101 E Alex Bell Rd #140, Centerville, OH 45459, USA
At Soma Academy, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of our students by providing a supportive and safe environment where they can learn, grow, and achieve their personal goals.
Clean facilities and great instruction! SOMA Academy is great place to learn Jiu-Jitsu.
Posted 1 year agoMy son has loved this academy since day one and plans to practice juijitsu for life. Professor and staff are knowledgeable, professional, and fun! Great for teaching your child self defense, how to diffuse tense situations, self control, and discipline. Thank you Soma academy for all your expertise, encouragement, and community.
Posted 1 year agoUpdated Review (as of 6/20/25): We’ve now enrolled our daughter in Little Porcupines, and she is absolutely LOVING it! We originally tried a class when she was 4, but at the time she had a tough time wearing the uniform and staying focused during class. We decided to hold off until she was a bit more mature—and we’re so glad we did. At 5, she’s now doing great with following directions, listening, and fully participating. She has a blast during class and we really appreciate that she’s learning valuable life skills like self-defense, discipline, and character development. Matt (the owner) is a person of real integrity, and we couldn’t ask for a better role model for our child. Highly recommend! Original review from two years ago below: The main instructors, Matt and Garrett, are fantastic at gearing their lessons toward your experience level, making you feel comfortable, and making class fun. I never expected to love Jiu Jitsu as much as I do. It's a useful skill in terms of self-defense but it is also a fantastic workout. You can tell the owner, Matt, goes to great lengths to make sure you get the most out of class.
Posted 1 year agoProf Strack and his team are fantastic teachers, especially with children/adolescents. They go beyond BJJ training and focus practical self defense and character development while making the process fun and appropriate to build students’ strengths and develop their challenge areas. It’s a very well run and nice facility with generous and skilled instructors. Highly recommended and well priced. Belts are earned and not treated as an opportunity to price gauge parents (as some “McDojos” are known for doing).
Great curriculum, facility and instructors. The coaches are always creative and patient with their students, making the classes educational while also having a lot of fun. Highly recommend!
Can't say enough incredible things about this academy and the instructors! Mr. Strack and Mr. Myers are amazing! This is the best thing for our daughter. She started when she was 6 and is almost 11! She loves it because of them!
This is a great place to learn Jiu-Jitsu. I highly recommend giving it a try.
The main instructors, Matt and Garrett, are fantastic at gearing their lessons toward your experience level, making you feel comfortable, and making class fun. I never expected to love Jiu Jitsu as much as I do. It's a useful skill in terms of self-defense but it is also a fantastic workout. You can tell the owner, Matt, goes to great lengths to make sure you get the most out of class.
Professor Matt Strack is a wonderful instructor with a gift for teaching. The level of detailed instruction from both Professor and Instructor Garrett has been absolutely wonderful for me as a complete beginner. Learning a martial art was something that I really wanted to do, but was extremely intimidated to start. I chose Soma because of the excellent Google and Facebook reviews. After attending my first class and experiencing the extremely welcoming and friendly environment, I knew that I had chosen the right place. I signed up for a membership on my second day. I'm still very new to Soma and to jiu jitsu, but I have definitely found a place where I belong. If you are looking to start jiu jitsu, looking for a new school, or looking for a place to train while traveling - I would definitely recommend Soma! 4.75 year update: I've been training here for almost 5 years now. I couldn't imagine training anywhere else but at Soma. This place is one of my second homes. These people are some of my favorite people. We learn effective jiu-jitsu, have fun, and train safely. If you're looking for a great place to learn jiu-jitsu and self defense, then check out Soma.
I am brand new to jujitsu and martial arts in general. I was nervous going into my first class, and concerned that the atmosphere might cater to a macho “let’s see how much damage we can do to each other” environment, but it isn’t like that at all. Professors Matt and Garrett were extremely kind, patient, and welcoming, and the first class was just great. They focus on technique and how to safely progress through the scenarios. The other students are friendly and welcoming too, and there is no judgement of beginners or those of us who might not be in great shape. I absolutely love it here. I didn’t even wait until the free trial week was over, I signed up after my second class!
Excellent instruction, great technique, awesome training environment.
My family has only been attending for a couple of weeks, so can’t speak to all parts of the experience. But for newcomers, this is a remarkably warm, welcoming and supportive place. Literally everyone- the teachers, the students, the other parents of kids in classes— has been lovely, kind, patient and encouraging. Our two daughters are loving their classes, and come home wanting to practice and get “points” for burpees and taking baths. The teachers are AMAZING with the kids. The Foundations adult classes are fun and doable even with very little experience. They focus on form and technique, explaining why things are done this way. There’s plenty of repetition (including alternative tactics and different progressions) but the class also moves along nicely- there’s plenty to learn. I do like how some of the same techniques are taught throughout a given month, so there’s a chance to practice week after week. The next month it’s something different (is my understanding) with some common techniques. Can’t recommend highly enough. If you’re curious, they offer a trial week-no need for any special gear. So glad we found this place!
We have had nothing but wonderful experiences here! Professor Matt has a true talent and passion that carries over to his students. My kids have been attending classes over a year and the skills they have gained, both physical and mental, are exceptional. Highly recommended.
Always fun to train here. Staff is very knowledgeable and make me really enjoy my workout. Highly recommend
Superb curriculum. I’ve been to a lot of schools and Soma is one of the best. Matt knows his stuff. Great professor and instructor. Every time I try a new school, I always get that feeling of having to raise my own flag with a bunch of egotistical men, but not at Soma. I felt very welcomed and right at home the very first time I stepped in the mat. I use to worry about getting hurt at other schools, not once I have to worry about it at Soma. Everything is taught through progression. come see it for your self
Best bjj school in Ohio. Period. Prof. Matt and Garrett are excellent instructors: patient, thorough, and detailed. You'll definitely get your money's worth. Plus, the atmosphere is conducive to becoming technically sound in the sport and prepared for a number self-defense situations in the real world.
Best School in Brazilian Jiujitsu school in Dayton. Professor Matt Strack is amazing teacher and leader. All the teacher and staff are amazing and caring people. Im very thankful to new family in my journey of Jiujitsu. I highly recommend this school to anyone think to learn real Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
This is an excellent school for beginners as well as intermediate to advanced students. The focus at this school is Brazilian jiu-jitsu, more specifically Gracie style jiu jitsu. The head professor Matt Strack is an excellent instructor who focuses on the technique as opposed to using brute strength and trying to man handle people.
My husband, 8 year old son and 4 year old daughter all take Jiu-Jitsu at Soma and love it! The kids have learned so much, not just about martial arts, but growing in confidence, listening skills, cooperation and determination. The instructors are incredible with children and use a part of each lesson to discuss "mental jiu-jitsu," and how to use jiu-jitsu to deal with situations like bullying. They are taught never to attack, and to only use physical jiu-jitsu as a last resort. Soma has become a great part of our lives and we are so grateful for it.
It’s been a few years since I have been in a martial arts class. As a 45 year old, I wanted to make a careful choice and took my time to do research before taking advantage of the free 1 week trial. Professor Matt and Instructor Garrett are fantastic. There is a diversity of ages and experience of the students. While we are definitely learning excellent self defense, there is a culture of care for one another. After nearly 6 months, I know that Soma Academy is the place to be.
Great instruction with a positive, welcoming environment
Been training at SOMA for about a year now and without question the right decision. No doubt it's intimidating to start your training so consider this...you will be hard pressed to find a better environment, great people and instructors who collectively want to see you get better. Professor Strack and assistant instructor Garrett perfectly execute a curriculum centered on technique and efficiency that is clear, precise and comprehensible. Couple that with the incredible people in the class and you have a world class academy.
Outstanding and world class martial arts studio. I drop in here went I come to town, I am active military, and you could not ask for a better studio. I have been doing martial arts for over 15 years and the quality of instructors and facilities is second to none. A must for those who want to start their children in a realistic program and adults that want to learn both a disciplined mindset and the most practical martial art, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The instruction & atmosphere at Soma Academy are top notch! Professor Strack is an excellent teacher & communicator as well as a great ambassador for the art of Jiu JItsu. Garrett is a fantastic assistant who also provides high level instruction and support. I would highly recommend this academy to anyone looking to improve their self defense as well their lives in general. New students are always made to feel welcome by instructors and fellow students alike. My only regret is that I didn't start sooner!
My training at Soma Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Dayton with Professor Matt Strack was absolutely the right decision when looking for a BJJ School in the Cincinnati/Dayton Ohio area. While Preparing for my first BJJ competition in Houston I was forced to come to Ohio on family business. I was worried I would not be welcomed at a BJJ Academy to continue my training. What actually happened was Professor Strack let me train for a very small fee, I learned new detail and instruction I KNOW will benefit my BJJ game, and I absolutely look forward to the next time I travel this way. You would be hard pressed to find better instruction period.
I have been training at Soma Gracie Brazilian Jit-Jitsu in Dayton since June. Like a lot of women, I wanted to learn how to defend myself, but I was really nervous about making the leap and attending my first class. I quickly found that there was no reason to be intimidated! Professor Strack is an extremely welcoming, patient, and knowledgeable instructor whose teaching style makes techniques easy to understand. The academy's atmosphere is friendly and the other students are very supportive of one another. I really enjoy training here and look forward to it all through the week. If you've wanted to learn a marital art for self defense but have been nervous about taking that first step, I encourage you to try out Soma in Dayton.
Great gym! Great people, patient with the new guy! Instructive and goes beyond the sport of jiu jitsu and hits self defense and standing takedowns.
I was looking for a place to learn more Jiu Jitsu well in Ohio for the summer and it blew my mind that I was able to find such a phenomenal school so close to home. Professor Matt Strack's perspective on BJJ is incredible and the way they teach is so clear and welcoming anyone will feel comfortable here!
Our family has been taking private lessons with Professor Strack for a year and a half, and it has been a great experience. His instruction is superb as he has uncanny ability to connect with young and old combined. We plan to continue for years to come! Awesome family time and would highly recommend to anyone!
A great community of people. You won't regret enrolling at Soma!
Professor is amazing and he is an outstanding teacher. Soma is a special place
I have been working with Professor Strack for several years. He is a top-notch instrucor, both knowledgeable and patient. Highly recommended.
Working in law enforcement you need to stay fit and be able to defend yourself. Professor is very knowledgeable and able to teach all levels and great training partners. Would recommend to anyone wanting to enhance their skills in fitness and self defense. Also able to train with individuals who compete in MMA to help in the cage. Excellent school!
I have not been to this Academy, however I have had the pleasure of attending seminars with Professor Matt Strack. If you want to develop your JiuJitsu this is the place to do it. I hope at some point I can make a trip to visit.
My brother talked me into going and I could not be happier! I have a new passion and can not wait to learn more from Professor Matt. Everyone is incredibly nice and I feel completely comfortable in the environment. If you are thinking about joining, you will not be disappointed. Side note: I am completely out of shape, not exactly graceful, and I am still having a blast!
You cannot get a better experience at Gracie Dayton! Professor Strack is extremely caring and knowledgable. He works very hard to ensure every student is comfortable and safe at all times. He has a deep understanding of Jiu Jitsu and his instruction is extremely detailed and well conveyed to students. Techniques are accessible and able to be modified for every individual. You MUST visit!
I've been training BJJ for ten years now and have worked with many different instructors over the years. Matt Strack is one of the very best instructors I've ever had the pleasure of learning from. He is a top notch Pedro Sauer black-belt. Matt is very detailed and technical in his approach. He breaks everything down to make learning easy and fun. Matt is kind, approachable and inviting of everyone to come and learn the art in a safe environment. Go give his class a try. I promise you will only wish you had started sooner.
I have had the absolute pleasure of training with Professor Matt Strack for 5 years and it was the best decision I have ever made. Professor Matt Strack is the only black belt instructor in Ohio to have trained directly under a student of Grandmaster Helio Gracie from blue belt to black belt and it shows with his understanding of the techniques and principles of Gracie Jiu-jitsu. It is a family friendly environment for people of all ages and provides and safe training environment for all students. If you are interested in Gracie Jiu-jitsu look no further than Soma Academy it is truly a unique experience from other jiu-jitsu academies
I'm a regular attendant at Matt's school in Oxford, I've been going for about 8 months, and I love it! Matt gives new students a free week to participate and see if you like the class, and everyone is welcome to sit and watch first, too. He makes a point of pairing new students with those who've been there and know what they're doing, and if you need help with a move he's right there to walk you through it step by step, not to mention he sticks around for open mat after class if you need more help, and all the other students are friendly and willing to help you learn as well. He's very knowledgeable, if something isn't working for you, he's able to point out exactly what's going wrong and can help you fix it or provide an appropriate alternative.
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