- 2325 Naples Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52240
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WARNING:
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Everything included:
2 Free BJJ Classes
Expert Instructors
You'll Get 2 Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Iowa City... COMPLETELY FREE!
“So fun it’s addicting!” Men and women in Iowa City are loving our amazing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program! Burn fat & build lean muscle, fast. Plus it’s so much fun! You’re gonna love it!
Everything included:
2 Free BJJ Classes (See how you'll like it here first with no obligation.)
Goal-Setting Session With A Coach (What do you want to get out of this for yourself?)
- 2325 Naples Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52240
Fill out the form below to
get your Free Class pass today!
WARNING:
Offer Expires In...
If Someone Tried To Hold You Down… Would You Know How To Get Out?
(Here’s how hundreds of beginners in Iowa City are learning to stay calm, take control, and fight back.)
Real self-defense isn’t about throwing punches.
It’s about what happens when things go wrong.
When you’re on the ground.
When someone bigger has grabbed you.
When panic sets in—and you have to act fast.
That’s where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu comes in.
At Citadel BJJ, we teach everyday people how to escape bad positions, stay safe in close-quarters situations, and stay calm under pressure.
You’ll learn:
How to keep someone from holding you down or pinning you
How to escape if you’ve been grabbed, tackled, or taken to the ground
How to defend yourself without relying on size, strength, or striking
How to remain calm and clear-headed in high-stress confrontations
Our beginner-friendly program is designed specifically for people who’ve never done martial arts before.
You’ll train in a safe, supportive environment with world-class coaches who walk you through every step—no ego, no attitude, no experience required.
This is the same system police officers, military personnel, and countless civilians trust for real-world self-defense.
And it starts with your very first class.
Try it FREE at Citadel BJJ.
Click below to claim your spot and experience the confidence that comes from knowing you can protect yourself—and the people you care about.
You’re Stronger Than You Think—Let Us Prove It to You.
(Your first class will change the way you see yourself.)
Most people have no idea what they’re truly capable of. But once you start training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu… that changes fast.
- You’ll learn how to stay calm under pressure.
- You’ll discover how to move, think, and fight with confidence.
- You’ll escape bad positions you thought were impossible—and come out stronger on the other side.
This isn’t just about martial arts and self defense.
It’s about discovering that you can do hard things.
That you can get stronger. More focused. More capable.
That the person you thought you were… was just the starting point.
That’s what our students in Iowa City are discovering on the mat every single day.
You could be next.
Your journey starts with one FREE class at Citadel BJJ.
No pressure. No experience needed. Just a chance to surprise yourself.
Click below to grab your spot—we’ll handle the rest.
Drop Fat. Get Strong. Feel Alive Again.
(And do it all while learning a life-changing skill.)
This isn’t a treadmill.
This isn’t some soulless gym routine you’ll quit in two weeks.
This is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—and it will reshape your body and your mind.
At Citadel BJJ, we’ve seen it happen over and over again:
30+ pounds lost
Blood pressure down
Sleep improved
Muscle gains in places you never knew existed
A clear head and calm focus that carries into work, school, and home
Our students aren’t just working out—they’re leveling up.
They’re burning fat while learning how to defend themselves.
They’re building real strength while becoming part of a supportive, high-energy team.
You’ll feel it after your very first class.
Muscles activated. Brain switched on. Stress melted away. Confidence surging.
Your transformation starts with one FREE class.
Click below to grab your spot at Citadel BJJ—the highest-rated BJJ school in Iowa City—and feel the difference for yourself.
Get 2 Life-Changing Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Iowa City... COMPLETELY FREE!
Hurry up! Only [11] Passes Remaining
"Citadel has really changed my health and attitude. Very challenging and rewarding learning/training with the best."
"I started at Citadel BJJ January of 2020, everyone here is amazing. My confidence and skills in the sport have greatly improved since starting."
"It's a family, a team, a community of BJJ practitioners being led and instructed by the best coaches. We laugh and joke, we learn from each other, we challenge each other, and we all love Ju-jitsu."
"You are in good hands. You will learn great fundamental techniques as well as the new hot advanced techniques. You will have a bunch of training partners to help you get better. Bjj is just so awesome, you will love it."
"Best gym you will find anywhere with an incredible environment that is inclusive and builds you up both physically and mentally.."
"The culture at this gym is awesome. Two world class coaches that know their stuff and both compete at high levels. All levels welcome and all goals acceptable."
"Citadel has a diverse, dedicated, and disciplined team of students with a range of skills and experience. Citadel's welcoming training environment prioritizes safety, camaraderie, and fun."
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers about our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Program
No, not at all! We find that people start at varying fitness levels. But, you will find that you do get fit by doing our Iowa City martial arts classes. Isn’t that the point though? A fun workout that gets results!
All of our classes are open to all skill levels, beginner through advanced. We focus on the fundamentals of jiujitsu, which are simply the most effective parts of the art. We also do a lot of specific drilling and training, which teaches you how to apply techniques and movements during a “live” roll.
No, Competition is not for everyone. And, not all competitions are the same. It can be a good way for students to learn and test their skills, and strive for outstanding achievement. And it is important to be selective as to which competitions are entered. However, you will find that our experienced Instructors can create that type of learning environment within the class.
We do only have a certain amount of space in our martial arts training area. To take advantage of our limited time offer…. The fastest way is to fill in the form at the top of this page, here. NOTE: (*****Please make the word “here” a clickable link that sends them back to the top of the page, if you can do that; if not, no big deal.****)
Additionally, you can always call us at 319-855-8110. We would love to chat with you about what we do, and if our Iowa City martial arts classes would be a great fit for you and your family!
Absolutely! Women really find that the benefits of doing martial arts training in BJJ is that they learn to protect themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent. Something they never thought was possible. We think ALL women should know how to protect themselves, especially on the ground!
Yes, initially some women find that the close training proximity might be a little uncomfortable. But don’t worry! We will ease you into it, and before long you will be feeling confident, powerful and really looking forward to you regular BJJ classes in Iowa City.
Plus, we have exclusive “Women Only” classes if you only want to train with other women.
Yes! Not all of our students care to compete, but the ones that do are in good hands with our coaching staff and team. Our head Jiu Jitsu coach Matt Leighton is one of America’s best-credentialed black belts, and he leads our competition team.
Jiu Jitsu tournaments are an exciting challenge! Anyone can compete in Jiu Jitsu! (Of course, you want to be as well-prepared as possible when the time comes, if you choose to compete.)
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become more of a mainstream sport here in the United States, so there are plenty good opportunities to compete all over the USA, and even locally right here in Iowa!
Often, tournaments have skill divisions, from beginner to advanced, along with belt level divisions, from white belt to black belt. Plus, there are age divisions for kids and adults. So most times, you’ll be able to compete against someone fairly close to your skill level and age.
Some people want to train to be world champions, and others just want to train for fun and maybe compete here and there just to test themselves. Either way, it’s all good! We will help you and work with you to achieve your goals.