Palmyra's Premier GRACIE jiu-jitsu SELF DEFENSE academy
Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Missouri is the premier source for authentic Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) in the Palmyra area, offering the highest quality self-defense instruction for kids, teens, women, law enforcement professionals, and all ages of adults in a safe, clean, and family friendly environment. Our entire mission is self-defense with a focus on teaching realistic self-defense techniques in a highly structured, cooperative, and safe approach of organized lesson plans that make it easy for any person of any age or physical ability to improve themselves.
We believe self-defense is a fundamental right and moral imperative; self-defense is a necessary life skill no different than a child's academic education or knowing how to swim.
Every kids and adults self-defense class here at Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Missouri is taught by Royce Gracie's 173rd direct black belt in the world - a tri-states native and Palmyra resident and one of only a handful of direct Royce Gracie black belts in the entire Midwest.
Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu is a martial art of self-defense designed for the most common, realistic encounters that occur in a real-world bullying or street fight situation. Sport jiu-jitsu for recreational tournaments and grappling competitions that lacks striking, surprise stand up attacks, and the philosophy of self defense is a very different form of jiu-jitsu and not our focus or purpose.
We carry on the legacy of Grandmaster Helio Gracie and teach all five elements of Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense): Striking, Takedowns/Throwing, Stand-up Self-Defense to Surprise Attacks (including weapons), Grappling, and Philosophy.
For more information or to schedule your first FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS complete the online form!
Get Started WITH A FREE BEGINNERS TRIAL CLASS!
Kids/Teens Gracie Jiu-jitsu (Self Defense)
in Palmyra
Jiu-jitsu is the most comprehensive and effective system of self- defense for kids because it is based upon leverage and technique that gives the much smaller and weaker person - kids, the most realistic chance to avoid, survive, and escape a realistic encounter. It also allows them to possibly control their attacker without hurting them; an essential self-defense trait that protects our children in the inevitable aftermath of a self-defense altercation in today's society of 'zero tolerance' fighting policies, civil lawsuits, and politicization of criminal prosecutions.
We teach kids a step-by-step system of how to approach bullying from before, during, and after with a complete system and roadmap to eliminate bullying. In addition, kids learn specific verbal and physical techniques and strategies to confidently and effectively deal with bullying. Our program is a necessary life skill that goes way beyond any hobby or sport, and we are very straightforward, direct, and honest in our expertise and focus: we understand and teach self-defense. All while having TONS of fun in our safe & structured program. Take the first step today & learn more about our exciting Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) classes for kids in Palmyra!
Adults Gracie Jiu-jitsu (Self Defense)
in Palmyra
Adults can attend our class, train cooperatively at their own pace with a friendly, helpful training partner, and go home safe and work the next day. With a focus on realistic, practical self-defense techniques designed to enable a smaller, unathletic, weaker individual to survive the most common of realistic attacks - students learn to efficiently & effectively keep themselves safe & control their opponent without harming them - unless they choose to do so.
The aftermath of a self-defense encounter is often just as important as the technique itself, and students are taught the true power of Gracie Jiu-jitsu - including it's Philosophy, Striking, and Stand Up Self Defense to Surprise Attacks curriculum - essential elements of Gracie Jiu-jitsu that have been overwhelmingly eliminated and no longer taught in most modern schools. Adults follow a structured curriculum of organized lesson plans and new students are guided step-by-step through the core positions & techniques of Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu in our Fundamentals classes and continue to hone & refine their skills in our Mastery classes as they gain experience.
As an added benefit, most of our students see significant improvement in their overall health & fitness level through training. If you're looking for a great way to get in shape quickly & learn to defend yourself in the most common of realistic self-defense situations, contact us today to learn how our Adult Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (self-defense) classes in Palmyra can benefit you!
Private Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (Self Defense) Lessons
If you're looking for a more individualized approach, or just wanting to supplement your group class training, you can take advantage of our Private Training, where you will learn one-on-one, or in small groups (semi-private) from Royce Gracie's personal black belt. We will help you develop a customized training program, specifically tailored to your individual goals. Private classes are available for all experience levels, and for kids and adults. As an added benefit, our private classes can be tailored around your specific schedule, during times that are convenient for you!
We know that no two students learn the same. Whether you're a beginner that wants to build your foundation fast, or an experienced student hoping to improve specific aspects of your skill sets, we're here to make it happen. You will get constant feedback and support, and professional coaching and advice, to give you a clear path to your goals! There's no better way to build your skills than through our Private Training program at Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Missouri in Palmyra. Discounted rates are available for multiple class packages. We also offer a semi-private class program, where you can train together in a small group with up to 3 of your friends or family members. Contact us today to schedule your first private lesson!
Women's Self Defense & Fitness Striking Group Class
Most self defense situations can be avoided with the proper Philosophy, however, this takes practice and an authentic, fundamental understanding of self defense! We apply a deep knowledge and understanding of real life self defense encounters and situations to train women the most practical, effective, and comprehensive approach to self defense, beginning with our Philosophy of situational awareness (Zanshin), to Grandmaster Helio Gracie's system of avoiding and de-escalating face to face confrontations, all the way to the development of reflexive responses to the most common, realistic types of surprise physical attacks where most every encounter begins - standing on your feet!
Striking is also an imperative aspect of a comprehensive self defense system in the many realistic self defense scenarios where you want to AVOID EVER going to the ground, so we teach a very focused curriculum of the most effective striking techniques that anyone can learn in an EXTREMELY FUN and HIGH ENERGY workout routine on Saturday mornings, no gi or uniform required...just comfortable workout clothes!
Each Women's Self Defense & Fitness Striking class is taught by Royce Gracie's direct black belt and each class consists of a 25 minute introduction to easy, simple, basic self defense techniques, drilling these techniques with a cooperative female partner, followed by 25 minutes of fun, high energy, intense workout of striking techniques on pads in timed rounds with loud, fun workout music!
These are powerful, authentic, legitimate striking techniques pulled directly from our self defense striking curriculum!
Submit your information in the Get Started Today box at the top of this page to get more information and register for a free trial class on our calendar (look for the Saturday FREE Women's Self Defense & Fitness Striking Intro Class on the calendar!)
Kids Summer Camp
- DISCOVER -"
why CHOOSE Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Missouri?
We are dedicated to serving the entire Northeast Missouri and Tri-States region by changing people’s lives for the better through our self-defense Jiu-jitsu program! Our expertise, focus, and curriculum is self-defense! Not all “jiu-jitsu” is the same.
We strive to help our students to develop themselves in a positive manner, to reach their full potential, and bring out the best in themselves & others. We take pride in providing a training environment that is extremely safe, structured, positive, and helpful with a focus on learning and incremental improvement rather than competition between students or other athletes in a spirit of mutual welfare & benefit for everyone.
We strongly believe in Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) as a vehicle for personal development that truly anyone can learn, regardless of age, gender, athleticism, or experience level.
Self-defense and the ability to survive a real-life attack or violent encounter is fundamentally different than sport ‘jiu-jitsu’ or ‘bjj’ for tournaments and competition against another trained athlete. We train the most common attacks of violence that are most likely to occur on the street, including striking and defending strikes, which is an entirely different expertise and focus than sport grappling between highly trained athletes for tournaments.
Through our self-defense program, students not only learn the necessary skills to protect themselves, with our hands-on, practical, efficient, & realistic self defense techniques but they gain confidence to achieve their goals & enhance their lives for the benefit of the greater good of the community!
"I’ve known Mark for well over a decade and can guarantee there isn’t anyone else with his level of commitment and expertise in what we do in the state. If you want real Gracie Jiu Jitsu this is the place!"
"Excellent instructor, and black belt under the legendary UFC fighter Royce Gracie."
"The Women’s self defense class is a great atmosphere for women learning these techniques. The instructor is able to give attendees real time feedback to perfect form."
"A great form of exercise and a perfect opportunity to learn something new and challenge yourself at your own pace."
"Two of our children are gaining self confidence and the training needed to become advocates for others as well as the ability to defend their selves when needed."
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Mission is to enhance the lives of each of our students by helping them to achieve their individual goals & optimize their physical, mental, & emotional well-being through the highest quality martial arts (self-defense) training, focused on the development of realistic self-defense skills in a safe, clean, welcoming, professional, family-friendly environment.
We offer training for students of all skill and experience levels! Even if you’ve never stepped foot in a martial arts class before, our instructors will guide you step by step through our structured program format of organized lesson plans to help you get started with your training. Our entire Fundamentals program is designed for inexperienced beginners and we have new students joining our program all the time. Everyone trains at their own pace and ability level, so you never have to worry about trying to keep up with anyone else! Our self-defense program is fundamentally different than sport ‘bjj’ for tournament competitions where students compete and prepare to compete against each other; our self-defense program is designed for you to compete and improve against one person – your former self!
Everyone trains at their own pace and to their own capacity. While it is always recommended to consult your physician before beginning any physical training regimen, training in our programs does not require any extraordinary amount of athleticism, flexibility, or endurance. The reality is that most students who want to “wait to get in shape” to start training, usually do neither. Our entire program is designed for you to come as you are!
The fact is, whatever your level of fitness when you start you will increase your capacity and get in better shape through training. Many of our students see significant weight loss and improvements in their overall fitness levels after just a few weeks of consistent training.
Most people find that the classes at Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Missouri are so fun and mentally engaging they don’t even realize how hard they are working!
Serious injuries are very, very rare occurrence! Of course, as with any physical activity, it is impossible to totally eliminate the potential for injury. We are realistically training for a real life physical combat encounter…although our technical lesson plans are engaging, fun, and SUPER easy to train!
While we practice in a very practical, hands on manner, safety is always one of our top priorities. We make every effort to reduce the potential risks of injuries for our students and provide careful supervision, particularly for our younger students. Our ENTIRE class for you as a beginner will be a technical, cooperative lesson plan where a cooperating, helpful partner helps you demonstrate the move with very little resistance and cooperation so you can learn it! Live sparring is very important but that only comes much, much later when you are more than ready!
We typically find that more injuries to our students happen in everyday life outside of the academy than on our mats at Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Missouri!
We find that most of our youth students focus better when they’re not focused on watching their parents, listening for their parents, or especially when parents are inevitably tempted to direct, coach, or help looking over the kids! So go get in quick workout, grab a coffee and be a bystander, and enjoy the process! Parents are more than welcome to enjoy our beautiful facility, complimentary Black Rifle Coffee drinks, and quietly watch over class but once you are comfortable as a new parent, don’t hesitate to leave them in our hands!
We don’t require parents to stay during classes. However, we do find that parents who get involved with their kids Jiu-jitsu lessons themselves – actually training on the mats, truly build a solid connection as they see their child grow in confidence and skill as they progress through their belt ranks. And building strong family units is important to us at Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Missouri for our Palmyra community.
If you need to catch up on some much needed ‘me-time’, simply drop them off, get in a quick workout next store with our friends at Vessel Fitness, and go grab a coffee at Hebrew’s or Carter’s…or enjoy one of our complimentary Black Rifle Coffees! The kids will greet you with a huge smile when you return, because they had SO much fun!
We love for our parents to be involved! And so do their kids. Even better… join into some of our Jiu-jitsu classes for adults. Your kids will love that you have something in common, and it’s a great way to build a strong family bond! We even plan to have a special “Family Class” where parents and their kids can train together every week!
Don’t worry, equipment for Jiu-jitsu training is minimal, and we will take care of everything you need! A white Official Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu Network gi (uniform) and Navy blue team rash guard or T-shirt is all that is required. Ask how you can take advantage of our limited time new signup training uniform bonus offer, to save on your complete training uniform for new members! We even provide rental uniforms for the convenience of our students, in case you forget yours, or didn’t have time to launder it between classes.
Yes! Private and semi-private (up to 4 people) Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes are available at Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Missouri in Palmyra. You can book an individual 30 or 60 minute class, or we also offer discounted multiple private class packages. Private classes are setup on an individual basis, so we can best accommodate your schedule. Contact us to schedule a class!
We do not believe in using belt promotions as a marketing or retention tool. Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu is entirely focused on self-improvement and realistic techniques to defend yourself or your loved ones in a realistic street encounter.
Royce Gracie typically requires a minimum of ten years to even be eligible (to be extended an invitation!) to participate as an adult brown belt in the black belt testing process, so each belt (white, blue, purple, brown) is approximately 2-3 years within that time period, IF you train regularly and attend classes every week and abide by your instructor’s directions. Everyone progresses at their own pace, however, based upon the amount of time that they dedicate to training. Royce Gracie just promoted a 76 year old black belt in 2023. The entire focus must be on humility and self-improvement, which is then where the promotions typically occur. Students that concern themselves with belt promotions and rank typically do NOT last long in the humble, consistent, long term philosophy of a student needed to truly succeed long term in Gracie Jiu-jitsu.
Our youth & adult Jiu-jitsu programs have their own separate ranking structure and kids – with less patience, attention spans, and long term vision and commitments are typically promoted through more ranks from childhood to their first ‘adult’ belt system of blue belt eligibility around age 16.
Jiu-Jitsu does not have “youth black belts”, as there is a certain level of maturity and demonstrated skill required to hold this prestigious rank. The black belt – particularly the Royce Gracie black belt, means something.
Training for self-improvement is its own reward and it takes all of the expectations, stress, and insecurity out of the educational process. Promotions are and should be just a side effect of hard work & a marker of progress in time spent on the mat.
We have minimum time and attendance requirements, however, every student is promoted on an individual basis, based upon actual demonstrated ability, as well as consistent attendance, personal character, and dedication to the program. Promotions are earned, not given.
A black belt is just a white belt that didn’t quit!
However, all martial arts are NOT created equal.
The entire self-defense curriculum of Gracie Jiu-jitsu has been developed to replicate all of the most common actual grabs, attacks, or scenarios that actually occur in the most common, realistic street fight or bullying incident. Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) has additionally developed a reputation for being one of the most effective martial arts for realistic self defense because of its hands on approach and training methodology where students can train and spar live, with full resistance on a live, attacking partner unlike many other forms of martial arts. Would you really want to place your safety or your family and loved ones’ safety on techniques you’ve never actually tried before in real life training scenarios? Live training with resistance and a fully resisting partner makes Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) one of the most effective on the planet.
Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) was originally developed as a martial art of self-defense for the most common, realistic attacks and street fight encounters. Royce Gracie does not believe in sport ‘bjj’ for tournaments or recreational competition.
Since the widescale popularization and spread of Gracie Jiu-jitsu in the 1990’s, organized tournaments for ‘jiu-jitsu’ have become commonplace with most of modern society’s understanding, views, and opinions of ‘jiu-jitsu’ based entirely upon their understanding of the ‘sport’ of jiu-jitsu for recreational tournaments and competitions. ‘Jiu-jitsu’ – commonly now referred to as ‘bjj’ – has now become something entirely separate from ‘self-defense,’ often even referenced separately by schools that teach ‘both’ jiu-jitsu (sport jiu-jitsu or ‘bjj’) and ‘self-defense.’ This modern ‘sport’ of ‘bjj’ is akin to many other sports, and it has changed and evolved so much since its inception that modern sport ‘bjj’ resembles very little of the original martial art honed by Grandmaster Helio Gracie for realistic self-defense. Modern ‘bjj’ for sport competitions typically involves no striking, time limits, weight categories, points systems, extremely specific positions and techniques that would never work or apply in a self-defense situation with striking, and significant rulesets that competitors must understand as they try to win a medal against another athlete in the sport tournament competition.
Large sport tournaments have also become big business and big money makers. Most modern schools have largely eliminated the stand-up self defense curriculum and any deep understanding of it along with striking and defending striking. Entire schools, franchises, and teams now practice their expertise as “competition” teams labeled as “Jiu-jitsu” although in reality it contains little to no self-defense training, outside of a few online video demonstrations or introductory self-defense weeks or demonstrations to attract potential students.
For these reasons, we strive to be honest in our deep understanding and focus on Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu as a martial art of self-defense. We focus entirely on the most common scenarios and attacks students will face in a real life altercation, like headlocks, hair grabs, shirt grabs, striking techniques, and even weapons defenses. If students are primarily interested in competition against other students, competing to win medals or playing the game of a sport or weekend tournament competitor against other trained athletes, we very candidly refer them to many of the really great, knowledgeable sport jiu-jitsu schools all over our area!!! It just isn’t our focus and we want to be straightforward about it so you know our focus from the beginning.
For adults, however, we do test ourselves frequently and often in live sparring in both self defense grappling (with strikes), takedowns and throwing (with strikes), and surprise stand-up self-defense attacks. Live sparring with resistance is an imperative part of Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense).
For children that want to test themselves and compete in grappling, we strongly encourage children to participate in the sport of wrestling, the best sport in the world! (see our separate FAQ on wrestling!) We do everything we can to support and participate in wrestling.
While we do not prohibit students from actively competing, it is not our focus and we follow the guidance and views of Royce Gracie and do not support or encourage recreational ‘sport’ jiu-jitsu for tournament competitions.
Not at all. In fact, many students starting in our martial arts classes would describe themselves like that before they started. So you will fit right in! That is the what makes our self-defense program so special – our fundamentals program is designed entirely for the typical, average person that wants to learn to defend themselves! We do NOT train sport competition jiu-jitsu for athletes to compete against each other!
Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at how much you improve! You’ll find that our experienced professional Jiu-jitsu instructor is great at making seemingly complex movements and concepts simple.
You will be amazed at what you can do…all you literally have to do is show up and follow along and do your best!
Because our youth Jiu-jitsu program emphasizes the use of grappling based techniques in realistic scenarios over striking techniques, it is also one of the MOST HUMANE ways for your child to protect themselves! Through consistent practice, they will develop the ability to safely neutralize physical aggression WITHOUT the need to inflict any injury to a potential bully. In these days of “zero-tolerance” policies in schools, it is much better to simply immobilize and control a bully, than rely on punches and kicks that require mass or acceleration – much less likely to be effective against a larger attacker, and which may only increase the aggression and look really bad when a student is left bleeding and potentially injured after the incident.
Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) is truly different than other martial arts – and the IDEAL, comprehensive system of self-defense (particularly for school bullying and modern law enforcement) because a true, deep understanding of self-defense Gracie Jiu-jitsu allows students to neutralize pure violence and aggression without harming the attacker, unless they choose to do so!
Often times, bullying doesn’t rise to the level of a physical attack but that doesn’t make it any less damaging to your child’s psyche. The most common form of bullying is verbal bullying-name calling, teasing, harassment. Our step-by-step philosophy and approach to bullying gives your child the tools to know how to effectively stand up for themselves verbally, and avoid a physical altercation, using a systematic, step-by-step approach. It will give your child specific steps to use, as well as guidance on when and how it is ok to use the physical techniques of Jiu-jitsu to protect themselves, should the need arise, and training on how to verbalize and defend themselves after the incident – often times just as important as the physical techniques themselves.
Yes! One of the great things about Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) classes is that it’s an individual activity done in a group environment. We find all our students improve in their focus, self control, discipline and social skills. But the best part is….they’re having so much fun, that don’t even realize that they are building critical “life skills” every time they step on the mat!
The best way to find out for yourself, is to get them in for a FREE introductory class.
You’ll find our team so helpful and dedicated to helping your child become the best version of themselves. Reserve your spot now! You will be glad you did!
What value would you place on having the confidence to know that you can effectively defend yourself or your family in most any situation with any individual you encounter, get in great shape, and develop greater self-confidence?
Training in a reputable Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) program is making an investment in yourself!
We offer a variety of membership plans and payment options suited to meet your individual needs and budget. Substantial family discounts and discounts for teachers, law enforcement, and first responders are also available!
But, it very truly depends entirely on how much you value the skills and program and its impact on your life, and only then once you see the value can you make an informed judgment on the monetary price! So you can get started today for FREE! It won’t cost you anything more than a little bit of your time to come in and see everything our program has to offer and if it is a good fit for you…only then can you truly evaluate whether it is an investment in yourself you want to prioritize or not!
Fill out the form on our website or contact us directly to schedule your first FREE introductory class!
We have new students joining our community all the time, so we’ll be glad to show you first hand everything our program at Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Missouri in Palmyra has to offer and how we can help you reach your goals! However, spaces are limited, so contact us today to reserve your spot!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We will take care of everything you need for your first class! We will provide you with a clean training gi (uniform), so you’ll be right at home on the mat from day one!
You may want to bring a water bottle, and some flip flops/sandals for off the mat, but other than that just plan to come in a few minutes early and we’ll take care of everything!
We. Love. Wrestling!
Wrestling is the oldest and best sport in the world.
Our black belt instructor wrestled locally here in the Tri-States and does everything he can to encourage and support children’s wrestling in the local communities. Wrestling is a phenomenal sport like nothing else that teaches children discipline, hard work, and how to deal with defeat and take responsibility like no other sport can do, it is amazing!
It should be noted, however, that wrestling is hard! Wrestling is a grind. It is tough. It is rough. It is athletic. And candidly wrestling is not always for everyone.
Our program is somewhat different because it is designed for the weak, the timid, the unathletic – a program that slowly eases the beginner into comfort, confidence, and technical abilities before they are ever introduced to any live resistance or live techniques or sparring of any kind, so truly any child can train and succeed in our Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) program!
For those children that already participate and love the sport of wrestling, however, many parents have found that our program can offer wrestlers a very distinct advantage in exposure to takedowns, throwing techniques, and self-defense escapes that their opponents have never seen! We focus on how to escape many of the most common headlocks and pinning positions using leverage, balance, and technical timing versus speed and athleticism: very, very advantageous and beneficial approaches that can be complete game changers and great different complimentary perspectives to wrestlers! We have literally seen kids that began training Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) place multiple times in high school state wrestling tournaments after training Jiu-jitsu their whole lives, and young, brand new wrestlers step onto the mat and launch their opponents with traditional jiu-jitsu throws – repeatedly, where no one knows the technique or how it is being done!
And possibly most important, our kids develop the Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) Philosophy – the virtues of a Jiu-jitsu Warrior – to maintain emotional balance, a clear mind, and situational awareness that is a huge advantage in the extremely difficult sport of wrestling. All wrestling careers come to an end. Maybe that is MMA. Maybe it is the Olympics. But Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense) allows students to continue training their entire lives – a wonderfully positive opportunity.
So we strongly encourage any child that wants to try out competition, to challenge themselves, to try out wrestling!
We do everything we can to encourage and guide children to the sport of wrestling to try it out!
Our kids really enjoy doing both wrestling and Gracie Jiu-jitsu (self-defense), and our kids find it is a really, really nice compliment and break each week to wrestle throughout the week during wrestling season and continue coming to Gracie Jiu-jitsu as time permits while attending both throughout the year.
Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Missouri
Palmyra
We’re located at 811 N. Main St., stop by and introduce yourself!