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

2025-10-30T19:22:20.436Z

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"!!!

2024-05-17T01:09:48.251Z

Going on three years, best decision I've made for my own health and well being.

2024-05-16T23:06:11.855Z

2024-05-16T23:05:48.028Z

2024-05-15T02:20:45.035Z

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.

2024-05-10T18:41:31.670Z

Great rolls. In from Texas for daughter’s graduation and they welcomed me in! Amazing group of folks, super clean and everyone took care of their training partners. I came for a regular class and then stuck around for a comp class. Comp class was amazing. After 14 hours in a car it beat me up pretty good. Thanks for the rolls!

2024-05-10T12:34:15.332Z

Best BJJ team and best women's BJJ program in Columbia, MO. Great staff and facility, and amazing teammates. I've been training for almost 2 years and have found a wonderful community here.

2024-05-09T10:20:57.321Z

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.

2024-04-30T02:01:22.718Z

Incredible gym amazing people.