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St. Joseph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Ripley’s Jiu Jitsu

4.9 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · BJJ gym in St Joseph, Missouri

BJJ gym Affiliated Kids & teens No-gi Competition team

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

  • 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 sjbjjmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (816) 752-3315

Hours

Monday 11 AM–12 PM, 5–8 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–12 PM, 5–8 PM
Wednesday 5–8 PM
Thursday 1 AM–8 PM
Friday 9:30–11 AM, 5:30–6:30 PM
Saturday 10–11 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 St. Joseph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Ripley’s Jiu Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 7 mentions

“He keeps the atmosphere light for the kids, but also does great at teaching them discipline when they start to lose focus.”

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🩳 No-Gi

“Good jiu jitsu, no gi Tues/Thur, gi Mon/Wed.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“Whether you are looking to improve your self defense capabilities, or just get in better physical shape you will not be disappointed here.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at St. Joseph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Ripley’s Jiu Jitsu — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA 2 mentions

“Also a vet of over fifty MMA fights.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🤸 Wrestling

“Has solid college wrestling to go with his black belt in BJJ.”

Other gyms that also teach wrestling →

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 39 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 6 mentions

“This is an excellent gym -- from the knowledgeable instruction and the welcoming, supportive atmosphere to the incredible people that train there.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“This is an excellent gym -- from the knowledgeable instruction and the welcoming, supportive atmosphere to the incredible people that train there.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 17 mentions

“Having programs for all ages and a large group of dedicated members who are very supportive and helpful really makes it a great family oriented environment.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

“The coach here is very experienced, HIGHLY knowledgeable, able to coach you through with excellent attention to detail.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 3 mentions

“He keeps the atmosphere light for the kids, but also does great at teaching them discipline when they start to lose focus.”

From the reviews

I've traveled quite a bit and have been to many gyms - St. Joe BJJ is one of the most welcoming gyms I've been to. Coach Deryck is knowledgeable and very fluent with his instruction. The gym has a great vibe and very family-oriented. Children have their own play area while mom and dad get to train!

★★★★★ — Aus, Mar 2016

The coach here is very experienced, HIGHLY knowledgeable, able to coach you through with excellent attention to detail. Patient with students of all different levels. I recommend him and his school to anyone interested in training in this complex and detail oriented art.

★★★★★ — Dr, Sep 2024

Coach Rypley is amazing. Has solid college wrestling to go with his black belt in BJJ. Also a vet of over fifty MMA fights. He taught at my school in Colorado and we've never found another coach like him. I heavily recommend this gym and coach.

★★★★★ — Mma, Apr 2024

Our entire family has trained at SJBJJ for more than three years now. This gym and BJJ have changed our lives for the better.

★★★★★ — James, Jan 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 39 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at St. Joseph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Ripley’s 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.

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 St. Joseph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Ripley’s Jiu Jitsu

1305 A Village Dr, St Joseph, MO64506

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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.