Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

in Joplin

try for free
A-Force founder Andre "Tim" Monteiro rolling with a fellow black belt during the 2021 A-Force Summer Camp in Wichita, KS

What is bjj?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting and was formed from Kodakan judo ground fighting (newaza) fundamentals.

BJJ eventually came to be its own combat sport through the experiments, practices, and adaptation of judo and jujutsu through Carlos and Helio Gracie (who passed their knowledge on to their extended family) as well as other instructors who were students of Mitsuyo Maeda.

The greatest thing about BJJ is its focus on technique as opposed to size or physical strength, which allows people of all shapes and sizes to practice the sport.

Learn more >

benefits

Click to learn more about each benefit.

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Self Defense
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A heart icon representing the positive physical fitness aspect of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Physical Fitness
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Weight Loss
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A brain icon representing the positive mental health aspect of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Mental Health
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An icon with many blocks representing the character building aspect of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Character Building
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An icon representing the positive social aspect of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Social Aspect
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A medal icon representing the competitive aspect of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Competition
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It's for Everyone
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A smiley face icon representing the fun aspect of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
It's Fun!
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A-Force Missouri students and instructors rolling during Murder Thursday

kids class

Our kids class is geared towards kids 8–13, however exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

The goal of our kids program is to teach kids the building blocks of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a safe and fun environment while also helping to build:

  • Self discpline
  • Focus
  • Physical fitness

schedule

Monday

adults

8:30–10am

adults

11am–12:30pm

fundamentals

6–7pm

comp prep

7–8:30pm

Tuesday

kids 4–6

5:15–5:45pm

kids 7–12

6–6:55pm

adults

7–8:30pm

Wednesday

adults

8:30–10am

kids 7–12

6–6:55pm

adults

7–8:30pm

Thursday

adults

11am–12:30pm

kids 4–6

5:15–5:45pm

kids 7–12

6–6:55pm

adults

7–8:30pm

Friday

adults

8:30–10am
Photo of instructors Mike Pranker and Michael Wood being promoted to black belts

instructors

A-Force Missouri was started by the two owners and coaches, Michael Wood and Mike Pranker—often called "The Mikes."

The Mikes decided to start their own school when their home academy ended its jiu jitsu program. They wanted to keep training together and keep the team under the A-Force banner while sharing BJJ with Joplin.

Under the guidance of Professor Andre Monteiro as well as Professor Jake Fox (a black belt under Professor Monteiro and owner of Fox Fitness BJJ in Wichita, KS) the Mikes have created a great place to learn and train.

Photo of Michael Wood, an instructor at A-Force Missouri

Michael Wood

Founder, Black Belt

Mike Pranker

Founder, Black Belt
Portrait of Andre "Tim" Monteiro, the founder of the A-Force brand and instructor of The Mikes

association

A-Force Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association was created by Andre “Tim” Monteiro, a 4th degree black belt under Francisco “Toco” Albaquerque.

Since 2008, Andre “Tim” Monteiro has been traveling the world to spread jiu jitsu to everyone. “Tim” is also an avid competitor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has won competitions around the world. A-Force is a team with over 35 schools around the globe.

Professor Monteiro currently runs two gyms in New York, including the original A-Force Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Our philosophy is to give a better quality of life to all BJJ practitioners, create a good environment for practicing and learning jiu jitsu, and help to create a good citizen for society.

Our goal is to give our affiliated schools all the tools they need to become a successful martial arts business, provide them a proven curriculum, and award rank to all the students with a certified diploma.

As a bonus, once you become a member of the A-Force family, you are more than welcome to train for FREE in our expansive network around the world.

first class is free!

Click the button for directions or contact us using the form below.

Exterior shot of A-Force Missouri's Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Webb City, Missouri

contact us

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