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Guardians BJJ & Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Springfield, 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 (ages 4–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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
- 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 guardiansjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 417-619-7336
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6–9 pm |
| Friday | 6–9 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been Coach Mike's student for about 3-4 years and i would like to say he is the best hands down, the impact Mike has on these kids lives is why we stay.”
“You'll have opportunity to grow no matter what you are interested in - sport Jiu Jitsu, self-defense, Gi or No-Gi.”
“You'll have opportunity to grow no matter what you are interested in - sport Jiu Jitsu, self-defense, Gi or No-Gi.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Cuz it deserves it, great coach and amazing atmosphere for any skill level.”
“I am so happy that I have found this gym for my family amd look forward to the future we have with them.”
“I loved his training techniques and how he kept a more uniform atmosphere with the kids but wasn't overwhelming them.”
“My kids love going to class each night and we're so happy to have them be part of the team.”
“Further, Renegade is affiliated with Master Renato Tavares and the Gracie BJJ lineage, which grounds the gym in high quality and accountability.”
“You can tell he genuinely loves helping the kids learn and build confidence in their skills.”
From the reviews
My son has been with Coach Mike for 3 years now. Diagnosed with Autism at 2 & a half. Nothing has stopped him or got in his way from doing what he loves. Coach has so much patience with children, doesn't judge a soul that walks through his door. I highly reccomend at least having your child visit & attend a class.
Renegade Jiu Jitsu has been part of our family lifestyle for years now. Coach Mike has outstanding integrity and has worked hard to create an atmosphere that the entire family can plug into. He's able to work with children of all ages, personalities, and experience levels to help them progress with results.
My daughter has been learning jiu-jitsu for awhile now in CO. We found this place while on vacation in MO, and she was very nervous to try out a new place. Coach Mike was really good with her and the other kids.
Coach Mike is very passionate about helping his students learn and excell both in jiu jitsu and in their daily lives. You can tell he genuinely loves helping the kids learn and build confidence in their skills. My kids love going to class each night and we're so happy to have them be part of the team.
New to BJJ? Start at Guardians BJJ & Martial Arts
Guardians BJJ & Martial Arts 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 Guardians BJJ & Martial Arts
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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