Indiana Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy — Local services in Greenwood

Not enough space to list the pros but here are all the cons Sign a 1 year contract that will automatically withdraw money from your bank account . Classes are based more on schedule availability instead of experience and skill set. Ideally it would be best if there were classes for just blue and white belts and classes separate for purple belts and above that way it can better address the district needs and skill set of each student. No lockers in the locker room for the price you pay you would expect more. Do not expect to have training that is tailor made to your individual skill set and experience. I have a background in wrestling and would benefit more grappling moves like arm triangles, anacondas and how to adjust to grappling with a GI when you are use to grappling with out relying on opponents wardrobe. Even in the wrestling that they teach it does not focus on the specific difference in technique you need to adjust to someone based Gi, regular clothes or grappling to someone who is not wearing a shirt. Possibly if you pay for private classes you might get training that is tailor made towards your experience, ability and strengths. During one of the wrestling classes I attended a guy almost hit me with an awesome flying armbar but he ended up ripping my shirt sleeve and landing on the back of his head. Then I was lectured by the instructor about making sure I wear 100% cotton shirt. It is ridicules to think in a street fight you can control every time the wardrobe of your opponent. Do not expect the BJJ coaches to intervene if they see someone holding on to a submission hold too long despite if an individual is tapping out to a submission. This is particularly awful if like myself you have a pre existing injuries. I actually had to take 2 days off of work once due to how sore and bruised I was. If learning martial arts is not your livelihood then this should not happen. I had one occasion in which as a white belt a was grappling with James the owner (this was just part of training not like I challenged him or anything) I made the mistake of grabbing his ankle in an awkward angle. This was unintentional and not done with malice and rather than explaining to me that this move is not allowed and possibly giving an opportunity to apologize he reacted in a unprofessional manner. He immediately locked in a arm bar and held it for a prolong period of time despite the fact that I tapped. You would think a black belt would have the discipline to control his control temperament and recognize a teachable moment and not be vindictive towards a student. It is ridicules that multiple people mentioned that there are no egos there. I can honestly say they have some phenomenal individuals there that are invested and passionate about nurturing a passion for wrestling , kick boxing, and BJJ. I can also tell you that there is one brown belt there that is a real jerk. He rips people off with his individual classes. I have also seen some purple belts and blue belts that get a joy out of disrespecting and hurting white belts. That is everywhere you go you are destined to run into some twisted individuals that feel they can enhance their self worth by demeaning someone else. Luckily only there are not that many of those jerks there and the amount of passionate individuals that are not only good athletes but good ambassadors for the various programs they offer exceeds the amount of jerks there are there. They only have wrestling offered during Fridays in the evening .They only have wrestling offered during Fridays in the evening .I counted this as a pro and a con because there are other facilities at the same price or cheaper that offer No Gi/ submission wrestling more often with a more...

Great group of people and the facility is quite amazing. Tons of mat space, locker rooms, showers, etc. If you live in the area, I would highly recommend you give them a try. If you’re traveling and need a place to train, this is a perfect spot to land. Clean, safe, and friendly place.

Finding a BJJ gym while traveling can always be an ordeal. Indiana BJJ Academy is one of those places that make this easy. If you go to the website, you will see a link labeled “Welcome Visitors”. Drop ins can train without the typical drop in fee when visiting from out of town, which is becoming more and more rare nowadays.

The head coach, Coach Clingerman runs a great academy. While he is obviously extremely knowledgeable in BJJ, he is extremely personable and fun to train with. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the students he has there are very welcoming of a drop in (me in this case). Thanks to my training partners today for being open to train with a visitor, and to Candace who did a lot of the behind the scenes work to allow me to visit.

Thanks again to everyone for the hospitality and a great training session.

I gave Coach Clingerman a review previously, but it did not transfer from his older location (Endurance BJJ). It was two years ago, but I will attach it so you can see this is their normal.

from June 2022 This academy is a 100% class act. Here was my experience.

I traveled to Indianapolis to visit family for the week. Like many others, I don’t like to have a zero activity week, even while on vacation. I also find that if I have no BJJ days, my first day back (after just a week) is absolutely miserably painful.

I looked for BJJ locations near my family’s home, and found Endurance BJJ just 10 or so minutes away. When I looked them up online, I saw something that I haven’t seen before...a section addressing visitors labeled “Welcome Visitors”.

I contacted Endurance BJJ and received an immediate response from Candace. She was able to get me setup and answered several questions. There was no mat fee, and they were fine with me wearing my Gi from my home academy. She told me that Coach Clingerman would be expecting me.

I arrived at the date and time I found convenient for the hectic family schedule we had (I only had time for one training date). Coach Clingerman knew I was coming and remembered where I was from. He showed me around the gym and a few rules they all followed.

Once changed, I headed to the mat and started to meet some of Coach Clingerman’s students. To say that Coach Clingerman and his students were gracious hosts is an understatement. I had a great time and got to drill and roll with some amazing people. Coach Clingerman is a fantastic instructor, and his academy would be my choice if I lived in the area.

I would highly recommend Endurance BJJ for your home academy if you’re local. If you’re traveling and need a spot to get in a good BJJ session, you should call and stop by.

Thank you for the hospitality and...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Life-Changing Community of Heart and Purpose

To James Clingerman and the entire IBJJA family: Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being more than a gym you’ve been a lifeline. When I first walked through your doors in November 2023, I weighed 283.7 lbs and carried burdens far beyond the physical. Today, I’m at 235 lbs and dropping, but the true transformation runs deeper. This gym reignited my hope, discipline, and belief in myself.

Your generous 30-day trial isn’t just a gift it’s an act of faith in people. Though I didn’t train as much as I’d hoped early on, I immediately felt welcomed like family. Ryan and the IBJJA manager, radiates kindness and authenticity, whether they guiding kids (who adore them both!) or cheering on adults. Coach Lionel’s judo expertise is unmatched, but it’s his patience that makes him extraordinary. Korey, who taught me to jab with grace, embodies the gym’s spirit: skilled yet humble, challenging yet encouraging.

This place isn’t just about Jiu Jitsu it’s about rebuilding lives. Alongside my sobriety journey, the discipline and camaraderie here have saved me from self-destruction. God led me to IBJJA, and through James’ leadership, I’ve found strength I didn’t know I had. I no longer train here but I will always be grateful for the lessons learned!

To anyone reading: Don’t take my word for it. Walk through these doors. Whether you’re seeking fitness, community, or a fresh start, IBJJA meets you where you are. James, Ryan, Lionel, Korey—you’ve given me more than a gym. You’ve given me a family. Forever grateful. 🙏

Start your journey here. Your future self...