Ames, IA hosts two Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms known for their strong community presence and high member satisfaction. Alliance Ames Brazilian JiuJitsu and Myriad MMA Academy both hold perfect 5.0-star ratings, with 45 and 20 reviews respectively, reflecting their commitment to quality instruction. These gyms offer focused training environments within the local martial arts landscape.
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Ames, IA
Alliance Ames Brazilian JiuJitsu delivers ground grappling and self-defense instruction at 104 Kellogg Avenue in Ames, Iowa. The academy provides structured martial arts training for youth and adult students throughout the local Ames community. The school is led by head instructor Vladimir Williams, a third-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who received his ranking directly from Romero 'Jacare' Cavalcanti of Alliance. Williams brings twenty years of jiu-jitsu experience, including ten years holding the black belt rank, having competed internationally between 2005 and 2010. Youth instruction is supported by lead kids instructor Angel Silva. Adult programming is divided into fundamentals classes covering foundational self-defense positions, intermediate sessions focusing on clean technical execution, and advanced grappling workouts. Youth classes develop motor coordination, discipline, and anti-bullying awareness. Prospective practitioners can experience the academy through complimentary trial classes.
Ames, IA
Myriad MMA Academy provides martial arts education and combat sports training at 2100 East 13th Street in Ames, Iowa. Originally founded as Myriad Submission Fighting, the gym was rebuilt and reorganized after a 2024 flood into a training facility that combines submission grappling, collegiate wrestling, and striking. The academy is led by co-owner and head grappling coach Jake Bower, a professional lightweight mixed martial artist and active national grappling competitor at events including No-Gi Worlds and the Sub Spectrum Championships. Co-owner and head wrestling coach Kyven "Showtime" Gadson is a three-time All-American and the 2015 NCAA Division One National Champion at 197 pounds for Iowa State University, as well as a national team freestyle wrestler. Striking is headed by Dr. Haris Variz, who holds a doctorate in plant biology from Iowa State University and founded the combat gear company WristRides LLC. Curriculum options encompass no-gi submission grappling, cage wrestling, boxing fundamentals, and mixed martial arts sparring designed for recreational practitioners and active fighters.
