Best Judo Club Independence Near Me

Melissa Graham: I took my kids here for years, and I also received my blackbelt. It was a wonderful experience. He is great with kids. He is a positive role model for today's youth.

Patriot Doc: Mark Long is an incredible martial artist!!! This is a great place for kids and adults alike. They teach aikido, karate, judo, jujitsu, and more!

Wayne Geiger: Sensei Long is an amazing instructor. Not only is he a master at the art, he is a true teacher and wants the best for his students. My grandson is extremely introverted. Under Sensei Long he has learned confidence, self-esteem, respect, and how to stand up for himself. I saw this happen almost immediately. Sensei Long knows kids. He places a great amount of emphasis on teamwork and he is not afraid to lovingly discipline always with the goal of restoration. Sensei Long has worked with kids from various walks of life and all over the spectrum. He is not only training kids in Karate, he is training them in life. They learn how to listen, show respect, behave properly, and believe in themselves. I could not speak more highly of this program!

Miguel Caraballo: I've been training and teaching at Long's shotokan academy since 2006, and it's been a joy watching our students become confident, goal oriented young men and women through the programs that we offer at the dojo.

Brian Kaeding: I've trained here since late 1997. The discipline and drive instilled in me was life changing and has set me apart from the herd. We are regularly directed to not be average and achieve more than what we think we are capable of. My children train and I'm happy to say they aren't average and they are set apart from their peers. As one of the schools instructors I find it very rewarding to pass on what I have learned to my children and the other students.

Jackie Schmidt: This is a great place to go and learn martial arts for all ages and experience levels! I have spent 14 years here from a beginner to national competitor and believe there is truly something for everyone here.

Scott Kaeding: A fantastic Karate School for adults and children alike. Sensei Long is a amazing person who cares for his customers and gets the best out of them

clayton kaeding: Great people and atmosphere.

KC Flight: Took the grandsons there for introduction to Karate. Mark Long runs a first class operation with a true heart for youth!

The Love Kitchen: Mark Long runs a well put together martial arts program that teaches not only discipline and physical fitness but multiple aspects of the fighting arts to make a well rounded fighter.

Kaila McLean: Exellent environment for new students of any age and skill level

Michael Brown: Great place to learn/train multiple forms of martial arts by very educational instructors.

Ashli Watreas: Mark Long is not only a positive and encouraging sensei, he strives to teach each individual about real life experiences as well. Long’s Shotokan Karate is a top notch facility.

Roxanne Newell: If you want to become strong and learn how to protect yourself, I would recommend Long's Academy. They teach Lil' Dragons, Aikido, Judo, Jujitsu, Kick Boxing, in addition to Kata and Karate. The teachers in all these disciplines are amazing. Do you want to become a Black Belt? Try Long's Shotokan Karate Academy.

Ronald Howe: When it comes to a family oriented dojo, Longs Shotokan is the place to be. Mark is an awesome instructor and is great with kids. He has expertise in many facets of martial arts and has devoted many years to the development of students of all ages and interests. I've referred many friends over the years and have been impressed with their progress under Mark's tutelage.

1911wood: It’s my strongly held belief a man ought to have the ability to protect himself and his family. Not only that, it’s a man’s responsibility to teach their sons to embrace this concept and to teach them the skills they need to handle themselves. I found myself where my sons interests, didn’t necessarily intersect with mine. Luckily we came to know Mark Long and his excellent Black Belts such as Gerald Barnes. They had the words to inspire my sons to embrace the concepts I admire. Many of the admirable qualities I enjoy in my sons I credit to Longs Shotokan.I have eight grandchildren I hope they all spend quality time with Mark and his people.I give Long’s Shotokan five stars because that the most I’m allowed to give.

Dennis Bradley: Great place to learn martial arts

Rhonda Gillespie: Sensei Mark Long has been a fantastic mentor to my son, and family. His program is designed for all ages, he makes everyone feel included and welcome He teaches life lessons, as well as the karate skills his dojo offers. I dont trust many people with our son, but I trust Sensei Mark to the fullest. Thanks for all you have done, and continue to do.

David McGonigle: Long's Shotokan Karate is a well structured program. Shotokan combines multiple aspects and styles of fighting. Here the different styles are broken up into multiple classes rather than everything combined. This allows students to have options on the styles they prefer, to take them all to earn their black belt in Shotokan, or to take the style they prefer best. The sensei's are all adults and are each individually specialized in their style. They have a team you can join to travel to tournaments and they continually bring home multiple trophies. I would recommend bringing your child here or joining yourself. They have students of all ages and even have a class for the younger kids.

Jennifer Kaiser: My family has been going to Long’s Shotokan Academy since January 2023. It has been life changing. Sensei Long has helped my kids show respect towards their peers and adults in their life. He has also helped us learn self defense. All of his classes are a workout while learning different skills. We love going to the dojo every class!!

Legina Smith: It was pleasant

David Hummel: Blue Springs Jiu Jitsu is a great place to begin learning about martial arts. They have classes for Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and a Filipino stick fighting art called Kali. Jiu Jitsu is the most popular of the 3, and has the most mat time scheduled. There are 5 black belts, a handful of brown/purple belts, and a whole bunch of scrappy blue belts.If you are new to the belt system, the belts indicate level of knowledge. The colored belts can all answer your questions to help you learn the basics. Wayne is the owner and an excellent person to learn from. He keeps the classes friendly and fun while bringing a perspective that is the culmination of training in a range of martial arts.Come in and give it a try. It's a great way to exercise while learning a life skill.Update: February 2022The last 3 years of training have been awesome. Brandon, Chris, Wayne, and Steve have taught me a ton. I love being part of this community.

l l: Great place. Love the vibe and teachers.

Serena Daugherty: I have a7 year old taking classes and he loves it. The coaches are great with the kids and make it fun for them.

Nikki Rachelle: My son has been training for a few years and we recently moved to Missouri. I had originally signed him up for a "big name" gym in the area. I was expecting great training, but it was far from what we had expected. I reached out to Blue Springs Jiu-Jitsu and Wayne was so welcoming. We have only been here a few short months but he is amazing with the kids and gives very detailed instructions. He doesn't just let them play dodge ball, like other gyms.. My son really likes the other kids there and the other black belt coaches too. I highly recommend Blue Springs Jiu-Jitsu!

Adam Jablonowski: Nathan was a good instructor. Super chill and helpful on the xguard moves we covered during my drop in.

Shawn: The kids instructors do a great job. Great value for your $.

Chelsea Taylor: Great place. I'm so proud to watch my son progress. The entire team of teachers is so encouraging and supportive. My kids absolutely loves it here, and plans on staying for many years

Rebecca Nelson: "Blue Springs Jiujitsu is the best! My son enjoys the instructors and has learned so much over the past year and a half. The parents and students are respectful and helpful to one another. Mr. Wayne is easy to talk to and fosters an environment conducive to learning. I highly recommend this gym!*

J Ball: Daughter started taking lessons here about 9 months ago. Little bit of a drive for us but so worth it. Has really boosted my daughters confidence as she is on the small size for her age. The owner Wayne Marble is outstanding and the other adults step in to help the kids when he is unable to be there. Love to see her developing skills that will help her for a lifetime.

michael davis: Great group of dedicated and talented individuals.

Jaron Cole: Awesome place to train. Everybody is welcoming and helpful no matter who you are or how much you know!

Jason Dosier: A great place to begin your Jiu-Jitsu journey. The instructors are fantastic. Everyone is friendly and fun to train with.

David Manglos: Decided to take the opportunity to learn as an old retired guy - thought I was in decent shape for my age...nope! Wayne and his team have been nothing but encouraging and patient - but challenging as well. Brandon teaches the beginner course and is awesome! The advanced belts are all more than willing to work the techniques with you to ensure you get it right. Everyone is sincerely welcome and accepted as part of the family. I should have done this years ago, but quite certain the learning experience would not have been the same elsewhere. If you are considering coming, come with a humble attitude, and I guarantee you will want to continue with us!

Keith Hoppe: The staff is very committed to making everyone feel welcomed, comfortable and safe. The facility has plenty of room to train. There are classes everyday. The price is fair as well. This is a family you don't wanna miss out on!

Kevin Farina: Awesome!

Toby Heath: My son has been coming here for about 3 years, I myself started about 6 months ago. I also have 2 other children that train here. Great coaches, good atmosphere. Not only has training here helped my children with self confidence, but it has also helped my find the desire to get healthy again. I have found lots of new friends as well as family at Blue Springs Jiu Jitsu. I will totally recommend this facility.

john espinosa: Amazing school and instructors with years and years of experience. Multiple classes that can fit any schedule , kid classes to adults no skill to advanced. No matter what you'll end up a family here

Bigger Yellow: Blue Springs Jiu-Jitsu is an educational institution for the mind, body, and spirit that holds the highest standards of excellence. During my time there I found Sensei Wayne Marble to be a knowledgeable, experienced, challenging, yet compassionate and understanding instructor who was attuned the unique challenges faced by each individual student - as well as how to overcome those challenges. I overcame many of my own deficiencies as a martial artist at BSJJ through the focused, goal-oriented education presented to me by Sensei, by his fellow instructors, and by my peers who shared many experiences with me there and taught me so much by what they had also learned. I truly had a wonderful experience at Blue Springs Jiu-Jitsu and would strongly recommend enrolling your children or yourself there if you wish to see a positive change in your life. P.S. Sensei is AWESOME with kids!-Thomas J. Willbanks, D. M. A.

Dennis Kleyh: Great experience, excellent atmosphere, awesome people!

Ellen Montgomery: My son is in the younger kids for Jiu-Jitsu… and I couldn’t be happier!!! Everyone is GREAT! My son is 5 and everyone has such patience to catch him up to speed! Carlos is amazing! My sons brags about his teacher all the time! He looks forward to it being Wednesday every single day! This place is so personable and very organized. You will not regret your decision on coming here! Amazing!!!

Zac Clark: I started training in September of 22. It's been about 7 months and the amount of balance and happiness I've derived from attending classes on a consistent basis was quite surprising. Feels like I've actually found a purpose in life. All the coaches are kind and intuitive and every student I've met has been a delight. I'm not gonna stop coming anytime soon and I strongly recommend GHKC for your combat sport ambitions. If you know you have grit and a non-quit mindset and you enjoy pushing yourself to new levels then this is the place for you.

Caleb Garbuio: I was visiting KC and the students and teachers went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and included. The training is excellent and helped me prepare for a tournament that weekend. Could not recommend more!

Rob Lowe: 1 Million Stars!! 2 Kids in the Kids Program, My Daughter Started about a month ago and loves it. My son has been coming for about 9 Months and just received his first stripe!!! This has become much more than a "sport" or "activity" for them to get into, it truly is a real family! I feel like I owe all the coaches, especially Coach Anthony and definitely Coach Carlos, the biggest Thank You possible for not only giving my kids confidence and skills for life but also life lessons that will last forever!!

Ryan Adams: Dropped in while visiting from out of town. Very friendly crew and great instruction. I definitely learned a thing or two and felt very welcome

Kord Guess: I’ve attended many different schools throughout the country for drop in classes and intro classes, and this one is the best i’ve been to. it’s chill, welcoming, and when i was going through financial problems i was always told “don’t worry just come to class”. they genuinely believe and teach that as long as you come to class not only will you get better you’ll improve your life outside the gym, and you’ll bring that back to the gym. Can’t wait to move back and get the kids back in. They don’t want your money, they need it to keep the business running, but they really want you to be a functioning member of the family.

Mark Crawford: They genuinely treat everyone like family. Large classes and the instructor still knows every child's name. Very accepting and will work with the kids and give a positive tough love feel which kids need. Can't say enough positive things about this school.

Cody Bratton: I’ve been training at GHKC for over a year now and love it. It has the best community where new white belts are supported and the instruction from black belts is outstanding, as is the teaching from brown, purple, and blue belts as well.I’ve made great friends and learned to love the journey. There’s lots of availability for classes in gi and no gi, and opportunities to roll after every session. The ownership is constantly renovating to improve the facility.GHKC is also very balanced between self-defense and competition philosophies. Everyone is welcome. Sign up for the onboarding if you’re new for a great intro to Jiu Jitsu.It’s the best stress management I’ve found, and well worth the investment.

Nate: We are in the program designed around younger kids and kids new to Jiu-Jitsu and we couldn’t be happier. They allow you to come in and experience some classes before you commit to ensure it’s the right place for your child. My son was so scared the first lesson and Sunny(one of the instructors) engaged him and got him on the mat and the next thing you know he’s all in. Carlos does a great job teaching the kids, he also is great with the newer students . It feels more like a community versus just a class. Very much like a community. I would recommend them to anyone and frankly I trust them with my children so that shows how good they really are.

Ryan Trinder: I travel to KC about twice a year, and when visiting I always catch a class at Gracie Humaita. Every class I attend, I am amazed at the teaching, the students, and the skill they all have. The white belts are learning techniques I've never covered at the bjj gym I attend in NYC.Excellent people here, willing to work with you on developing and improving your bjj skills. Go!

Mission Mike (Michael Kilmartin): So my wife and I travel a bunch for mission work, and I love to train as we go. That being said, I’ve probably visited over 200+ mma and bjj academies, and I had to stop and take a moment to shout out this academy! Gracie Humaita Kansas City is on another leve!! Professor Graeber is UNBELIEVABLE!! He is an INCREDIBLE instructor, and his passion for teaching is amazing! His students are super talented, and his level of detail on techniques makes it so easy to learn. And from the moment I walked in, he treated me like family. I cannot recommend this academy enough, and I cannot recommend visiting this place enough! Check them out for yourself! Whether brand new, or a veteran to the game, you WILL LEARN something new, while feeling right at home! :)

Brandon Jenkins: Great place to train whether you're looking for a home gym or you're traveling. 3 black belt instructors. Traditional yet up to date with the modern sport.

Vargas Lisa: Gracie Humaita has the most family atmosphere. Everyone is greeted with love when they enter and is instantly treated like family. Kids class is top notch. Carlos is disciplined for sure, but loves every kid individually and they love and respect him back. ❤ Highly recommend.

Jeremy Clark: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueGreat atmosphere, great instruction.

Brew 167: Positive:QualityEveryone I’ve encountered has been respectful and friendly. The instructors are thorough and knowledgeable at every training session. A wonderful community.

Anthony Caracci: Best in KC! Two children in the kids program and couldn’t be happier with our experience.

Aaron Drew: I had the pleasure of dropping in for a class while travelling to KC for work. Everyone was super welcoming. Carlos ran a great class with fun warmups, good drilling and solid techniques. I only had time to stick around for a couple of rolls, but the atmosphere was friendly and the top pressure was heavy (just how it should be!) Thanks guys and I can't wait to stop by next time I'm in town.

lizzy Carpenter: This is the best place in Kansas City for Jiu-Jitsu.

Jayne Zamora: Instructor really cares & you're treated like family.

Colton Crawford: I stopped by the gym over two years ago and just stopped in again today. Mike remembered me by name, and welcomed me back with open arms. Awesome laid-back atmosphere, very visitor-friendly. I can't wait until my next stop in KC!