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YI'S Martial Arts Fitness Academy
4.6 ★★★★★ 65 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Wood River, Illinois
Training center for men, women, and children offering classes in martial arts, kickboxing, and self-defense.
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule altonmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 618-251-5425
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:15 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:15 pm |
| Friday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | 12–1 pm |
The classes they run
“Just started at the end of the year of 2025 and im already seeing good results in both my kids with learning to focus to learning new language in counting.”
“Yi’s Martial Arts whether you are needing help with self-control, discipline, self-defense, or even fitness.”
“This is an excellent dojo and the teachers are very knowledgeable, kind and work very well with beginners of all ages.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Master Chris is an amazing instructor with the patience of a saint.”
“Our family is so glad that we picked Master Chris to teach our boys martial arts.”
“My daughter has learned so much as YMAFA. Self confidence, discipline and control.”
“Just started at the end of the year of 2025 and im already seeing good results in both my kids with learning to focus to learning new language in counting.”
From the reviews
My daughter Jayda has been at Yi’s Martial Arts for 2 years and has grown immensely in that time frame. She went from being short tempered to having a lot of self control. She strives to be more organized in her personal life.
My son loves his class! Master Chris is amazing with the kids— patient, encouraging, and great at teaching discipline and respect in a fun way. I’ve noticed a positive change in his confidence since he started. He always looks forward to hid class, and as a parent, it’s so rewarding to see him proud of his progress.
Three grandkids in his studio. Great instructor. The instructors have the kids follow the Martial Art rules which in turn allows the kids to acknowledge rules as a part of life. They have a lot of fun activities also.
Martial Arts with Master Chris has really given my oldest son a lot. He's developed confidence, it's helped with his focus, and it gives him something to practice and memorize. What you might not be ready for: your child will have to actually focus and give Master Chris their undivided attention.
New to BJJ? Start at YI'S Martial Arts Fitness Academy
YI'S Martial Arts Fitness Academy 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 YI'S Martial Arts Fitness Academy
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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