Sharkbait’s MMA & Jiu Jitsu Academy

Sharkbait’s MMA & Jiu Jitsu Academy was founded by Anthony “Sharkbait” Gutierrez, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and seasoned MMA competitor with over 15 years and 36 professional fights under his belt. Located in Kansas City, MO, the academy grew from Gutierrez’s experience in both sport and self-defense, aiming to offer a training environment that balances practical skills with competitive grappling. Alongside Gutierrez, coaches like Anthony Bell—a first-degree black belt under Renato Tavares—and Landon Heriford, a purple belt with a background in wrestling and judo, bring a diverse mix of technical expertise and real-world application to the program. Training at Sharkbait’s covers gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults, with classes designed to support both fitness and self-defense goals. The school emphasizes sustainable training methods and breaking down complex techniques into understandable steps, a reflection of Bell’s coaching style. Open mat sessions are available for students to drill or spar beyond scheduled classes, fostering continuous development. For younger practitioners, the academy offers classes tailored to ages 4 through 13, focusing on discipline and confidence building alongside technical growth. The facility itself is wheelchair accessible and hosts both morning and evening classes, accommodating a range of schedules. While the core curriculum centers on BJJ and MMA, kickboxing is also offered to complement grappling skills with striking. Sharkbait’s MMA & Jiu Jitsu Academy maintains a focus on creating resilient martial artists through consistent training and a supportive atmosphere grounded in real competition and self-defense experience.

Amenities