Team Chitwood Martial Arts & Fitness
About
Team Chitwood Martial Arts & Fitness offers comprehensive training in multiple disciplines including MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and judo. The gym features an exceptionally experienced coaching staff led by Shawn Chitwood, a 6th-degree black belt in Combat Jujitsu, with many instructors holding multiple black belts and specialized backgrounds in law enforcement, military operations, and competitive achievements. Members consistently describe the facility as clean with quality mats, and they appreciate the methodical, technique-based instruction that accommodates all skill levels from beginners to advanced practitioners.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe Team Chitwood as a phenomenal training environment with exceptionally experienced instructors, many of whom have trained with Shawn Chitwood for 15-20 years. Reviewers consistently praise the welcoming, family-like atmosphere, technical instruction quality, and clean facilities with great mats. Specific coaches mentioned positively include Shawn Chitwood, Mark Hartsough, and the entire teaching team. Members report feeling humbled by the advanced level of training, appreciate the methodical approach, and note significant improvements in fitness and self-defense capabilities.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Ryan Gill
a year ago
Joined Team Chitwood about 6 weeks ago and my only regret is that I didn’t sooner. This is a phenomenal place to train and develop if you like to be surrounded by an unbelievably experienced and talented group of practitioners. I found that most if not all the black belts that train here, started with Shawn 15-20 years ago, and stayed and all help with teaching. The instruction is great and the lessons are well thought out. It’s been a humbling experience having trained for a year and a half elsewhere. This is just another league. It feels like one big family.
Nate Evans
4 months ago
Prof Chitwood and his team are welcoming, beyond knowledgeable in all ways BJJ, and the training exceptional. I could not be more happy with the training Prof Chitwood and his team are providing. If you are considering learning BJJ, and want to grow in your confidence and ability to defend yourself and your loved ones, Team Chitwood Martial Arts & Fitness is the place to accomplish those goals. Would HIGHLY recommend!
Alex Knipe
6 months ago
Great body of people. Learn every time I go. Has helped me get back in shape. Shawn is genuine with his efforts to help. Good lineage very methodical and technique based.
Jesse Crawford
3 years ago
I was in town for work and spoke with Shawn about dropping in to train. He couldn’t have been nicer. Everyone was very welcoming and the facility was very clean with great mats. Mark was the instructor. Great guy who taught a very technical class with some good details. Quality rolls and I would recommend this place to anyone looking to train as a drop in or as a permanent school. Will definitely be back when traveling through for business. Thank you again Team Chitwood!
Paul Knipe
a year ago
Good school with skilled practitioners. Shawn does a good job training all the different levels. There are many military and 1st responders in his classes. As a Marine and long-time Martial Artist, I was very impressed.
Contact
7719 Graphics Wy. e2, Lewis Center, OH 43035, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 – 7:30 AM, 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 – 7:30 AM, 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Shawn Chitwood
CEO & Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt – Combat Jujitsu, 5th Degree Black Belt – Gracie Jiu-jitsu, 2nd Degree Black Belt – Judo
Professor and champion black belt instructor. Part of the founding leadership team.
Craig Chitwood
Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt – Combat Jujitsu, 3rd Degree Black Belt – Gracie Jiu-jitsu
Professor and champion black belt instructor. Part of the founding leadership team.
Neil Chitwood
Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt – Combat Jujitsu, 3rd Degree Black Belt – Gracie Jiu-jitsu, 1st Degree Black Belt – Judo
Colonel and champion black belt instructor. Part of the founding leadership team.
Amy Sesco
Senior Kids & Teens Instructor
1st degree Brown Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher
Instructor based in Lexington.
Melissa Carr
Senior Kid-jitsu Instructor
Brown Belt – Sport Jujitsu, 3rd Degree Brown Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Multiple National & World Champion
Instructor based in Lewis Center. 2019 WCJO World Sport Jujitsu Champion, multiple Arnold Classic Grappling Champion.
Justin Wehr
Professor
3rd Degree Black Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, 1st Degree Black Belt – Combat Jujitsu, IBJJF & Arnold Classic Gold Medalist
Professor at Lexington Academy. Multiple-time IBJJF medalist and champion.
John "Chief" Belford
Coach
1st Degree Black Belt – Combat Jujitsu, Black Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Career Law Enforcement, Military Special Operations Veteran
Coach based in Lewis Center. OPOTA Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor.
Mark Hartsough
Coach
1st Degree Black Belt – Combat Jujitsu, 1st Black Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Coach based in Lewis Center.
DJ Knoedler
Coach
1st Black Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Former Secret Service Agent, Police Officer
Coach based in Lewis Center.
John Kim
Coach
2nd degree Black Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Police Officer
Coach based in Lewis Center.
Wayne Liggett
Professor
3rd Degree Black Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, 1st Degree Black Belt – Combat Jujitsu, Detective
Professor based in Marion.
Matt Davis
Coach
Black Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Coach based in Lewis Center.
Shane O'Connor
Teen Instructor
1st Degree Black Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Police Officer, Middle School Resource Officer
Teen Instructor based in Lewis Center.
Chris Tedjeske
Coach
Black Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, 3rd Degree Black Belt – Combat jujitsu
Coach based in Lexington for Combat Jujitsu.
AJ Sander
Coach
4th degree Purple Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, High School Teacher
Coach based in Lewis Center.
Jen Miller
Coach
4th Degree Purple Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Coach based in Lewis Center.
Jason Kline
Coach
Black Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Coach based in Marion.
Emma Kline
Coach
Purple Belt – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Coach based in Lexington.