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Phoenix Down Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 101 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Hiawatha, Iowa
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
- 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 phoenixdownbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 319-320-3665
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–5 pm |
The classes they run
“Beyond the sport itself, I really appreciate the way he teaches fundamental life skills—something even more valuable than the activity.”
“My daughter enjoyed going very much It is very instructional and the class consists of the kids working on different positions step by step so they know it well.”
“Jace runs a premiere Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school for children, teens, and adults.”
“Jace makes sure each kid gets the one on one they need and makes each of them feel special.”
“Stopped by today for a drop in open mat with some buddies from the area.”
“I can’t think of a more perfect activity to build confidence, learn self defense, make high quality friends, and get great exercise!”
“Trained under the coaches here a number of years ago at another gym so it was awesome to see their gym for my first time!”
What members say
“Trained under the coaches here a number of years ago at another gym so it was awesome to see their gym for my first time!”
“The entire community has been extremely welcoming and willing to help each other grow and learn.”
“Jace is an excellent teacher and I know my kids have gained self-confidence and discipline since they began, as well as improved their listening skills.”
“Upon entering, the lobby was clean and organized, there were tv’s to watch the sparring, couches to relax in while waiting, and water bottles on the table for guests/members.”
“Jace is an excellent teacher and I know my kids have gained self-confidence and discipline since they began, as well as improved their listening skills.”
From the reviews
This place was an answered prayer! It came in highly recommended and didn't disappoint. Jace and his team are awesome! You can tell their passion for Jiujitsu and their patience with kids.
Jared was absolutely amazing with my son who was VERY hesitant to get out on the mat. He did a one on one session with him and eventually got him out there and had a blast.
I was looking for BJJ classes in Cedar Rapids for my 10 and 6 year old kids and came upon Phoenix Down. Before classes even began Jace was extremely helpful and encouraging in getting my kids signed up, something that has continued in every class they have taken in the past couple months.
I have personally trained Jiu Jitsu for a year now as well as spent time observing the classes at Phoenix Down. I can’t think of a more perfect activity to build confidence, learn self defense, make high quality friends, and get great exercise! Jace is incredibly dedicated and passionate about what he does.
New to BJJ? Start at Phoenix Down Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Phoenix Down Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 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 Phoenix Down Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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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