Lexington Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
About
Lexington Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness offers training in mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the guidance of a highly credentialed coaching team. The gym is led by owner and head coach Michael Seals, a third-degree black belt, and features nine additional black belt instructors, including Derek Ruiz, Matt Silimperi, George Birk, Paul Riley, Chris Sizemore, Jessie McDonald, and Paul Hogan, along with brown belt instructor Mark Kerris and yoga instructor Henry Huffines. This depth of expertise ensures that members receive attentive, knowledgeable instruction across all skill levels.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe Lexington Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness as an incredibly welcoming and professional environment where even first-timers feel immediately at ease. They consistently praise the knowledgeable, supportive instructors, with specific mention of owner Michael Seals' cheerful demeanor and the multiple black belts available to help during classes. Reviewers highlight the clean, immaculate facility featuring soft, bouncy mats, and appreciate the non-judgmental, respectful vibe that makes training enjoyable for all experience levels. Many note significant personal growth, such as increased confidence, particularly for young female members, and emphasize that the community goes out of its way to make everyone feel included.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Brianne
a month ago
Safe environment and objectively a really great place to learn. Everyone goes out of their way to make you feel welcome and the facility is immaculate. If you’re apprehensive about trying the sport I’d recommend coming by for an intro class, this is definitely the school to learn from.
Kimberly DeRossett
3 years ago
Thoroughly impressed!!! If you’re looking for a clean, professional, non-judgmental environment to learn and grow your jiu-jitsu fitness goals, this is your place. My husband has always spoke so highly of the owners and their extensive knowledge. Recently, our teenage daughter started taking jiu-jitsu lessons so I popped by to see her progress. Wow!! Not only has she learned so much, but she has gained even more confidence as a young female!! While I’m sure this is the go-to place for many seasoned athletes, don’t be intimated if you’re just starting out! 5 out of 5!!!!
Antonio Towner
2 years ago
I'm in town for afew days and wanted to get some training in.First impression wow super new and clean looking . Huge nice mat on springs. So super soft and bouncy for throws. One of the coaches saw me at the kiosk signing in and paying . He came and introduced himself and showed me around and introduced me to others. Class was great coach was attentive . Everyone was very welcoming and nice.
Kendall Hyatt
11 months ago
I’d give this place 10 stars if I could! I was super intimidated to try BJJ for the first time, but the moment I walked in, all of that melted away. The instructors are incredible—knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely kind. And the people training here? Just as amazing. There’s such a welcoming, respectful vibe in the space that makes you feel safe and seen, no matter your experience level. So grateful to have found this place. 💛
Muadh G
8 months ago
An incredibly well run gym; easily the best gym I have ever trained at. The classes are always on time, the gym is always clean, and at any given class there are multiple black belts ready to jump in to answer questions. The culture cultivated by the gym is very friendly, welcoming, and fun. The owner, Michael, is always smiling! He's such a cheery and happy guy. We've diagnosed him with RSF: Resting Smiling Face.
Contact
931 National Ave, Lexington, KY 40502, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Derek Ruiz
Instructor
Black Belt, 1st Degree
Skillful, playful, world-wise. 21+ years on the mats.
Matt Silimperi
Instructor
Black Belt, 2nd Degree
Math teacher by day. 17+ years on the mat.
George Birk
Instructor
Black Belt
Architect. Helps with competition training program. 11+ years on the mats.
Henry Huffines
Instructor
200 RYT
Guides the 'Bulletproof for BJJ' class, drawing on yogic principles to warm-up, strengthen and mobilize.
Michael Seals
Head Coach / Owner
Black Belt, 3rd Degree
Masters of Science in Athletic Training, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. 17+ years on the mat.
Mark Kerris
Instructor
Brown Belt
8+ years on the mats.
Paul Riley
Instructor
Black Belt, 1st Degree
18+ years on the mats.
Chris Sizemore
Instructor
Black Belt, 1st degree
Balances the clear patience of a teacher and the intensity of a competitor. 18+ years on the mat.
Jessie McDonald
Instructor
Black Belt, 1st Degree
Chemistry professor. Authentic and tenacious. 16+ years on the mat. Leads Women's Jiu-Jitsu.
Paul Hogan
Instructor
Black Belt, 1st Degree
Head coach at Bourbon Submission Academy in Paris, Kentucky. 14+ years on the mat.