HomeOhioCincinnati › Powell MMA and Fitness (Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling)

Powell MMA and Fitness (Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling)

5 ★★★★★ 191 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Cincinnati, Ohio

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team

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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • 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 powellmmaandfitness.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 517-802-8283

Hours

Monday 4:45–9:15 pm
Tuesday 6–7 am, 3:30–9:15 pm
Wednesday 4:45–9:15 pm
Thursday 6–7 am, 3:30–9:15 pm
Friday 5–8:30 pm
Saturday 9–10 am, 11:45 am–1 pm
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 Powell MMA and Fitness (Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling), confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

📘 Fundamentals 5 mentions

“They break down complex techniques into easily digestible formats, ensuring that even beginners like myself grasp the fundamentals effectively.”

All gyms that run fundamentals →

🧒 Kids BJJ 2 mentions

“My son enjoyed his first Jiu-Jitsu class and we plan to continue practicing here.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🌱 Beginners 8 mentions

“They break down complex techniques into easily digestible formats, ensuring that even beginners like myself grasp the fundamentals effectively.”

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Powell MMA and Fitness (Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling) — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥊 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“I took my first Muay Thai class at Powell MMA today after touring several gyms in the area, and this experience really stood out.”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🏟️ MMA 5 mentions

“I took my first Muay Thai class at Powell MMA today after touring several gyms in the area, and this experience really stood out.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 191 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 12 mentions

“What sets this gym apart is its welcoming environment, filled with supportive individuals who are passionate about what they do.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 15 mentions

“Truly an environment which can’t be ignored- friendly coaches, uplifting environment and an inclusive atmosphere where nobody would feel ignored despite their level!”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“They break down complex techniques into easily digestible formats, ensuring that even beginners like myself grasp the fundamentals effectively.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions
💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“The pricing is also very transparent and more affordable than others gyms in the area.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 3 mentions

From the reviews

I recently joined this gym 12 weeks ago, and it's been an incredible experience. As someone who always wanted to get into martial arts but hesitated, finding this gym felt like the perfect fit from day one.

★★★★★ — Brian, Mar 2024

Wonderful place to learn and train. The instructors/coaches are very helpful and full of knowledge. Even if you’re a beginner like myself you can still keep up and learn just as much as everyone. There is a reason this gym is rated 5.0 because it is just that good.

★★★★★ — Hunter, Dec 2025

Expansive facility with an awesome jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and mma program. This is a great place for both beginners and experienced practitioners of grappling/striking. On top of that, they even have a shower which is a huge plus for a jiu jitsu gym.

★★★★★ — Nicholas, Oct 2025

I took my first Muay Thai class at Powell MMA today after touring several gyms in the area, and this experience really stood out. John, the instructor, did something I haven’t experienced at other gyms.

★★★★★ — Faith, Feb 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 191 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Powell MMA and Fitness (Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling)

Powell MMA and Fitness (Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling) 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Powell MMA and Fitness (Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling)

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 Powell MMA and Fitness (Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling)

1213 York St, Cincinnati, OH45214

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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.