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 […]
2024 IBJJF No-Gi Pan American Results | Citadel BJJ Martial Arts

By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 10/28/24Last weekend, we took an incredible team of competitors to the IBJJF No-Gi Pan American Championship in Texas! 🥋💥 Our athletes showed up, fought hard, and walked away with some well-deserved wins and submissions. They put in countless hours of intense training and left it all […]
Citadel BJJ Iowa City: Martial Arts Training, Welcoming Atmosphere, and 5-Star Reviews

By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 10/28/24IntroductionWhen it comes to martial arts training, finding a gym that excels in skill development, community engagement, and expert instruction is important to everyone looking for a gym train at. In Iowa City, Citadel BJJ has been setting the gold standard since 2019. With experienced coaches, […]
What’s the Best Martial Art to Train in Iowa City?

By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 10/18/24If 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 […]
What is the IBJJF?

By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 10/8/24The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is widely regarded as the top organization for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) tournaments worldwide. For both Gi (traditional kimono) and No-Gi (submission grappling without the kimono) competitions, the IBJJF sets the gold standard for professionalism, organization, and the highest level of […]
How BJJ Helped One Citadel Student Lose 80 Pounds and Heal His Gut

By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 9/23/24Chase Tepfer’s journey with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) began a year and a half ago at Citadel BJJ in Iowa City. What started as a pursuit to lose weight and learn a martial art has turned into a life-altering transformation that improved his health. Chase has not […]
Why is BJJ the Best Martial Art for Kids?

By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 8/16/241. Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that emphasizes leverage, technique, and submission holds to control and overcome opponents. Originating from Japan and refined in Brazil, it has become a global phenomenon due to its effectiveness in real-life situations and its emphasis […]
Success Stories: Iowa City BJJ Practitioners

By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 8/8/24IntroductionAs a BJJ brown belt, coach, and competitor, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In Iowa City, our academy stands out for its excellence & with over 265 Five star reviews on Google: Citadel BJJ.The stories shared by its practitioners highlight the incredible […]
Do I Need to Get in Shape Before Starting BJJ?

By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 7/23/24IntroductionStarting any new fitness journey can be daunting, especially with martial arts like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). A common question among beginners is, “Do I need to get in shape before starting BJJ?” The simple answer is no. BJJ is an excellent way to get into […]
How to Progress in BJJ

By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 7/17/24IntroductionBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art that requires dedication, consistency, and strategic training to master over years. As a fundamentals coach and assistant kids coach at Citadel BJJ, and a brown belt in BJJ, I have seen firsthand how certain practices can significantly accelerate […]