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Go beyond at Iowa City's most competitive combat sports gym
Proud host of the University of Iowa Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Sports Club. Go Hawks!
Japan
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
There’s a reason people say, "All fights end up on the ground!" Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), which evolved from Japanese jiu-jitsu, is renowned for being a martial art where technique and strategy allow individuals of all sizes to succeed. Regardless of strength or size, everyone has vulnerabilities—whether it’s a neck that can be choked or joints that can be controlled or locked out. The goal in BJJ is to bring your opponent to the ground, establish control, and achieve a submission.
At our school, we specialize in no-gi jiu-jitsu, which means you don’t need to invest in expensive gear—just a mouthguard is enough to get started. Additionally, we integrate American wrestling and Japanese judo into our training, focusing on essential skills like takedowns, throws, and positioning. We believe that getting your opponent to the ground is just as important as knowing what to do once you're there.
Coach Danny emphasizes real-world self-defense techniques, going beyond sport-specific rules. A few classes may include training in basic striking, wall wrestling, handling armed opponents, and strategies for dealing with multiple attackers. Our goal is to prepare students for any situation, ensuring they feel confident and equipped both in and outside the dojo.
Brazil
Meet Coach Danny!
Qualifications:
Over 15 years of experience in both gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu competition
Two-time Midwest BJJ Champion
Has trained and mentored several fighters through IBJJF Nationals
Trained across the country with top-tier professionals, including MMA legend Yves Edwards, Olympian Nefeli Papadakis, and world-renowned BJJ champions like Eddie Bravo and Robert Drysdale
Integrates a wide range of martial arts and combat sports, such as judo, sambo, striking, and wrestling, to ensure well-rounded grappling
Has been actively involved in boxing and kickboxing since childhood
Attentive, down-to-earth, 10th Planet-style coaching
The focus has always been on creating a welcoming, tight-knit community. Coach Danny is known for being the loudest in the room—bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a big smile to every class. He goes the extra mile to ensure each student fully understands every technique, not just the “how,” but the “why” behind it. After group demonstrations, he takes the time to evaluate each partner pair, offering personalized guidance to ensure everyone grasps and can perform the technique.
Danny is also recognized for customizing lesson plans to fit individual student needs, going out of his way to assist those who need help with transportation, and raising funds for local charities like Shelter House and IC Compassion.
Beyond class, Danny is dedicated to improving the gym environment by studying the neuroscience of learning, organizing local and affordable tournaments, and engaging with the community through social media to keep everyone connected and informed.
Read more about Coach Danny here!
‘Legacy is all we’re going to leave behind,’ colleague says
Located in the Sycamore Mall, next to Marcus Theaters
(exterior entrance only)
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