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Buddies Over Bullies

Gracie Jiujitsu of Southeast Missouri is a Buddies Over Bullies Partner School.

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We Defy

Gracie Jiujitsu of Southeast Missouri is a We Defy Approved Training Facility.

Click this link to schedule a free trial class!

Schedule

Monday:All Belts 10:30AM-12PM, Lil' Champions 5:30PM-6:15PM, Youth/Teens 6:15PM-7:15PM, All Belts 7:15PM-8:30PM;Tuesday: All Belts 10:30AM-12PM, Lil' Champions 5:00PM-5:45PM, Women Only 5:45PM-6:45PM, Fundamentals 6:45PM-8PM; Wednesday:All Belts 10:30AM-12PM, Lil Champions 5:30PM-6:15PM, Youth/Teens 6:15PM-7:15PM, All Belts 7:15PM-8:30PM;Thursday: All Belts 10:30AM-12PM, All Belts 2PM-3:15PM,Lil Champions 5PM-5:45PM, Youth/Teens 5:45PM-6:45PM, Fundamentals 6:45PM-8PM;Friday:  All Belts 10:30AM-12PM, Womens Only 5:45PM-6:30PM, No Gi 7pm-8pm; Saturday: Advanced Youth 9AM-10AM, Fundamentals 10AM-11:30AM; Sunday: Competition Class 2:15PM-3:45PM

Testimonials

Hear From Our Students

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Travis Statler

Parent

Our son Preston began training with Gracie Humaita SEMO in May of 2021 and remains a student of the academy today. The first-rate instructors bring years of teaching and competition experience to each class fostering reverence for the discipline and respectful competitiveness. Preston’s successes in regional and international competitions are a direct reflection of Gracie Humaita SEMO’s superlative facility and instruction.

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Ashley Roney

Student - Blue Belt

The first time I walked through the doors was in 2017 for a REALTOR® safety event. I had no idea then how much this place and the people in it would come to mean to me. In May 2021, a mom friend and I started meeting for private lessons twice a month with Professor Brian. By August 2023, I was hooked and training in group classes three or more times a week. As a REALTOR®, a mom, a wife, and a community volunteer, making time for everything I love takes discipline. But training is more than just another activity—it’s a cornerstone of my mental and physical health. It’s how I show my daughter that she can be strong and that she can always count on me, whether it’s carrying her or fighting for her—both literally or metaphorically. The confidence I’ve gained, knowing I have a fighting chance in a physical situation, makes me feel less like a potential victim and more in control. The friendships, the support, and the constant challenge of this community have made me stronger than I’ve ever been. My only regret? Not starting back in 2017. .

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Alex Burke

Student - White Belt

I can’t speak highly enough about Gracie Humaita SEMO. Classes offered every day at multiple times has helped me take control of my own schedule and form a structured week. Any class I attend—morning, noon, or night— is always full of welcoming people equally eager to learn and laugh with me! I have truly created life long friendships within the jiu-jitsu community, not only with others, but with myself. I’ve noticed an increase in my physical health AND my mental health; feeling stronger physically and emotionally. Starting jiu jitsu with Gracie Humaita SEMO has truly been the best gift I’ve given myself.

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Matt Jones

Student - Brown Belt

I've been a part of Gracie Humaita Semo since 2015, and it's been an incredible journey. With a background in various martial arts like JKD, TKD, and Judo, plus powerlifting, I continue to find immense value here. My career requires me to stay in top physical shape, and Jiu-Jitsu provides the perfect balance of physical and mental challenges. The camaraderie I've experienced is unmatched, and the mental and physical benefits have significantly improved my overall well-being. This academy truly supports my passion for growth and resilience, and I'm grateful to be part of such an inspiring community.

Programs

Learning Self Defense and Values

One of the little kids class students.

Little Kids Jiu-Jitsu

(Ages 4-6)

Our Little Kid’s Jiu-Jitsu classes are designed specifically for young kids, providing a fun and safe introduction to the world of Jiu-Jitsu. In these classes, children learn fundamental techniques and principles while developing important life skills like focus, discipline, and respect. Join us for an exciting journey where your child will gain confidence, make new friends, and embrace the joy of learning jiu-jitsu! Sign up for a FREE trial "Here"!

Some of the big kids class students

Big Kids Jiu-Jitsu

(Ages 7+)

Our Big Kid’s Jiu-Jitsu classes are specially designed for young practitioners. In these classes, your child will not only learn effective self-defense techniques but also develop essential life skills such as confidence, discipline, and respect. Our supportive environment fosters personal growth and empowers teens to face challenges with resilience, preparing them for success in both jiu-jitsu and life. Sign up for a FREE trial "Here"!

Master Royler and Professor Brian with some of the teen students

Teens Jiu-Jitsu

Our Teens Jiu-Jitsu classes are designed to help prepare children that are aging out of the kid’s program for the transition to adult Jiu-Jitsu classes. This class further refines their understanding of Jiu-Jitsu, positions, and concepts to best prepare them for Adult classes.

Members of the adult class training.

Adult Jiu-Jitsu

Our Adult Jiu-Jitsu classes have a range of offerings, catered to individual goals. We offer fundamentals Jiu-Jitsu where the basics are prioritized, All Level’s Jiu-Jitsu where the concepts are focused on continued growth but aimed at reaching all belt levels, and Advanced Jiu-Jitsu where we focus on more advanced concepts and positions. We also offer adult No Gi class where you will find a generally higher pace of movement and more details specific to Jiu-Jitsu without the grips and controls of the traditional uniform. Sign up for a FREE trial "Here"!

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, We have answers

What is Gracie jiu-jitsu?

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and self-defense system developed by the Gracie family in Brazil. It focuses on ground fighting and submission holds, emphasizing leverage, technique, and timing over brute strength. This style of Jiu-Jitsu is designed to empower practitioners to defend themselves effectively against larger and stronger opponents by using techniques such as joint locks and chokeholds. It is not only a competitive sport but also a practical self-defense method that promotes discipline, confidence, and physical fitness.

What are the Benefits of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu?

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu offers numerous benefits, both physical and mental. Physically, it enhances strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination through rigorous training and technique practice. Mentally, it boosts confidence, discipline, and focus, providing tools for stress management and problem-solving. As a self-defense system, it equips practitioners with the skills to protect themselves effectively in real-life situations. Additionally, the social aspect of training fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among practitioners, contributing to overall well-being and personal growth.

How much do classes cost?

Classes range broadly in price depending on the length of agreement, and the number of family members. Regular prices start at $129 monthly for individuals. We do offer a significant First Responder Discount, please contact us for those rates! If you’d like to find out pricing options for your specific scenario, please contact us here!

How do I sign up for a class?

You can sign up for your FREE trial by hitting “Book Now” anywhere on our website or clicking here!

Who is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for?

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone! Whether you’re a 4-6 old child getting into their first sport or retired and looking for a hobby to keep you in shape, Jiu-Jitsu is for you and everyone in between!

What should I wear for my first class?

For your first class, we recommend you come in athletic attire including a t-shirt and gym shorts or athletic pants.

What should I expect at my first class?

In your first class you will be partnered with an experienced practitioner who will help guide you through the warm-up drills and will stay with you through the technique portion of the class to ensure you have guidance the entire time! Our classes offer the ability to self-regulate your pace to ensure the experience is best for your skill and fitness level!

Self Defense

Effective Techniques for Real-life Scenarios

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If sport Jiu-jitsu and advancement within a traditional belt system are not things you are interested in but you still want to know how to defend yourself then this is the program for you! Gracie Self Defense focuses on the self defense aspects of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu so that you learn the most effective techniques to protect yourself and your family in real-life scenarios. Taking the Self defense Course will enable you to feel in control of potentially threatening situations and make your self confidence grow! We will help you to build up your self-confidence, technique, strength and conditioning so that you reach all of the goals you have set for yourself. The self-defense course is a great introduction to the principles of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, upon completion most students transition to our group classes to continue their training. We invite you to do the same, learn techniques that can save your life one day and if you love it like we know you will continue on with a sport that will have a long lasting positive impression on your life.

News

Find Out What's Happening

Our Instructors

Head Instructor/Owner Brian Imholz
Curtis Ackman
Kyle Thompson

Ready to start your jiu-jitsu journey?

Schedule a Free Class