Roll Model Grappling Academy

1140 N State Rd 135 p, Greenwood, IN 46142, USA

4.9 (27 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Judo MMA Self-Defense

Classes

Adults Classes Black Belt Instruction Private Lessons

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

Jiu-Jitsu: Roll Model Grappling Academy welcomes you to join our family of athletes. At our Greenwood, academy, we value you!

Reviews

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Fran Steele

Super welcoming bunch of people, loved trying some classes and will be back in the future!

Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Kyle Duquette

An inclusive, friendly, and talented group of people that definitely will get you comfortable learning martial arts. If you're hesitant about starting, go do a trial class and see how welcoming the community of people is!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Lukas Nilsson

As of the time that I'm writing this review, I've been doing it for only a few months, and I LOVE it!!! They are very welcoming! It doesn't matter if you're a newcomer or if you're experienced. I've been recommending this specific gym to just about anybody I talk to, I love this place!!! The coaches are very kind and non-judgmental. If I don't really know what to do or how to do it the correct way, they are very helpful without any issues! In my opinion, it's a great workout! Whether you want to do this for a workout, or self defense, or just for fun, this is the place to go! Whenever I'm feeling frustrated or upset, and I go here, I always leave in a better mood! I definitely recommend this place! 10/10

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Sarah Goodwin

My son Kameron and our family have felt nothing but love, encouragement and support within this community of role models. Being complete beginners in this sport was nerve wrecking in itself. Not having the knowledge of the terms or understanding of how to help our boy strive was intimidating alone. A.J head coach is an all star and many of the staff have taken us in like their own, we so appreciate that! I can truly say, you won’t be disappointed by joining this amazing talented group of people!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Liz Solie

I love this gym and the sense of community it has. I have always been a larger person, and it has made going to any type of gym a challenge as I always felt judged. That is not the case here. Thanks to this gym, I feel more in tune with my body than ever. Learning BJJ as a queer woman has been so empowering. I feel like I have better control of my reactions. The classes are wonderful, and everyone from the coaches to the upper belts will help you if you are struggling with something. This gym is really do what you can. I had a hip injury for about 8 months, and I still felt safe to come and try things in class and even do rounds with people. The people here, from coaches to teammates, care about you and want you to succeed. I am always learning something new in class and hope to be a member of this gym for years to come.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Petra Russell

I can not say enough good things about RMGA! I did a fair amount of gym shopping before I decided to make this my gym home. The amount that Coaches AJ and Risser have taught me in my two years there are unparalleled. They work really hard to make the environment a safe and welcoming space for all people in the community and truly have made the gym a family. I mean, how many other gyms can you tell your professors you want to go to a seminar for your birthday and they go WITH YOU to help you celebrate? The kids' classes are super informative and all of the kids' coaches are extremely patient. The women's classes include ALL women and ensure a safe space, and allow us extra training time. The adult BJJ and kickboxing classes are extremely informative and technical. I always leave with something new to put in my toolbox. The coaches are really big on sportsmanship and teach their students how to behave with dignity and grace. Our competitors usually leave competitions friends with their opponents...and we have people from all over the country join us to train throughout the year! The things I have learned here have elevated my competition and my training more than any other gym I trained at in the area. 10/10, if you're shopping for a gym, this is the place to look.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Emerson Harper

Roll model grappling is a wonderful gym. The coaches genuinely care about members and will go above and beyond to meet individual needs. Finding a gym that is queer friendly is really difficult, especially in Indiana, but AJ and Risser welcomed me (and many other folks in our community) with open arms. I honestly don't even go that often, but when I'm there I feel like I've found a community where I belong...not because of my skill level, but because of who I am.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Megan Thixton

I have trained kickboxing here since June of 2023 and BJJ since January of this year. The environment is so welcoming, and all of the coaches are wonderful! When I joined, I was at a pretty low point in life, having recently come out of a divorce, and I feel like I've found real community here. This has become one of my favorite places to be. If you're looking for a place to learn martial arts in a real environment of learning, this is it!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Nicholas Sparzo

In my two years at Roll Model Grappling Academy, to say I have grown is quite the understatement. Physically, I feel in the best shape I have been in since high school. Everything from my weight and muscle mass to my blood pressure and heart rate have improved. I feel capable of handling myself in a hostile situation, and am always learning new techniques in the exciting world of Brazilian Ju Jitsu. Mentally, I have also seen improvement in my concentration and problem-solving abilities. The classes at Roll Model teach you to keep your mind focused in the most uncomfortable of predicaments, utilizing your body and brain together to accomplish your goals. These teachings have manifested themselves both at work and in school. While the above are reason enough to come to this wonderful organization, the real source of Roll Model’s greatness is the community. Nowhere else have I seen such a beautiful mosaic of people from different backgrounds and experiences and identities come together in love, fun, and support of one another. The friends and family I have made at this gym have made me a better person, a better friend. This culture is thanks to our outstanding owners and head coaches, Aj and Risser. On top of holding a wealth of knowledge in BJJ Kickboxing, amateur wrestling, etc., you will be hard pressed to find two people with kinder hearts. Their admiration and pride they have for the community they have built is as palpable as it is infectious. No matter your age, shape, or skill level, they are excited to meet you and help you develop into a better version of yourself at whatever pace and style meets your needs. In short, I can’t think of a better use of somebody’s free time in all of Greenwood.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Nick Gardner

I have only done three classes (so far) but I absolutely love this place. I cannot imagine a more welcoming space. I have never done any kind of martial art or sport before, so I am literally starting at 0 knowledge. Coach AJ has made me feel very safe and welcomed, and everyone has been extraordinarily kind and patient with me as I learn. I am very out of my comfort zone, but I have a great time and lots of laughs (and an amazing workout!)

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Teddy Wilhelm

Absolutely phenomenal coaches!!!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Becca Reynolds

Coach AJ and Coach Risser are extremely knowledgeable and care a ton about the kiddos (and their families) in their program. I'm so glad to find a place that fosters discipline and teamwork so my kids don't turn out looking like Cobra Kai.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Janice Lamm

Everyone here is so nice and patient with a newbie! That is in addition to being so accepting of all people.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Sandy Wave

Great owners, great customers, great energy. %110 recommend I’ve done every sport I can get my hands on for my entire life, boxing for about 6-7 years? And BJJ for 2. I’ve been to three BJJ gyms in the area. I started attending this one for the WOMENS ONLY CLASS. And I love it! There’s so many women that attend classes plus there’s always new faces and visitors. Come join all the new faces! It’s so welcoming and enjoyable! THE TEACHING IS: #1 IN A GREAT ENVIRONMENT. The teachers are relaxed, professional, and somehow always happy people. #2 VERY TECHNICAL. It’s competition and point based teaching which imo is rare. I love knowing in my head how the people who compete think a move will go. #3 GREAT PACING. They give gentle pressure for those who are shy or cautious. They know who’s personality needs to be pushed hard, and when to allow someone breathing room and breaks for someone struggling with a new move. This is extremely rare! It feels like you’re in a one on one session because they see and acknowledge everyone in class as an individual pace. It’s amazing. And for me it really helps me fully settle into new moves. Even though here I’m learning things with so much more specific detail than I’ve had for other places. I was always pretty excluded in my first main bjj gym for being one of the females. In typical mma or bjj gyms you’re just not gonna blend as well as a guy would, and that’s just how it is. These classes that aren’t male based have really shown me that I can enjoy much more than I typically do. There’s just something great about it. Great owners, great customers, great energy. %110 recommend

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Photogenic Ferrets

We are new to BJJ, but my son is already in love with it! Thank you A.J. and Jen for being open minded, open hearted people. Would absolutely recommend! Plus, LGBTQA community friendly! Everyone is welcomed. That means so much to our family.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Jennifer Tuttle

Roll Model is a great place to train! Very open and inclusive environment with friendly and knowledgeable coaches.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Ian Williams

Community is huge for me in a gym atmosphere and Roll Model Grappling Academy couldn't be more welcoming. The facility is very clean and the instruction is phenomenal. This place is a breath of fresh air in the often macho martial arts world. I've trained here for over a year and plan to stay as long as I can. I love the environment, training, and the people!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Matt Clark

Awesome and inclusive atmosphere! My stepdaughter and I have both trained here. She absolutely adores the instructors. She also did their camp over the Summer and had a blast and learned a lot.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Mariah Williamson

This is a wonderful place filled with excellent instructors and welcoming people. I love training here. Come join our team!!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Jessica Jones

Our whole family trains here. The best thing about RMGA is the people, and when looking for a gym you understand that the culture of a place can really make or break you. As far as martial arts gyms go, this team will put your personal goals first. Everyone is encouraged to compete but you will not find a more supportive place to train whatever your needs or abilities are.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
jve153

Great coaches. Awesome students. Extremely welcoming environment. If you're thinking about trying jiu-jitsu, come out and roll.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Victoria Sampson

This academy has a strong sense of community. I have always felt welcomed. I have been training a little over a year now and I love it. I started with their 30 day free trial and by the 3rd day I made the decision to join the gym. The coaches are so amazing and they dedicate themselves to helping you improve and get where you want to go.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Madaline Hensley

If you’re looking for a gym (which I assume you are, which is why your looking at the reviews) the two most important things to consider is quality instruction and quality training partners (usually the result of quality instruction) this gym has both in spades. You’ll notice a reoccurring theme in most reviews….welcoming. Starting is the hardest part of jujitsu. Aj and her team will get you hooked!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Anne Porter

I’ve been training here consistently for the past 3 and a half years and it’s become like a second home to me. When I first started coming in everyone was super welcoming and patient while showing me how things work. Super good people, great coaches, great training and they have lots of classes for people at all skill levels. Highly recommend coming in for a visit!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago