Southside Martial Arts
About
Southside Martial Arts offers comprehensive MMA training with a focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and no-gi grappling programs. The gym provides structured classes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, with dedicated youth programs like the Future Grapplers class for children as young as four years old. Coaches emphasize proper technique and safety, ensuring students learn correctly while minimizing injury risk. Members consistently praise the patient, understanding approach to beginners and the effective methods used to teach children new skills in a supportive environment.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently describe a welcoming, family-like atmosphere where coaches and students are supportive and eager to help newcomers. They praise coach Nik specifically for his patience with beginners, skill with children, and genuine care for both students and the community. Parents highlight how effectively coaches engage young children, even those who are initially hesitant or energetic, creating a safe environment where they can learn proper technique. Reviewers emphasize the absence of egos and the strong sense of belonging, with many planning long-term training and recommending the gym highly for both learning and community connection.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Rachael Castle
2 years ago
Been going to Southside martial arts for awhile now. I was pretty nervous to go at first but they were all instantly very welcoming. Nik is a great coach and everyone there is willing to help with anything you may need!
Fabio Morescalchi
2 years ago
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Nik and his team at a seminar; a great coach that cares not only about his students; but about his community. I can highly recommend Southside as a place to as a place to learn but also connect with a team that cares about their students. You will find a place to belong. Fabio Morescalchi 2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt Owner Tensei Jiu-Jitsu
Hannah Stevens
2 months ago
I started by taking my son to their future grapplers class, and right away was welcomed with smiles and warmth. The coaches are kind and genuine people, so good with the littles! Fast forward some months and now Im going to 2 to 3 classes a week myself!
Haylie Emery
2 years ago
I started bringing my son, who is four years old, and a complete riot. He’s always full of energy but he’s also scared to do new things especially if it involves other kids he doesn’t know. His first night here the coaches got him to get on the mat and started teaching and he started learning! This is a very hard task at home. The coaches here are so amazing. They always look out for the young ones and teach them in a way they can learn and listen. They teach the correct way and make sure they are doing everything right so no one gets injured. I stay to watch my little one because I want to watch but I fully trust everyone here to be able to drop him off at class which is something huge. This is more than a class, this is a family.
Purely Potential
9 months ago
Started training Gi jiu jitsu and kickboxing here a few weeks ago (Will be starting no-gi jiu jitsu shortly as well.) I’m proud to call this place my home academy. Everybody is super welcoming. No egos. Just challenging, rewarding, hard work. Nik is great, very patient and understanding with beginners. He’s also great with kids. Looking forward to the next 20+ years of my life training here and hoping to get my son into training here when he becomes of age.
Contact
1028 S 22nd St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 6:00 AM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 3:00 – 5:00 PM