Olive Branch Jiu Jitsu

Olive Branch Jiu Jitsu is led by Mr. Joe Lestina, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Professor John Gutta of Tipping Point BJJ and a Judo black belt (Shodan). Mr. Joe, who began grappling as a high school wrestler and formally training in Jiu-Jitsu in 2007, founded the academy in 2014 to serve the Southeast Iowa Tri-State area. His background includes over 20 years of military, law enforcement, and defensive tactics experience, which informs the academy’s curriculum that blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, and self-defense. The school also approaches training through a Christ-centered philosophy, aiming to teach life skills alongside martial arts. Training at Olive Branch covers a range of ages and disciplines. The Ninja/Kids BJJ program incorporates anti-bullying lessons and street-smart self-defense, with classes divided by age groups such as 6 to 8 and 9 to 13 years old. Adult classes include both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and specialized women’s classes that focus on confidence and practical self-defense techniques. The academy offers open mat sessions for additional practice, and the schedule accommodates morning and evening training throughout the week, including Saturdays. The coaching staff extends beyond Mr. Joe with instructors like Mr. Berl Wilcox, a brown belt in both BJJ and Judo with four decades of martial arts experience, and Mr. Cole Lee, the head kids coach who emphasizes character development on and off the mats. No-gi instruction is led by brown belts Mr. Jarod Kirby and Mr. Ben Grooms, both of whom bring diverse grappling backgrounds and competition experience. Mr. Nicholas Carle, a blue belt and decorated competitor, also contributes as a coach for adults, kids, and judo classes, reflecting the academy’s focus on developing athletes across skill levels and disciplines. The gym is wheelchair accessible and welcomes drop-ins without requiring long-term contracts.

Amenities