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Kempo Jujutsu Martial Arts Academy

4.6 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Highland, Indiana

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule kjmalearning.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (219) 838-9875

Hours

Monday 5:30–8:15 PM
Tuesday 5:30–7:45 PM
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 5:30–7:45 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 8:30–11:30 AM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Kempo Jujutsu Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 18 mentions

“Although the distance proved to be a little far for us, the kids enjoyed the classes and the instructors were phenomenal.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“But I never knew all that I would learn here, I found out that martial arts is way more than just self defense.”

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🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Still, because I was a first-time over indulgent mom, I agreed to call-- sure whoever answered would tell us to wait til she was 5, as specified by the sign.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 19 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“They were very kind and good with them, and created a positive and welcoming learning environment for young children who were excited to learn and try something new.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 6 mentions

“They were very kind and good with them, and created a positive and welcoming learning environment for young children who were excited to learn and try something new.”

💗 welcoming to women 2 mentions

“I went to a Women's Self-Defense workshop here and it was awesome!”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 15 mentions

“Family owned build self confidence to kids trusted people teach kids good manners and self defence”

From the reviews

My two young nieces and my nephew attended classes briefly. Although they had never attended any jujutsu courses before, they were welcomed completely and encouraged to participate and learn. The instructors were wonderful with them, and helped them learn and follow instructions.

★★★★★ — Theresa, Jun 2019

10 years ago I walked in the dojo to enroll my 5 year old son in some classes. As we watched I realized that this is where he needed to be. So a couple months went by and I decided to give it a try and I was hooked! Now I have been an instructor over 8 years and am disciplined in various arts and really enjoy it.

★★★★★ — Joe, Jun 2019

This is a great academy. I brought my son here over a year ago with hopes to improve his self-confidence. I've definitely noticed an improvement which I attribute to his training here. He's also improved his level of respect, self-discipline, and independence.

★★★★★ — David, May 2017

When my three year old daughter passed the sign on Indianapolis Boulevard and asked me if she could join, I was hesitant. Perhaps as a child of the 80s, I feared a Cobra Kai sort of dojo.

★★★★★ — Lupe, Jun 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 19 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Kempo Jujutsu Martial Arts Academy

Kempo Jujutsu Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Kempo Jujutsu Martial Arts 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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Kempo Jujutsu Martial Arts Academy

8929 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN46322

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.