Emerald City Knights Brazillian Jiu Jitsu

Emerald City Knights Brazilian Jiu Jitsu opened its doors in 2025 in south Kansas City, near Leawood, with Coach Neil Capra at the helm. Capra’s background is rooted deeply in wrestling, a sport he began at age seven under his father’s guidance. After overcoming personal challenges with sobriety and rediscovering his passion for grappling, he found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to be the complement to his wrestling experience. Now a brown belt under Professor Jason Bircher of Kansas City Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Capra brings nearly a decade of BJJ knowledge to the academy, focusing on using the art as a tool for physical fitness, discipline, and mental resilience. Training at Emerald City Knights centers primarily on gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for adults, with an emphasis on fundamentals and progression through the ranks under Capra’s guidance. The schedule currently offers evening classes during the week and a weekend session, with plans to expand as the student base grows. The academy operates within a space shared with Beautiful Body Tattoo and Piercing, providing a unique setting that is wheelchair accessible. Drop-ins are welcome, allowing visitors to experience the training firsthand. Beyond technique, Coach Capra’s teaching philosophy emphasizes BJJ’s role in mental health, particularly as a way to confront anxiety and depression. His own journey informs the academy’s mission to foster not just grappling skills but also personal growth and emotional strength. Emerald City Knights serves as a local platform where grapplers can develop a sense of purpose and resilience through consistent practice and community engagement in Kansas City’s martial arts scene.

Amenities