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Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 40 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Cincinnati, Ohio
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
- 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 6–11) — 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule manessjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 513-300-6098
Hours
| Monday | 7–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 4:30–6:30 am |
| Saturday | 10:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“What makes Maness Jiu Jitsu and Defense special for my son is the quality of instruction in regard to important life skills: respect, discipline, and protecting self/others.”
“Buster has great instruction and technique for children, teens, and adults of all experience levels.”
“Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense is an outstanding training center that offers top-notch instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and practical self-defense techniques.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Buster has great instruction and technique for children, teens, and adults of all experience levels.”
“The skilled and dedicated instructor created a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters both personal growth and camaraderie among students.”
“The skilled and dedicated instructor created a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters both personal growth and camaraderie among students.”
“Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense is an outstanding training center that offers top-notch instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and practical self-defense techniques.”
“What makes Maness Jiu Jitsu and Defense special for my son is the quality of instruction in regard to important life skills: respect, discipline, and protecting self/others.”
From the reviews
My kids have been attending jiu jitsu with Buster for a few months and they love it! These classes are so great and are teaching many life skills that can be used forver.
If you’re looking for a new physical activity, form of exercise or interested in self defense this is the place to go. Buster Maness is a great instructor and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense is an outstanding training center that offers top-notch instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and practical self-defense techniques. The skilled and dedicated instructor created a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters both personal growth and camaraderie among students.
Buster is a very knowledgeable instructor. I've been training with him for over a decade and I've learned so much from him. He keeps everything simple and fun! Everyone there is very welcoming and kind. You will learn valuable skills and make new friends!
New to BJJ? Start at Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense 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.
Your first BJJ class at Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
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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