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Arroyo Grappling Academy
5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Iowa City, Iowa
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule arroyograppling.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 319-244-8250
Hours
| Monday | 6–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–9 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 5:30–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am–12:30 pm |
The classes they run
“If you want to learn NoGi jiujitsu and have a great time doing it, I cant think of a better place.”
“Whether you are looking for a new hobby to pick up or are a serious competitor, AGA is the best place to grow and get better.”
“It’s an awesome place to learn jiu-jitsu as they are perfect for anyone trying to learn for whatever reason; self-defense, competition, MMA, and casual.”
“Whether you’re brand new to combat sports or have some experience, there’s something for everyone to be found here.”
“Great coaches That run the youth program worth signing up.”
Other martial arts here
“It’s an awesome place to learn jiu-jitsu as they are perfect for anyone trying to learn for whatever reason; self-defense, competition, MMA, and casual.”
“Yet he always lifts you up even if you’re still improving on your folk style wrestling.”
What members say
“Blessed to have the opportunity to connect with different BJJ practitioners, and learn from Danny Arroyo, one of the best coaches in the Midwest region.”
“Arroyo grappling academy is professional and respectful and welcoming environment, Coach Danny Arroyo breaks down the techniques so everybody understands the movements.”
“Arroyo grappling academy is professional and respectful and welcoming environment, Coach Danny Arroyo breaks down the techniques so everybody understands the movements.”
“It’s an awesome place to learn jiu-jitsu as they are perfect for anyone trying to learn for whatever reason; self-defense, competition, MMA, and casual.”
From the reviews
This place is awesome!!!! I can't think of a better environment to learn BJJ and self-defense. Danny arroyo, the instructor, is knowledgeable, professional, and super fun. Everyone here is focused and kind. I always look forward to my next class. Definitely give it a shot if you're looking for a place.
best jiujitsu place to learn about the harsh reality's of life, also jiujitsu. the people are free thinking and open minded, which is a surprise for the midwest.
I have been to many different gyms in my life, some very traditional Brazilian gyms some 10th planet style gyms. And what sets this gym apart is that those other gyms you were on a team and at arroyo you join a family. Everyone in the gym is incredibly hard working, and excellent at their craft.
Arroyo grappling academy is professional and respectful and welcoming environment, Coach Danny Arroyo breaks down the techniques so everybody understands the movements.its a great place to be, for getting fit to understanding self defence or competition. I would highly recommend this school.
New to BJJ? Start at Arroyo Grappling Academy
Arroyo Grappling Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Arroyo Grappling Academy
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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