The Best Gyms in Iowa City | 2025
IntroductionUpdated(2/27/25)Iowa City has an extremely diverse fitness community. It’s vibrant and caters to various interests and fitness activities. Whether your interest is in martial arts, traditional gym workouts like weight lifting, or the zen practice of yoga, there’s a place for you. My name is Logan, the fundamentals coach and assistant kids coach at Citadel […]
No-Gi vs. Gi BJJ: Which Style Is Better for Beginners in Iowa City?
By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 2/21/25Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is an exciting and effective martial art that helps develop self-defense skills, physical fitness, and mental discipline. However, if you’re new to BJJ, you might be wondering whether to start with Gi or No-Gi training. The good news? There’s no definitive “better” style—both […]
5 FAQs Before Starting BJJ in Iowa City
By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 1/31/251. What Should I Wear for My First Class?No need for fancy gear! For your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, just bring: A set of comfortable workout clothes (gym shorts and a t-shirt are perfect). Sandals or slides to wear off the mat (you’ll train barefoot on […]
The Top Rated BJJ & Martial Arts Gym in Iowa
By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 1/20/25Why Citadel BJJ Iowa City is the Best in Iowa1. A World-Class Training FacilityOur newly built gym in Iowa City is designed specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. With spacious mat areas, separate training zones, and top-tier amenities, we provide an environment that promotes learning, safety, and […]
2024 in Review for Citadel BJJ Iowa City
By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 1/15/25In 2024, Citadel BJJ Iowa City celebrated significant milestones, marking a year of growth, innovation, and community engagement.Celebrating Five Years in BusinessThe year began with the celebration of our fifth anniversary. Reflecting on our journey from a modest mat space to a thriving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) […]
How Martial Arts Like BJJ Build Goal-Setting Habits in Kids
By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 12/16/24Kids are often glued to screens, spending hours on smartphones and video games. This excessive screen time has left many children feeling isolated and detached, missing out on the joy of setting and achieving meaningful goals. Without guidance, they can seem lost in their childhood, drifting […]
Why Is BJJ So Popular?
By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 12/2/24Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity in the last few years. From its deep roots in martial arts from Brazil to its appeal as a safe, effective, and fun form of group fitness. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu gyms have been popping up across the […]
How to Clean a BJJ Gi & Buying a Jiu-Jitsu Gi
IntroductionBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a popular martial art that keeps growing in 2023. The martial art requires a specialized uniform called a Gi. The Gi is an important part of BJJ as it not only enables movement but also presents an identity and affiliation with one’s team. As some Gis can be expensive, choosing the […]
Where to Train MMA in Iowa City?
By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 9/9/24Mixed 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. […]
Best Self-Defense Classes for Women in Iowa City
By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 11/13/24Personal safety is a priority today, and more women are turning to self-defense classes & martial arts to gain the confidence & skills to protect themselves. Self-defense programs vary widely, from traditional martial arts disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to focused, single-session classes aimed at teaching […]