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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Southeast Missouri
5 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Jackson, Missouri
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
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciesemo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (573) 587-5664
Hours
| Monday | 12–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–9 PM |
| Thursday | 12–9 PM |
| Friday | 12–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 5–6 PM |
The classes they run
“If you are looking to compete, get in shape or introduce your kids to a positive atmosphere and learn some new life skills, please visit Semo Gracie.”
“If you’re looking for Jiu Jitsu competition, there is that too, you’re not going to find a better place in Southeast Missouri to prepare for a grappling tournament.”
“Whether you're seeking self-defense techniques, physical fitness, or simply a fun and engaging experience, this academy has it all.”
“From the first time I walked in, I was welcomed and accepted as part of the group.”
What members say
“Brian is a great instructor and mentor regardless of your skill level or ability.”
“I couldn't find an exercise routine that kept me interested for very long until I attended my first class at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Southeast MIssouri.”
“With a welcoming and accepting environment, Professor Brian Imholz has created a culture of learning, positivity, and patience.”
“Whether you're seeking self-defense techniques, physical fitness, or simply a fun and engaging experience, this academy has it all.”
“Highly recommend this for not only the sport but also the self defense and even in my opinion a great workout!”
“If you’re looking for Jiu Jitsu competition, there is that too, you’re not going to find a better place in Southeast Missouri to prepare for a grappling tournament.”
From the reviews
I have been a member of this academy for almost a year, and I can say it has been the best decision I’ve ever made (when it comes to health and wellness/training). My daughter has also been training there for almost a year, and she is now obsessed with Jiu Jitsu!
The most cost effective way in Southeast Missouri to boost physical and mental health, find a new hobby, learn to defend yourself, and meet down to Earth, amazing people all at the same time is to join Brian's BJJ Gym.
Love this academy! Brian and the other instructors were very welcoming. My girlfriend and I are travel nurses with about six months of BJJ experience before coming to SEMO… so really new. We started jujitsu for the defensive aspect and the workout you get from training.
Stopped in the gym while visiting from Minnesota to get a workout in after a friend’s recommendation. Knowledgable coaches, clean gym, positive atmosphere. No intimidation from the other students. I will definitely be back in the future if they’ll have me when I visit.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Southeast Missouri
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Southeast Missouri 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 Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Southeast Missouri
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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