St. Joseph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts

St. Joseph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts is led by Head Coach Deryck Ripley, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Professor Ethan Day with extensive experience in wrestling, MMA competition, and coaching at high levels including American Top Team Altitude and Glory MMA & Fitness. Ripley’s background includes nearly 50 professional MMA bouts and coaching roles connected to the WEC, UFC, Bellator, and other major promotions. His competitive BJJ career includes participation in IBJJF Pan American and World Championships, as well as submission victories on international professional jiu jitsu stages. This breadth of experience shapes the academy’s approach to martial arts training in St Joseph, Missouri. The academy’s schedule reflects its mixed martial arts roots with a focus on both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, alongside wrestling and MMA training. Adult students can choose from gi classes, no-gi submission wrestling, and women-only gi sessions, while open mat times offer extra opportunities for live rolling and drilling beyond structured classes. The children’s program is divided into age groups starting at 5 years old, with gi classes tailored for 5-8 and 8-15 year olds, providing a clear progression path for young grapplers. St. Joseph BJJ & MMA operates from a wheelchair-accessible facility at 1305 Sherman Ave, supporting a diverse student body. Drop-ins are accepted, allowing visitors to train without long-term commitments. The combination of traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques with wrestling and MMA elements offers students a varied curriculum that addresses both the technical and physical demands of grappling and combat sports.

Amenities