Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense

Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense is led by Buster Maness, a Cincinnati native who earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2018 under Jeff Robison and holds a brown belt in Judo. His background began with wrestling at age four, and he began teaching BJJ in 2012 with a focus on sharing practical self-defense skills in the community where he grew up. The academy emphasizes the self-defense roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, integrating techniques for dealing with aggressors both standing and on the ground, including scenarios involving strikes. Classes at Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense cover a wide range of students, from children aged 6 to 11 to adults. Youth classes build physical attributes like balance and coordination while fostering discipline, confidence, and anti-bullying skills. Adult classes welcome men and women of all athletic levels, focusing on self-protection and fitness without requiring prior experience. Competition is an option but not a requirement, and the gym offers open mat sessions and private lessons to complement regular training. Training is primarily gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with a schedule that includes youth and adult classes several evenings a week, plus early-morning open mats known as the "Breakfast Club." The academy operates out of a wheelchair-accessible facility at 5334 Sidney Road inside Plank Pilates Yoga. Beyond BJJ, Maness also provides private and group self-defense instruction tailored to real-world situations, reflecting the founder’s commitment to practical martial arts skills for everyday safety.

Amenities