2026-06-12T01:12:32.375Z

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I have had the privilege of training under Professor Shawn Woods for the past nine years, and I can confidently say that joining this academy has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Under his guidance, I have progressed from white belt to purple belt, earned a World Championship at blue belt, and most recently placed third at the world level as a purple belt.What sets this academy apart is not only the high level of instruction but the culture that Professor Shawn and his staff have built. He has an incredible ability to meet each student where they are, whether their goal is to compete at the highest levels or simply enjoy training, improve their fitness, and learn self-defense. Every student is valued, supported, and challenged to become the best version of themselves.The camaraderie within the gym is unmatched. From the children’s program to the adult classes, there is a genuine sense of community, respect, and encouragement. Professor Shawn and his staff lead by example, and it is easy to see why students of all ages look up to them.As a parent, I have also had the opportunity to watch both of my children grow through this program. My son trained for seven years, and my daughter trained for five years. Beyond learning Jiu-Jitsu, I have watched them develop confidence, discipline, respect for others, and resilience. Seeing the positive impact that Professor Shawn and the coaching staff have had on their lives over the years has been truly incredible. The coaches genuinely care about each child and serve as outstanding role models both on and off the mats.One area that is especially meaningful to me is the women’s program. Professor Shawn has always been a strong advocate for creating opportunities for women to train and learn practical self-defense skills. I have been fortunate enough to take over the women’s program, and it is something I am passionate about because I truly believe every woman can benefit from learning self-defense in a supportive environment.If you are looking for a gym with world-class instruction, a welcoming atmosphere, exceptional coaches, and a community that feels like family, I cannot recommend this academy highly enough. Whether you are interested in competition, self-defense, fitness, or finding a positive environment for your children, this is the place to be.

2026-06-10T19:01:18.202Z

My child is in her third week participating in jiu jitsu with Gracie Humaita and is loving it. She started at 13 yo with no experience in any martial arts, and the coaches did a wonderful job of adding her to the existing teen class in a way that allowed her to fully participate and not feel out of place as a "newbie." It has already improved her confidence in a short time. I also want to compliment the staff and coaches in the onboarding process and when navigating disabilities. During our 1-week trial, we were contacted each day to ask how things are going and to answer any questions. This included helping us find a solution that would enable my child to safely wear medically necessary T1D devices while also protecting her and classmates. They were very flexible, accommodating, and understanding -- all of which further helped my child feel confident about participating, even with a medical disability.

2026-06-08T22:15:47.035Z

As a black belt, I've trained at dozens of gyms over the years. The owner and other instructors here are some of the more professional ones I've encountered and run a great with some of the best guys I've grappled against. I moved to CoMmo a year ago after leaving the Army and felt no reason to continue shopping for a new gym.Thanks, guys! I will miss y'all!

2026-06-07T03:22:51.776Z

The culture Shawn has created here is top notch. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a world champion (yeah, we have those), you are a soccer mom or senior who wants to learn a little self-defense (we have those folks too), or you have a kid who just needs a little confidence boost, this place is for you. Safe. Reliable. Fun. Effective.Humaita Columbia has classes throughout the day to meet the demands of any work schedule, and you won’t find a more accommodating and knowledgeable gym out there. I can’t say enough good things about Shawn, my friends, and the team at Gracie Humaita.

2026-06-06T19:27:40.163Z

My daughter has been taking classes here for two years. It is a wonderful body neutral environment for her to strengthen her body. I've noticed improvement off the mat, too. Her confidence in her school work and interpersonal relationships has grown tremendously. I cannot say enough positive things about the coaching staff.

2026-06-06T05:00:03.311Z

We tried about every academy in town when we moved here a year ago. We wound up committing to Humaita bc the class schedule accommodated our entire family - but we’ve stayed because the culture is great. The instructors are top-notch. My kids really enjoy going to class and even I am making progress as a 46 year old white belt. Highly recommended!

2026-06-05T17:25:00.522Z

Great people and great Jiujitsu!!

2026-06-05T16:05:20.599Z

I would highly recommend Gracie Humaitá Columbia to anyone interested in jiu-jitsu. Shawn and the other instructors here are all wonderful teachers, and they do a great job of catering to all levels, competitors and non-competitors alike. This is a great place to learn jiu-jitsu in a positive environment.

2026-06-04T01:21:33.184Z

Awesome experience. Super great coaching, super clean facility, and the fellow students are kind and move very well, and can push the pace for sure! If you’re in Columbia check this place out! It’s a must if you train gi or no-gi!!

2026-05-15T13:59:01.210Z

2026-05-05T04:31:14.219Z

2026-05-01T15:33:38.150Z

I trained under Shawn for 3 or so years. It’s been just short of 6 years since I moved away and I swear there is not a day I walk on the mats and don’t hear Shawn’s voice in my head. Shawn and the community he fostered at GH Columbia are the standard by which I hold and test every other gym against.If you’re hesitant to try BJJ or just nervous to do something new. I challenge you to speak with Shawn. He has an ability to make anyone relax their shoulders and chuckle

2025-12-12T14:48:18.906Z

Gracie Humaitá is amazing. I had my son signed up for a while and my son grew a lot, not only in ju Jitsu but also in his confidence and discipline. The instructors are truly amazing with the kids and want each of them to be as successful as possible.

2025-11-13T00:38:18.069Z

2025-11-13T00:37:54.976Z

2025-10-19T01:50:42.650Z

My son (college age) trains at Gracie Humaitá and loves it. He was recently up for a belt promotion. Coach Shawn was very gracious and coordinated it so I could come into town and see him tie the hard earned blue belt around my son’s waist. I can’t say enough good things about a professor that runs his school with that kind of personal consideration for his students

2025-09-04T22:46:12.028Z

My daughter has been attending classes for over two years. The culture here is incredible. They focus on being great human beings first then developing their skills. I’d recommend any parent that is looking for an activity that will fill their little ones with confidence and increase their self esteem to enroll them at Gracie Humaita.

2025-08-17T22:07:30.611Z

GH is such a friendly, supportive, and welcoming environment. You learn great skills and get a great workout. All women should learn defense in such a safe and approachable environment!

2025-08-15T14:05:55.669Z

Great place to train with friendly atmosphere.

2025-08-15T13:32:21.276Z

Gracie humita the people are really grate. the teachers are really amazing and they care and about there students. and if you wanna buld your confidence and fitness you should join

2025-08-08T15:02:23.808Z

2025-07-29T20:07:23.016Z

2025-05-20T23:51:01.069Z

Both my sons train at Gracie Humaita Columbia, one in the mini champs class and the other, in little champs and the team competition class. I can’t emphasize enough how beneficial this has been for my children. Physical fitness and body awareness. Respect and responsibility. Kindness, being a good teammate, and leadership. Confidence and resilience. I could go on and on. I absolutely love every single coach. They’re important role models in my boys’ lives, making a critical impact at an early age.

2025-01-18T19:38:09.575Z

I stopped in to train on my way home from Kansas City. Very nice gym, very nice people!

2024-11-23T18:09:30.945Z

Amazing, very clean, and welcoming school. All of the instructors are very friendly and accommodating to new members. Highly Recommend them!

2024-08-24T12:12:51.255Z

Shawn and his staff are very welcoming and have created an amazing environment that's friendly, inviting, and intense all at once. I've done martial arts in one form or another for most of my life. On day one, I remember the first 2 thoughts I had, "this is different" and "I have to learn this".

2024-08-14T23:46:56.673Z

This is the best place to learn and be comfortable with a new life long skill!

2024-05-19T18:35:08.138Z

Friendly, clear instructions, great facilities, variety in class times, and affordable. Great way to get in shape, learn a new skill, and meet friendly people.

2024-05-17T12:05:04.137Z

I just relocated to Columbia last month. Have trained a few different places over the years back in Michigan. I can honestly say the gym culture here and the quality of instruction is probably the best I've experienced. Classes 7 days a week, with most days offering 5-6 different classes for various groups and focuses. Lots of mat space and lots of quality training partners, everybody is very welcoming. This gym is a gym for everybody you will see lots of men, women, and youth all call this gym home. It's a safe place for hobbyists to train but if you are a competitor or like to compete there are plenty of competition/sport minded folk here as well. I can say the best part of the gym (and the most important thing in any gym) is the head instructor. Shawn's jiu jitsu is very legit and he really breaks down technique and concepts.He's very patient and answers any questions you might have on a jiu jitsu level. His understanding of the game is top tier. I would recommend this gym to anyone in the area looking to improve themself regardless of their goals. Whether you want to be a competitor or you just want to learn some techniques that will help you defend yourself and give you peace of mind this is the gym for you.

2024-05-17T01:38:29.168Z

I cannot speak highly enough of this academy! There are so many class times available I can always fit multiple classes in a week! Shawn's way of teaching and explaining is incredible and that has transferred down to the rest of the instructors. Whether you want to get in shape, start a hobby, learn to protect yourself or go to the UFC you can get what you need here. Not to mention the community of people is genuine, welcoming and real. I visited multiple jujitsu schools and the choice was clear. Quality and the real deal. Not a random "McDojo"!!!