What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (a.k.a. BJJ) is the art of grappling involving takedowns, positional control, and submissions. Academic Grappling BJJ is located inside KruFit and is perfect for fitness, competition, or self-defense training.
Academic Grappling BJJ Class Descriptions
Gi BJJ
This class focuses mainly on the sport aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and will help familiarize Jiu-Jitsu practitioners with the positions, purpose, and concepts of the sport. Each class consists of a warm-up, learning and drilling new techniques, and either live rolling (sparring) or positional sparring. A BJJ gi is required for this class.
No-Gi BJJ
The material covered in this class is almost identical to the Gi BJJ class with the exception of uniform requirements. Instead of a Jiu-Jitsu gi, students will be asked to wear grappling shorts and a rashguard, or some other type of compression gear.
Here’s what our members have to say!
“Coach Jared’s instruction is beyond phenomenal. I’m a novice and he breaks down everything incredibly well. I find myself improving with every single class. More importantly, Coach Jared maintains a fun, kind, inclusive, and welcoming gym culture for EVERYONE. If you’re looking for an incredibly warm group of folks to train BJJ with, Academic Grappling is it.”
– Felicia S. (via Facebook)
“Coach Jared has really made academic grappling a special place to learn BJJ. He makes every student feel welcomed and tailors his class to your needs, whether it’s to learn Jiu-Jitsu as a casual hobby or for those that want to compete at the highest level. The community that Coach Jared has created is something else that you will not find elsewhere in Indianapolis!”
– Max Y. (via Google)
“This is one of the best gyms I have ever been to. The head coach has won national and international events. The coaches are kind, intelligent, and courteous. The gym has a great congenial atmosphere and works for competitors and hobbyists alike.”
– Wes S. (via Google)
Ready to check out KruFit for yourself?
Schedule your free trial class now!
Meet Your BJJ Head Coach
Jared Loper
Hi, my name is Jared Loper and I established Academic Grappling BJJ in 2021. Our program provides premium Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a safe, inclusive environment for all to participate without fear of prejudice.
I began training Jiu-Jitsu in a garage in Idaho back in 2010 while I was attending college. From that garage, I earned my blue belt and began coaching the BJJ club at my university in 2011.
Before Jiu-Jitsu, my background was wrapped up in traditional martial arts like Taekwondo but I felt they were lacking when it came to a sense of realism around actual fighting. This led me to learn BJJ for self-defense, which then led to my interest in it as a sport.
Here are some of my achievements as a BJJ competitor:
- International BJJ Federation (IBJJF) Champion: Cincinnati x 2, Tokyo, American National, and Asia
- IBJJF Silver Medalist: Tokyo, American National
- IBJJF Bronze Medalist: Cincinnati, Chicago
- Sport Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) Champion and Silver Medalist: Tianjin, China
- Other Championships: Naga x 3, Newbreed, Montana Grappling, Champion Submissions Challenge, EGO
- Teacher of the Year: 2019-2020 (not BJJ-related exactly but I’m proud!)
I coach because I enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with other people, just as others have shared their experiences with me. I’ve been a public school teacher since 2012, so I love seeing others grow within a community where everyone values and uplifts each other. This kind of atmosphere is a big driving force for my coaching and teaching.
Academic Grappling is providing premium Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction while creating a safe, open environment for everyone. I hope you’ll visit us to try a free class soon!
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Why Train BJJ?
Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has numerous physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. Rolling and sparring make for an excellent workout while also sharpening your strategic thinking skills. The Academic Grappling program also fosters a healthy social environment so you’ll feel welcome no matter your skill level.
We offer training to individuals of all skill levels, body types, and experience. Whether you’ve previously been involved in a sport or not, we have exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to building a curriculum around you and your goals. You’ll gain self-confidence, learn new skills, make friends, and get in shape.
We are one of the most open, accepting gyms you will ever find. We have a culture committed to the values of caring for one another and using our various abilities and skills to uplift ourselves and our community. We pride ourselves on our individual and collective social justice efforts among the LGBT+ community and the BLM movement. Every month, a portion of our membership dues go towards sharing food, goods, clothing, and equipment with our unhoused neighbors. We don’t just speak our values, we embody them.
