly environment with dedicated and passionate instructors. As an adult coming into martial arts for the first time, I was welcomed by not only the staff but other students. Everyone wants to see everyone else succeed. read more

Incredible and Amazing! Every experience from our first intro class to every class years later is positive and your family. I Cant say enough positive things about this place and what they do for my kids and every family that are members. read more

Our 11 year old son has been @ JGMMA for almost two years now. He is an introverted child but we have watched his self confidence and pride in his accomplishments flourish since beginning @ JGMMA. Wonderful teachers and great environment! read more

They offered a 2 week trial for the MMA Classes before joining to make sure it was a good fit. The instructors are knowledgable and have great attitudes. The classes have positive energy and are full of good comradery. read more