By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 9/9/24
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is exploding in popularity, with the UFC’s meteoric rise since 2020 drawing more people into the sport. Whether you’re looking to become a professional fighter or just want to learn self-defense, MMA training offers a combination of discipline, fitness, and real-world skills. If you are in the Iowa City area and looking to dive into the world of MMA, you are in luck! Iowa City, known as “Wrestle Town USA,” boasts a rich wrestling tradition that pairs well with MMA’s grappling demands. In fact, the University of Iowa’s renowned wrestling team adds to the city’s combat sports allure. While training directly with the Hawkeye wrestling team isn’t an option for non-students, there are gyms where you can hone your MMA skills in Iowa City. Citadel BJJ Iowa City is one of the most prominent, offering elite-level grappling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and wrestling instruction. Here’s everything you need to know about training MMA in Iowa City.
Why Train MMA in Iowa City?
Iowa City has long been associated with wrestling thanks to its collegiate powerhouse, the University of Iowa. The strong wrestling culture translates into exceptional grappling opportunities for MMA enthusiasts. While striking classes are still developing in the local gyms, Iowa City is an excellent place to build a strong grappling foundation, crucial for success in MMA. Whether you want to transition from wrestling or add new skills like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll find top-notch coaches who have trained with MMA fighters and are experienced in preparing individuals for competition.
Citadel BJJ Iowa City: The Top MMA Grappling Gym
The top-rated gym in the Iowa City area is Citadel BJJ, which specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling—two pillars of modern Mixed Martial Arts. Although Citadel does not currently offer striking classes, it is a mecca in Iowa for MMA fighters looking to sharpen their grappling skills. If your goal is to improve your ground game or transition from wrestling to MMA, Citadel BJJ is where you want to be.
BJJ and Grappling Focus
At Citadel BJJ, you will find multiple daily BJJ classes led by seasoned competitors and instructors. One of the Co-Owners & coaches in the gym is Matt Leighton, a BJJ black belt and No-Gi brown belt world champion. Leighton has coached & cornered MMA fighters, helping them secure victories with superior grappling and submissions. His experience with MMA fighters makes him an invaluable resource for those looking to improve their ground control, submissions, and overall grappling strategy for MMA fights.
Wrestling with BJJ Integration
While Iowa is famed for its wrestling heritage, Citadel BJJ adds an interesting twist by integrating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques into their wrestling curriculum. The Saturday morning 10 a.m. wrestling class at Citadel BJJ, run by James Kelly, is one of the best examples of this fusion. James Kelly is a BJJ black belt and co-founder of the Eastern Iowa Wrestling Club, and his class emphasizes blending wrestling and BJJ. Kelly’s MMA background is extensive, having trained with some of the best MMA fighters in the world, such as Ryan Hall and Brandon Vera.
The wrestling classes at Citadel are designed to teach BJJ athletes how to wrestle and teach wrestlers how to grapple & takedowns with submissions in play. Citadel BJJ has had multiple Iowa wrestlers as guest coaches for this class before with the names of Olympic Silver Medalist & 3x NCAA Champion, Spencer Lee and Nelson Brands.
No-Gi Classes for MMA Grappling
For those specifically looking to train in MMA grappling, Citadel BJJ offers No-Gi classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. No-Gi grappling is a critical aspect of MMA, as it most closely mirrors the type of grappling you would experience in a fight. In these classes, you will focus on submissions, transitions, and positional dominance, which are essential for success in MMA.
What sets Citadel apart is the realistic training atmosphere. Many of the guys who are preparing for upcoming fights will train in MMA gloves, simulating actual fight conditions. This makes Citadel BJJ the only choice if you want to develop a grappling base or fine-tune your ground game for MMA competition.
Why Choose Citadel BJJ for MMA Training?
If your primary interest is grappling, wrestling, or BJJ, Citadel BJJ Iowa City is the top choice for MMA training in the area. Their instructors’ experience working with successful MMA fighters gives you access to coaching that is both high-level and relevant for fight preparation. Moreover, the gym’s close-knit atmosphere allows for personalized coaching and a tailored approach to each fighters needs.
Top Features of Citadel BJJ:
Multiple BJJ Classes Per Day: Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, Citadel offers classes at various skill levels throughout the day, providing opportunities to train as much as you want.
Expert Coaching Staff: Instructors like Matt Leighton and James Kelly are not only accomplished in their respective fields but also have extensive experience training MMA fighters.
Integrated Wrestling and BJJ Classes: The combination of wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu makes Citadel the perfect gym for grapplers looking to excel in MMA.
No-Gi Training for MMA: With several No-Gi classes weekly, the gym provides plenty of opportunities to train in an environment similar to MMA grappling.
MMA Fight Preparation: Citadel’s focus on grappling has proven successful in real-world fights, as many local fighters utilize the gym to prepare for their MMA competitions.
Interested in starting your MMA training at Citadel BJJ Iowa City?
FAQs
No, Citadel BJJ does not currently offer striking classes. However, many MMA fighters who train at Citadel supplement their grappling with striking at other nearby gyms.
Yes, many local fighters train at Citadel BJJ in preparation for their MMA fights, and the gym’s instructors have a long history of cornering fighters in professional and amateur competitions.
Citadel BJJ Testimonials
Author Box:
I’m Logan, a brown belt and fundamentals coach at Citadel BJJ in Iowa City. As an assistant kids coach with competition experience across the USA, I’ve been grappling since 2017. I focus on building a strong foundation for beginners and fostering a supportive environment for all students.
Read more Citadel BJJ Blogs: https://bjjiniowacity.com/iowa-city-blog/