Eight years ago I took my 7 year old daughter to Gracie Humaita to see how Jiu-Jitsu might be different from the Striking, kicking and forms martial arts that she had been doing. I will never forget her stepping in the door pausing to bow then approaching this guy and greeting him with a “SIR” and another bow. He responded with, “Hi, I’m Shawn Woods. Don’t do that. I don’t demand your respect, but I’d like to earn it. It has been eight years since, and he has. Monterey is a freshman in high school now, with the crazy high school schedule. Still after track practice she wants to grab her GI and get a class in. We have seen Shawn grow this program and add quality coaches that share his values and love for Jiu-Jitsu. Know that you, or your child will get the individual attention needed. This isn’t boot camp with the coaches trying to form everyone from one mold. So many distinct types of people starting for so many different reasons eventually have one thing in common. Love Jiu-Jitsu. I have put off writing a review for Shawn for so long. It may be greed. I wanted to keep this little secret place a secret and want it to stay just like it is. The secret got out and I have seen amazing new people join the family. My daughter has grown and grown up in this gym with the coaches and teammates that I trust with her. She has learned respect. I believe she has earned respect. She has learned to trust herself and of all, stay calm and think clearly when in a bad situation. If you are considering a martial art, your search is taking you in the right direction. If you are searching for the best place to train Jiu-Jitsu, you just found it. Less

I dropped in from SLC and Professor Shawn was super welcoming. Great atmosphere and friendly environment. Tough rolls for sure. I will definitely visit again. Thanks Rick Less

If you’re reading this, you’re better off signing up for their one week free trial; they supply a loaner Gi. All levels, all ages, all ability types, all respect, every day. If they ask, you can tell them Kit sent you. Definitely worth the time to try out their membership. Less

The BEST in JJ education in Columbia MO by far! My family have been to several JJ schools and decided to stay with Gracie Humaita. The student to teacher ratio is excellent. The teachers are highly engaged with their students. They manage to keep training fun and have the kids come back for more. I cannot praise this close knit group enough for all their support. Less

Shawn Woods is not only a phenomenal competitor, consistently proving his skill at top-tier events, but he's also a coach who genuinely cares. He takes the time to understand each student, guiding us with personalized insights that improve our game. The camaraderie at this gym is unmatched, mirroring Shawn's personality. I've noticed that after leaving school it becomes difficult to make good friends, and I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of good friends I've met on the mats. Less

Phenomenal teacher who is deeply invested in helping each and every student achieve their health, fitness, and/or competitive goals. I’ve been going since I was 15 years old, and in the last 5 years, Shawn played an integral role in teaching me humility, respect, self-esteem, and self-control. His school is the best place to develop oneself physically and mentally while learning a sport you can play for a lifetime. Less

I've personally known the owner over 30 years and he and his staff are all amazing! Hands down the best Jiu Jitsu training for all ages in Columbia Mo! Less

Shawn, his instructors, and students were awesome to say the least. I’ve been practicing BJJ for a long time and this school is one of the best for all levels. Thanks for all your hospitality. Less

Great facility, excellent teaching by Shawn who sees everyone on the mat and what they’re up to, strongly technical upper belts who are also great at managing pace and intensity. Strongly recommend a visit! Less

Dropped in while I was in town, Shawn and his students were very welcoming. Shawn led a great class and took time to roll and discuss jiu jitsu (and life in general) after. I highly recommend this gym! Less

Coach Shawn and his staff do an extraordinary job with the kids jujitsu program. Not only does he teach the art of jujitsu at a great level of detail, but he also uses opportunities to tie real life scenarios into some of his classes which prepares the students how some of the techniques can be used to neutralize certain threats. You can tell that all the coaches love what they are doing and that enthusiasm captures the attention of the class which translates to results both on and off the mat. If you are looking for a place to send your kids to learn self defense and also pickup some great lessons in accountability, effort, continuous growth and respect, look no further, this is the place to go. Keep up the great work coach, don’t change a thing! Less

Professor woods and his crew are able to teach technique in a simple manner that anyone will be able to perceive. Great school, great environment! Very clean! Highly reccomend Less

Awesome place to train! The environment is friendly & welcoming for competitors and hobbyists alike. There are also plenty of class times throughout the week to fit a variety of schedules. Less

Shawn Woods and his instructors are top notch. It is the nicest facility I have ever seen. Our mat space is huge and we have a plethora of class options. Our environment is unlike any other. The other classmates will welcome you warmly and get acquainted to class and the mats. Do you want to learn self defense, get stronger, lose weight, push yourself, see what this is all about or all of the above? Come try a class for free. We have no contracts and our head instructor will be happy to answer any of your questions Less

Shawn runs a clean gym with a real positive energy. He's passionate and his passion will help you learn quickly. BJJ is also one of the best workouts you can get. Less

From the moment you walk in the door you are greeted, not as a customer but as a friend. You can tell the owner takes great pride in ensuring everyone gets the gold star treatment. The facility is extremely clean and well organized. I have been through many martial arts gyms and not one of them has given me as positive of an impression as this one. Classes are intense but very positive and the instructor makes sure that everyone gets the attention they need to master the techniques. The students are very welcoming and helpful to newcomers and treat everyone as equals. I can not say enough great things about the business and the owner. Less

I was in town visiting my wife's family for Thanksgiving and the kind folks at Gracie Humaita Columbia allowed me to come train with them. What a great group of people! The instruction was awesome and I got thoroughly smoked during the sparing/rolling session. These guys bring some serious skill to the mat at all belt levels. Everyone was very professional and courteous. No egos. I would recommend this gym/school to anyone interested in training in the Columbia area or passing through. I'll definitely be back. Thanks gents! Less

This is a place where you can pursue becoming the best version of yourself through jiu-jitsu. I'm so glad I had the chance to train with the amazing individuals here. Less

If you are in/near Columbia Missouri and want to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this is the place for you. A bit of background: I trained in the 90's and earned a blue belt, but for reasons I had to stop. Fast forward 17 years when I decide to pick it back up. I could not have asked for a better situation. Professor Shawn Woods welcomed me with open arms. The people were very welcoming. I make my living on the road, so I was only able to train with them for two months before I had to move on to another city and another school. Don't hesitate to check the place out. Great instruction and great people. Check it out! Less

Professor Shawn Woods has an awesome gym for anyone to come and learn Gracie Brazilian Jiujitsu. Columbia is lucky to have such a place and instructor. Shawn's school will continue to grow and produce highly trained martial artists for years to come! Less

We had wanted a martial arts opportunity for our son for years but had never seen one that looked like a good fit. It's been a little over a year since starting at Gracie, and my son now has something that he loves and can be with him for life. He has truly enjoyed learning from Shawn, who encourages the sense of family that comes from training here. Shawn teaches discipline, healthy lifestyle, and respect for self and others while instilling confidence and keeping things fun. We look forward to being here for a long time. Less

Gracie Humaita Columbia is an unparalleled school filled with amazing people. Signing up here isn't just an amazing workout or community, it's gaining a family. There's none better. Less

I've known Shawn (main instructor) for many years now. I don't get to train there regularly since I live quite a distance away, but I've dropped in on occasions and for a weekend once to train. I trained with Shawn for two years previous in Sedalia when he was teaching there for reference. The attention to detail Shawn gives in his instruction is second to none. He pushes you and is a very encouraging and supportive coach. The atmosphere is super friendly as well. From self defense to sport jiu jitsu, you'll get it all here. I can't praise his academy enough. If you're in the area, or are looking for a place to call home this would be the spot! Less

Great school! Great teacher. Great environment. Great group of folks to train with. Nice variety of class offerings and options. Frequent guest stars come to teach as well. Less

My husband, son AND I all do jiujitsu here now. It is the BEST environment in a sport setting I have EVER been part of or seen. As a coach, Shawn inspires his students to work hard, push their limits and basically be the best they can be. He has a talent for drawing out the strength inside you never knew you had. I've seen his coaching change lives, help kids come out of their shells, and heck, adults too! I've watched many lose weight, get in the best shape they've ever been in and build confidence, athleticism and newfound happiness in who they are. It's not just a sport, it's a lifestyle, and it's one with practical self-defense uses as well! This is THE best sport you could ever get your kids involved with and some of the most awesome, down to earth people you could ever meet. I am proud and honored to be part of this jiujitsu family. Less