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Arroyo Grappling Academy
5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Iowa City, Iowa
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule arroyograppling.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (319) 244-8250
Hours
| Monday | 6–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–9 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM |
The classes they run
“Whether you’re brand new to combat sports or have some experience, there’s something for everyone to be found here.”
“It’s an awesome place to learn jiu-jitsu as they are perfect for anyone trying to learn for whatever reason; self-defense, competition, MMA, and casual.”
“Great coaches That run the youth program worth signing up.”
Other martial arts here
“Arroyo grappling academy is professional and respectful and welcoming environment, Coach Danny Arroyo breaks down the techniques so everybody understands the movements.”
“It’s an awesome place to learn jiu-jitsu as they are perfect for anyone trying to learn for whatever reason; self-defense, competition, MMA, and casual.”
“Yet he always lifts you up even if you’re still improving on your folk style wrestling.”
What members say
“Blessed to have the opportunity to connect with different BJJ practitioners, and learn from Danny Arroyo, one of the best coaches in the Midwest region.”
“Arroyo grappling academy is professional and respectful and welcoming environment, Coach Danny Arroyo breaks down the techniques so everybody understands the movements.”
“Arroyo grappling academy is professional and respectful and welcoming environment, Coach Danny Arroyo breaks down the techniques so everybody understands the movements.”
“Arroyo grappling academy is professional and respectful and welcoming environment, Coach Danny Arroyo breaks down the techniques so everybody understands the movements.”
“It’s an awesome place to learn jiu-jitsu as they are perfect for anyone trying to learn for whatever reason; self-defense, competition, MMA, and casual.”
From the reviews
This place is awesome!!!! I can't think of a better environment to learn BJJ and self-defense. Danny arroyo, the instructor, is knowledgeable, professional, and super fun. Everyone here is focused and kind. I always look forward to my next class. Definitely give it a shot if you're looking for a place.
best jiujitsu place to learn about the harsh reality's of life, also jiujitsu. the people are free thinking and open minded, which is a surprise for the midwest.
I have been to many different gyms in my life, some very traditional Brazilian gyms some 10th planet style gyms. And what sets this gym apart is that those other gyms you were on a team and at arroyo you join a family. Everyone in the gym is incredibly hard working, and excellent at their craft.
Arroyo grappling academy is professional and respectful and welcoming environment, Coach Danny Arroyo breaks down the techniques so everybody understands the movements.its a great place to be, for getting fit to understanding self defence or competition. I would highly recommend this school.
New to muay thai? Start at Arroyo Grappling Academy
Arroyo Grappling Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at Arroyo Grappling Academy
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
