By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 10/18/24
If you’re in Iowa City and considering learning a martial art, you’re in the right place! Iowa City offers a variety of martial arts styles, each with a different twist. Iowa City martial arts gyms range from four popular martial arts — Taekwondo, Karate, Boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) — BJJ is by far the most popular martial art in the Iowa City & Johnson County area.
Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the Best Martial Art to Train in Iowa City
If you’re living in Iowa City & the surrounding areas, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the best martial art to train. Iowa is historically known for its wrestling culture from youth to college, especially in Iowa City, which is home to “Wrestle Town USA”. The University of Iowa Hawkeye wrestling team has set the standard for world-class grappling talent, making Iowa City a popular hub for wrestling.
Because of this, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with its heavy emphasis on ground techniques & submissions, fits perfectly into Iowa’s grappling-centric martial arts culture. BJJ provides a technical advantage in grappling situations, often complementing the skills developed in wrestling. For residents of Iowa City, the transition to BJJ feels natural, given the area’s storied wrestling history.
What's the Best Martial Arts Gym in Iowa City?
When it comes to training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Citadel BJJ Iowa City stands out as the top martial arts gym in the area. With over 270 five-star reviews on Google, Citadel BJJ is well-known for its world-class instruction and welcoming community. The gym offers flexible training schedules with morning, day, and night classes, catering to all ages and skill levels.
Citadel BJJ also features two specialized kids’ programs that are growing each year. The 4-6 year-old program runs every Tuesday and Thursday, while the 7-13 year-old program takes place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. These programs provide young students with a fun and structured way to learn valuable skills in a safe environment.
The gym’s owners, Matt Leighton and James Kelly, bring a wealth of experience to the table. Matt Leighton is a BJJ black belt and Brown Belt No-Gi World Champion, with multiple IBJJF gold medals. James Kelly, also a BJJ black belt, is the Founder of the Eastern Iowa Wrestling Club and has over 20 years of coaching experience. Together, they provide the highest level of instruction to help their students grow in both skill and confidence.
Whether you’re new to martial arts or looking to improve upon your BJJ games, Citadel BJJ Iowa City provides the ideal training environment for all. Their commitment to student success, community-building, and top-notch training makes them the best martial arts gym in the Iowa City area.
Conclusion
When considering joining a martial arts gym in Iowa City, you’ll find options like Taekwondo, Karate, Boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. However, given the local wrestling culture and the high-quality training offered at Citadel BJJ Iowa City, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emerges as the only choice. The gym’s highly experienced instructors, comprehensive class schedule, and excellent reputation make it the best place to train for adults and kids alike.
For those in Iowa City looking to train in martial arts, Citadel BJJ offers a grappling experience that aligns perfectly with the city’s proud wrestling traditions. Whether you’re seeking fitness, self-defense, or a new challenge, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Citadel BJJ is the best way to go!
Interested in Martial Arts training at Citadel BJJ Iowa City?
FAQs
BJJ focuses on submissions(Joint locks & choke holds) and controlling opponents on the ground, while wrestling emphasizes takedowns, positional dominance, and staying off your back.
Citadel BJJ offers classes for children as young as 4 years old. Kids can try up to 2 FREE Classes.
Every Tuesday & Thursday nights at 5PM.
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/
Citadel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Iowa City
Address: 2325 Naples Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52240
319-855-8110
Url: https://www.bjjiniowacity.com
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