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Self-Defense Global KC
4.9 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Kansas City, Missouri
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule selfdefenseglobalkc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 816-746-5728
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 3:30–9 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“From kids classes to adult classes to weekend seminars, I have always had a wonderful experience at Self-Defense Global.”
“If you are looking to feel more confident in yourself, and meet a good group of people, I can't recommend Self-Defense Global KC enough.”
“They will be use you to do your best but understand that beginners will not go as hard or fast as experienced students.”
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What members say
“They will be use you to do your best but understand that beginners will not go as hard or fast as experienced students.”
“Eric is a fantastic teacher that manages to make the classes feel both welcoming and challenging at the same time.”
“I'm 47 and it is a great workout, you learn real world applications and it's my family away from home.”
“My son in particular loved the personal relationship this training team provides.”
“I wasn’t able to spend much time at SDG due to some personal factors, but the couple of classes I had there were well worth it!”
“In addition to the physical benefits, he's learned self-discipline, respect for himself and others, the ability to concentrate, to listen, and to follow directions.”
From the reviews
Eric is a phenomenal instructor and an even better person. He will connect with students at a granular level, whether that is a young child up to adults. My son had great discipline and respect while under Mr. Siley.
This place is absolutely amazing. Eric, Sarah, and Mandi are nothing short of phenomenal. Even in a larger class they still make sure to take their time with each student to help correct mistakes, the music is always great, the people are amazing and welcoming, and the comedy from the instructors always makes my day…
My son has attended Self-Defense Global since he was 4 and he's now a kindergartener. In addition to the physical benefits, he's learned self-discipline, respect for himself and others, the ability to concentrate, to listen, and to follow directions.
I wasn’t able to spend much time at SDG due to some personal factors, but the couple of classes I had there were well worth it!! Sarah and Eric are both fantastic instructors, and they make it really fun.
New to BJJ? Start at Self-Defense Global KC
Self-Defense Global KC 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 Self-Defense Global KC
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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