Highly recommend! Very professional and very safe environment for myself and kids. They are amazing instructors and team. They instill more than just martial arts, they teach morals as well as accountibility.
Cohesion Training Academy is in a league of its own. The instructors are highly professional and experienced, and the level of dedication to their students is unmatched. The owner, Steve, is a combat veteran who served with the US Marine Corps and is now a Fire Chief—a background that speaks volumes about his leadership, discipline, and commitment to serving others.
Steve’s passion for the art and his students shines through in every aspect of the academy. Unlike many gyms that focus solely on profit, Steve does so much for free and prioritizes integrity, skill, and personal growth. He holds all students to the highest standards, just as he did with his Marines, and the results are nothing short of amazing. The athletes and individuals who train here don’t just learn to defend themselves; they become capable of defending those who can’t and are equipped with the tools to de-escalate violence when possible.
What truly sets Cohesion apart is that it’s not just about self-defense—it’s about life lessons. Steve teaches respect, responsibility, and the value of hard work, shaping students into better people both on and off the mats. If you’re looking for a place where professionalism, skill, and community come together, this is it. Highly recommend!
My son has been attending Cohesion for a year and a half now. It’s truly one of the best decisions putting him into BJJ at this facility. They truly care about all the students and their success. We briefly tried another facility that did not work out, but the second we arrived at Cohesion, Professor Steve made us feel welcomed and my son even more. My son LOVES is here and we are excited for his future here and to continue learning JiuJitsu.
Cohesion Training Academy is everything I could hope for in a martial arts and skills training academy. The professionalism and experience of the instructors are exceptional, and they truly focus on skill development and personal growth above all else. What stands out most is their commitment to ensuring students earn their belts through hard work and mastery, not just by spending time in class. This is a refreshing and much-needed approach in an industry where too many places take your money and offer little in return.
As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with the way my daughter is being taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu here. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and incredibly skilled at working with kids, building not only their technique but also their confidence and discipline. Watching her grow both on and off the mats has been amazing, and I’m so glad we chose Cohesion.
This academy is truly invested in its students and the community, offering training that honors the integrity of martial arts. They don’t just hand out belts—they build strong, capable individuals who have truly earned them. Highly recommend!
Cohesion Training Academy sets the standard for what a true martial arts and skills training academy should be. The professionalism and expertise of the instructors are unmatched, and it’s clear that they prioritize skill development and personal growth over simply handing out belts.
What I appreciate most is that earning a belt here is not about how much time you’ve spent but about the skills you’ve mastered. The owner and staff are deeply committed to ensuring every student genuinely earns their rank through hard work, dedication, and proven ability. This approach not only honors the integrity of the art but also ensures that students leave the academy with a true sense of accomplishment.
In an era where too many places are focused on taking your money and providing subpar training, Cohesion Training Academy stands out as a beacon of excellence and honesty. They are not just teaching skills but building better individuals and, in turn, contributing positively to the community. Highly recommend!
Cohesion is fantastic! This is my first time training any kind of martial arts and Professor Steve is amazing, they have such a welcoming environment and everybody is so supportive of each other! Cohesion is the real deal, go check it out and give it a try I promise you won't regret it!!!
Awesome gym! I cannot recommend this gym enough. When I was in between gyms, Professor Matias was cheering me on by name at my tournament even though I’d only been to his gym a handful of times. He’s extremely knowledgeable and very kind. He’s been super welcoming to me and my family. The students are all super friendly and nice as well. 10/10 gym.
Love this place. Jujitsu has taught me more about myself and how to handle life’s challenges more effectively than I ever could before. I’m a student, a coach, and This is my Family.
You’re made to feel like family the instant you walk in. Everyone is amazingly supportive of the beginners and it shows in the culture they have built. Professor Steve Matias runs the best academy around hands down. His depth of knowledge and ability to transfer that knowledge is second to none. We train NoGI half the month & GI the other half. The schedule and budget were spot on for us. This place has a lot to offer and the tribe is very supportive. If you have the motivation and goals they will get you where you want to be weather that’s just being a hobbyist, a competitor, learning self defense, or go Pro one day.
Ultimately, what you're looking for in a place to train is basically going to be the academy vibe.
People are happy to be here. No cult vibes, and it is easily an environment I’m happy to spend 6+ hours a week in. This place checks off all the boxes for me!
We are so grateful for this place! From day 1 we have felt welcomed and encouraged! This place has help change the course of our family. Not only has this place been a blessing for my stepson who lost his father to suicide but it has been building up our whole family. We cannot say enough about Professor Steve helping us all get better and be there for our son.
Small family-like academy that’s doing Big things! We make a 30 min commute 3-4 times a week because the atmosphere , vibe, instructors, and people here are all friendly, patient and welcoming! The Academy stays up to date on communication and socials. Open mat on Sundays. You’ll find a good mix of bodies and belt ranks here to roll with so take advantage of a free trial class and come check it out. Coach Steve is amazing with the kiddos & adults in learning new techniques and keeping them engaged! You can be involved as you want to be! With seminars, clinics, open mats, private lessons, tournaments, banquets, podcast, holiday events, and more there is plenty offered from this academy!
Our 10-year-old daughter has been attending Cohesion Training Academy for about 9 months and we couldn't be happier with her experience! She has learned invaluable lessons about self-discipline, respect, hard work, determination, and self-defense. Coach Steve is an incredible instructor who genuinely cares about his students; he takes the time to teach and correct any mistakes with a perfect balance of tough love. The supportive environment and dedication to personal development make Cohesion Training Academy a fantastic place for kids to grow. They offer adult classes as well! Highly recommend!
My daughter joined in March of 24 and I have seen so much growth in her mentally and physically she gave up her number 1 sport softball to practice jiu-jitsu I started in August and absolutely enjoy the struggle to be where I want to be physically and mentally. The coaches and students are always supportive and how they help the kids teaching life lessons with jiu-jitsu is awesome. No egos at this academy or my daughter and myself wouldn't be here
I can't say enough about this place.
Steve Matias, one of the owners of this academy began as a fellow afflilate, and quickly became family.
This is an environment you want to be a part of because it will nurture the best of yourself to rise up.
It's an place that encourages people to give of themselves and stand up for others.
Anyone who decides to train with them will not be disappointed.
I had my first kick boxing class with Tommy this past Saturday morning. Amazing class with great people and an awesome coach! You’ll be sore for days but it’s well worth it! Highly recommend!
I started BJJ at Cohesion and love it. The instructors are very patient with the learning process and have a lot of passion for what they teach. The people are great and make it a great experience. It is more than just coming to class. You get a community of people that share an interest in martial arts. You don’t just feel like another person coming to class. You always feel like an important part of every class and are encouraged to be there. It’s has been a humbling experience that builds confidence and discipline especially at Cohesion. I would highly recommend Cohesion for anyone wanting to try out BJJ or anything else that they offer.
When I first came to cohesion I was a broken man trying to figure out life. I had been 3 years sober and needed something so that I did not feel stagnant. I had always been into martial arts but my parents never took me and hell even if they did I would have quit back then. I have lost friends to the same substances and watched them rot in prison. Jiu jitsu gave me purpose, jiu jitsu gave me life again, jiu jitsu saved me. Whether you need a place just to have some kind of brotherhood. Or if you need a place to get in shape, if you need to become a better person, if you want to be a fighter, whatever it is cohesion is the place to do it. Pictures are my weight loss of 2 months of training at cohesion when we were at the elm location so this stuff works.
My kids were in Judo previously but I didn’t have a pleasant experience with the coach. It turned me off from martial arts altogether but I knew I wanted my kids to have the experience and discipline martial arts provides so we tried a free kids class at Cohesion and my kids thoroughly enjoyed the training and everyone making them feel welcome. The coaches are all so great and patient with all ages. We love it and cannot wait to see our kids compete on all levels!
First and foremost, the instructors at Cohesion Training Academy are truly exceptional. They are not only highly skilled in their respective disciplines but also passionate about teaching and helping students reach their full potential. Their expertise and attention to detail ensure that every session is well-structured, challenging, and tailored to individual abilities. They are patient, supportive, and always ready to provide guidance and correction when needed. One aspect that truly sets Cohesion Training Academy apart is the sense of community it fosters. From day one, I felt welcomed and embraced by fellow members who share the same passion for martial arts. The camaraderie and support among students create an inspiring and motivating atmosphere that pushes you to strive for greatness. The gym also organizes social events, workshops, and seminars, further enhancing the sense of belonging within the community.
Grateful for the opportunity to train with Steve Matias at Cohesion Jujitsu Academy in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Steve is a Black Belt in Judo and Jujitsu. He combines leadership, dedication, and a love for the art of Jujitsu. He has a huge heart, making him an amazing instructor. The positive atmosphere and quality instruction make every session a rewarding experience. I’m so Thankful for the martial arts journey under his guidance!
There are many martial arts schools. There are few true dojos. Here at Cohesion you can find your path as a martial artist, competitor, or combat athlete. Cohesion's holistic approach to martial arts includes BJJ, Judo, Wrestling, and mixed martial arts training. You'll develop the combative fundamentals applicable across different rulesets, the athletic base to succeed in your chosen sport, and a support system of experienced martial artists who live the lifestyle to show you the way. Whether you are knew or seasoned, you'll find no better group of training partners to roll with. We embrace the mantra of "suffering well" to enjoy life's rewards both on and off the mat.
Great place to roll and great culture of individuals. I trained here for two days for a work trip and learned a ton. Special thanks to coach Steve who gave me a ride when my car broke down!
We love Cohesion! My daughter always looks forward to coming to BJJ class. Coach Steve is wonderful and really pays attention to make sure the newer students are actually learning it. Thankful to be apart of the Cohesion Family!
I’ve been training at this facility for a little over 6 months. The professor and coaches are all very attentive, helpful and provide excellent instruction. If you’re looking to learn the basics or a seasoned grappler looking to expand your knowledge base, look no further.
This is a great place to learn effective martial arts. Professor Steve is an excellent instructor with a very skilled background in multiple styles of martial arts. You know when training here you are learning from someone who has competed for sport and fought for his country. I highly recommend this academy.
Cohesion is a great place to learn and train for all ages. The adult program is like a big family encouraging and challenging each other to be better both in and out of the gym. Judo Steve’s mixture of BJJ and Judo is always challenging; but rewarding.
Absolutely an amazing academy and people all around, I’m so proud to be apart of this team and family!! Everyone here is a badass and gives every thing they got on the mats!! I would totally recommend anyone to come in and try it out no matter how you look or you’re age!! It’s nothing but love and comradery❤️. OSS🙏
Being a single mom with 3 boys, I knew they needed good positive role models in their lives. Cohesion has been that and more for them. They have gained confidence and skills that far outreach learning Jiujitsu. Thank you and your staff for the craft they are learning but also the respect, integrity, and confidence being instilled as well!
We have been taking our 11 year old here for around 2 months and we condo not be happier . We have seen him develop fast due to the knowledge and skill of the coaches also the confidence in our son and improving him attitude and respect . I would highly suggest Cohesion BJJ
I decided to sign my son up for jiu jitsu. Checked out a few options. We chose this place because of the family-like vibe we felt on day 1. They let us try a session for free. Coach/Professor Steve is really good with the kids. They do lots of extra activities aside from BJJ. And we all felt like part of the family immediately. Military Veteran owned and supporters of first responders. They do amazing charity work. They deserve your business. Don't believe me? Come see for yourself. The price for the classes is wonderful too.
Great place to learn and train at as a beginner! People that trains over there are super chill and fun to be around with. Whenever im having a bad day, it helps take that stress away♥️ #bjjfamily
Great place for kids and adults. They have a fun and engaging community. We looked at 2 places and settled on Cohesion. We have been very happy with the training and atmosphere.
I love the atmosphere at the gym and feel welcomed to every class I attend. I have fun while still being challenged to improve my skills. Professor Steve is professional and genuine about making sure that everyone is learning the techniques correctly and safely. I highly recommend Cohesion BJJ for anyone looking to have fun while learning BJJ and Judo.
Great for self defense or even people with a competitive edge. Everybody there is good at something different, and it's super tight knit and family friendly.
This is a great place to learn Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitzu or Krav Maga. My son attends the kids classes and he loves them! Steve, the teacher, not only teaches them jiu jitzu, but he makes sure that they push themselves, work hard, and most of all enjoy the time that they are there. And their pricing is extremely competitive! Check them out for sure!
We started in June with just our kids and now the whole family has been bitten by the bjj bug. We love the cohesion family. Highly recommend to everyone.
I truly cannot say enough good things about Cohesion. We were introduced to Cohesion at the very beginning of June. My son, Miles (9) jumped right in on his first class and had a great time. Coach Steve and Coach Robert are so awesome with the kids and adults alike. They have really helped Miles to grow in so many ways. My son has multiple therapies each week and BJJ truly supplements each one! Since we started I have seen more positive attitudes, more willingness to help, better self esteem, and muscle gain which we have struggled with for years! Cohesion is very affordable! We are an Epic Charter School family and Cohesion is in the process of becoming a vendor! We are so excited! I have recently started the adult classes and they are awesome! Coach Steve is very patient and understanding. He always has an answer to my million questions! NO experience is necessary! If I can do it ANYONE can do it! Joining Cohesion is truly like joining a family. I have never been part of a community that is so encouraging and supportive. The coaches and all the students truly want to see you succeed! It's amazing! The academy hosts super fun parents night out events, academy events just to get to know one another, and so much more! Our lives have truly been blessed by joining the academy and meeting such amazing people!
The instruction here is so good and the atmosphere so intoxicating, I find that whenever I am away from the gym, I feel like a crack addict in the corner looking for my next fix.
This school is truly something special. Not only do you get top tier instruction you are encouraged to come as you are. I have been to other schools in the area that treat you like a 2nd class citizen if your not from a certain demographic, or where real life obstacles are your own problem, but here I'm allowed to bring my 13 the month old daughter with me. Essentially I'm allowed to peruse my dreams while still being a full time dad, I can't express how much it means that both Rob and Steve are there to help me accomplish my goals on and off the matts. If your just looking for somewhere to train there are plenty of gyms in Tulsa, but if your looking for a tribe that supports it's members there is no better home for you. I drive 35 mins everyday, sometimes twice a day just to come here because it feels like home.
Steve is an excellent Professor! He is perfect for anyone that is looking to start their BJJ journey and has been an excellent guide for me just starting out. I would recommend him to anybody!
I have been fortunate enough to learn a little of both Judo and Jiujitsu from Steve. He really helped me polish my technique on a few things going into a tournament, in which I was pretty successful. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to learn either Judo or Jiujitsu or both.
Professor Steve filled in as an instructor at our academy, and we received excellent instruction! He went above and beyond to help everyone in every class I attended. My sons, 15yo and 12yo, enjoyed his instruction very much as well! Go see him.
Professor Steve is a wealth of knowledge for Brazilian Jiujitsu and Judo. He has helped me not only with my jiujitsu but my judo as well after my coach passed away. He truly cares about the arts as well as all of his students. Definitely recommend his academy as a place to train.
I attended an event that Steve was hosting. It was great because I wanted to check out BJJ academies in Tulsa and the surrounding areas. I've not lived in Tulsa long and a lot of this area is new to me.
As soon as I got to Cohesion BJJ and Judo I met the owner Steve. He was amazing! He answered all my questions I had about the academy and BJJ and trust me I had a lot of questions. Steve is patient and kind.
When all the other people got there they all spoke about how they have so much fun there and how they have learned so much from Steve. It was like joining a family.
My first lesson from Steve was great. He is a wonderful professor. He explained everything. I now know the difference between BJJ & Judo. You can tell that this is his passion because of his knowledge, ability to speak about the art, and his professionalism.
If your new to the whole BJJ and/or Judo like me, I would highly recommend going to Cohesion BJJ and Judo.
The owner of this studio is very disrespectful and was dishonest with me and some others. Character counts and he is not what he says. Shady affiliations too, unsurprisingly.
Enrolling our child in Cohesion was one of the biggest mistakes and valuable lessons we’ve experienced as parents. If something feels amiss. Trust your gut. If an instructor’s character can not be vouched within the JiuJitsu community, take that into high consideration. We are still new to BJJ. We were ignorant and ignored the red flags. Please do not prepay for anything. We never received the products and scheduled prepaid events constantly cancelled nor did we receive a refund when told several times it would be taken care of. Only given excuses each month. I urge any parent that wants to start a JiuJitsu journey to explore all of your options out there. Do the research. Do a background check on the gym owners. Educate yourself on proper BJJ training. Make sure the academy has an honest belt promotion system in place. Find the academy that feels right. I do not want any other parents to share our experience. My child is now receiving stellar training from an honest instructor held in high regard. My child has a passion and fire under his belt for JiuJitsu and the flame would have surely extinguished had we stayed at Cohesion.
Update- after almost 4.5 months of back and forth nonsense, I finally received my refund yesterday. I received my refund only because I reached out to the other owner and asked that they stop using my child’s image in any of their advertising or on their social media platforms. In that request, I informed how we left peacefully even though we never got our money back. After speaking further with him, he said a refund would be issued. With the other owner, my last correspondence was May 22nd on said refund and it still was not taken care of and I know it would have never happened if I had not reached out to his business partner. Which is not how a business should be ran. Both parties should ensure that their clients money is handled properly. Trust was lost and both parties have different excuses.
The owner responded it was unfair that I said they have an unfair belt promotion in place. It was criteria that parents should look at when choosing an academy for their child. I never accused them for having an unfair system in place but if he wants to touch on that…this is my response. It’s a disservice to a child to promote quickly. This is knowledge I’ve gained from other well established academies with years of experience in training children in BJJ. After our experience, I did my own research and realized that the owner and his academy are not accredited with IBJJF. I do not feel they go off IBJJF belt system guidelines but created their own. I would like to also add that shortly after my first review, the owner posted a review under his 11 year old stepson’s name. That speaks volumes.
