Iowa Martial Arts & Wellness Center
About
Iowa Martial Arts & Wellness Center offers a comprehensive range of martial arts disciplines including MMA, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and karate. The gym is family owned and operated, with a strong focus on both kids programs and adult training teams. Members consistently highlight the high level instruction across all disciplines, particularly noting the quality of Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing classes that are well organized and effectively run.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the family owned and operated nature of the gym, specifically mentioning Professor Charles and the Heller family for creating a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Reviewers highlight exceptional coaching quality across disciplines, with particular emphasis on Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing instruction that leaves them feeling more knowledgeable and confident after each session. Multiple members describe feeling instantly welcomed and belonging from their first visit, with teammates and coaches stopping to help whenever needed. The only minor concern mentioned was a missed photo opportunity at a competition, but this was framed as the reviewer's own regret rather than a criticism of the gym.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Andrea Green
2 years ago
Absolutely amazing đź‘Ź we love IMA, come check it out if you're looking for a gym
Cody Weaver
5 months ago
A family owned and operated gym with an incredible kids program and an adult team to match. Go give em a shot, first class is free!
Derek Washenberger
4 years ago
If you’re in Des Moines you must check out what the Heller family has going on here. High level Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and everything in between. Check them out!
ken Carter
2 months ago
I'm not from Iowa but I wanted to give a review. In November one of their students and coaches came to our state to compete and I can say that the passion, direction and motivation this coach gave his student was awesome. Not only that but when his kid was not on the mat he would coach and provide pointers to other kids who did not have a coach on the mat. My only regret is I promised this coach that we would take a photo together so we could all remember the good times but I had to change into my gi and could not find them after. For that I'm sorry but I'm sure he understands. God speed to your gym.
K W
2 years ago
Oh where do I even begin?! Professor Charles, and his entire family are absolutely amazing. This applies to teaching Jiu Jitsu/kickboxing, but more importantly, who they all are as people! They are a wonderful/kind family, and I look forward to catching up with all of them whenever we make the trip to Des Moines. Now back to the gym, the classes are awesome, they are ran well, and everyone, teammates included, will stop what they are doing to help you whenever you need it. My first time I was there, I was so nervous, but everyone made me feel like I had been going there for years. I have never walked into a room full of people like that and felt like I instantly belonged. It was the most amazing feeling I could have ever felt! We have made a few trips as a family for classes, personal sessions, and have enjoyed every trip. We always leave with more knowledge/confidence/and an overall feeling of happiness and are always counting down to the next trip! I absolutely love how they run it as a family, and how they work as a family. All of them bring something different/absolutely special to the gym. They absolutely make you feel like family when you are there and there really is no better feeling than that! I highly recommend them, all day, every day!