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Cavalo BJJ
5 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Columbia, Missouri
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 (ages 4–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Website & schedule cavalobjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (417) 766-5214
The classes they run
“It has been a wonderful experience for my son to join the kids classes and to receive discipline and heartfelt instruction.”
“My three kids do the kids class, and my wife loves the women’s program with Kindra.”
“The friendly community, skilled training partners, and free open mats make it a welcoming environment for all levels.”
“Instruction included both traditional, self-defense oriented techniques, and modern competition-oriented techniques.”
“The friendly community, skilled training partners, and free open mats make it a welcoming environment for all levels.”
What members say
“Professor Zach Lenon was very welcoming, ran a big clean gym with lots of class options, tons of smart, tough and welcoming students.”
“Professor Zach Lenon was very welcoming, ran a big clean gym with lots of class options, tons of smart, tough and welcoming students.”
“Coach Zach is a very technical and in detail oriented teacher; a class of purple/browns and whites can both learn a tremendous amount.”
“I'm visiting Columbia, Missouri and I wanted to train at a good school to keep in shape for an upcoming competition back home.”
“Professor Zach Lenon was very welcoming, ran a big clean gym with lots of class options, tons of smart, tough and welcoming students.”
“It has been a wonderful experience for my son to join the kids classes and to receive discipline and heartfelt instruction.”
From the reviews
The staff and instructors are all top notch. We had tried another Jiu Jitsu gym in town and were completely unimpressed. Upon coming to Cavalo, we were met with professionalism, experience, and enthusiasm.
Thank you to everyone at Cavalo BJJ for making me feel welcomed with all the struggle cuddles. Solid technique and super friendly environment. You can have either a flow roll or a comp roll and everything in between. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in the area.
Cavalo BJJ is an exceptional training facility that sets the standard for what a martial arts gym should be. From the moment you step in, the cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere are immediately apparent, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all practitioners, regardless of experience level.
I moved from Kansas City to Columbia 8 months ago and continued my training at Cavalo based on my former coaches recommendation. From day one Zack and his students have welcomed me into the gym and have been wonderful to train with.
New to BJJ? Start at Cavalo BJJ
Cavalo BJJ 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 Cavalo BJJ
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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