U A Jiu Jitsu
About
U A Jiu Jitsu in Columbus, OH offers comprehensive training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA, with a coaching team that includes multiple high-level black belts. The instructors, led by Tony Zara and Dave Tabron, bring extensive pedigrees under respected lineage holders like Jeff Hudson, Relson Gracie, and Robin Geisler. The gym provides a balanced curriculum that includes BJJ technique, wrestling, women's self-defense, and yoga, catering to practitioners of all skill levels and body types.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe U A Jiu Jitsu as having exceptionally knowledgeable and patient instructors who create a welcoming environment for beginners. Reviewers consistently praise the ego-free, collaborative atmosphere where everyone supports each other's success. Specific mentions highlight Dave Tabron's leadership, the personalized attention from instructors and higher belts, and the comfortable experience for smaller female practitioners. Members appreciate the blend of self-defense and BJJ technique, the quality of instruction, and the variety of training partners available.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Russell Varner
4 years ago
This place great! I’ve been training for about a month now and love it. The instructors are very knowledgeable and super nice dudes, not to mention patient with the new students like myself. At first I was very intimidated by the idea of starting Jiu Jitsu. But that quickly went away after my few classes. Everyone is super nice and inviting. No egos or meatheads here. I would encourage anyone who wants to learn Jiu Jitsu, try UA!
Jenna Bartola
2 years ago
Dave has a great place on Indianola. Jiu jitsu for all sizes and helps you modify to your skill level and body type. Very friendly and open environment, good gangster rap for open mat. Highly recommend!
David Patton
7 years ago
This is a great place to train. The instructors are knowledgeable and create a great learning environment. Also, the class sizes are not too big so you get a lot of personal instruction. Great place to start your journey and the first class is free, so if you are new and want to try it out or get a feel for the place you get that opportunity.
samuel ellis
2 years ago
I highly recommend Gracie UA. Wonderful community and instructors welcomed me as a novice- very congenial atmosphere. Nice blend of self-defense and BJJ technique. I’m very pleased with the personalized attention I receive from the instructors and higher belts. Everyone in the room wants everyone else to succeed, lending to a super-collaborative mood. NoGi grappling also accessible here.
Laura Giese
7 years ago
I've been training here for 3ish years and absolutely love it. The instruction is top-notch, there is always a wide range of talent in the room, and the folks all fun to roll with. As an smaller female white belt it's important to feel safe and comfortable and I certainly do training here. I would highly recommend giving the place a try, if you are just starting you'll be in great hands and if you are a higher belt you'll find a lot of great rolls and instruction.
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:15 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 – 6:45 PM, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Tony Zara
BJJ Instructor
5 stripe Black Belt under Jeff Hudson/Robin Geisler
Training since 1999. Great at breaking complex techniques down into simple parts.
Dave Tabron
BJJ Instructor / Women's Self Defense Instructor
5 stripe Black Belt under Relson Gracie/Robin Geisler
Training since 1999. Active competitor, competition coach. Expert in Gracie self-defense and women's self-defense.
Derek Oney
BJJ / Wrestling Instructor
Black Belt under Robin Geisler/Tony Zara
Division I state wrestling runner-up. Wrestled at Ohio University. Experienced wrestling coach.
Chris Bernard
BJJ Instructor
Black Belt
Comfortable training with or without the Gi. Specializes in techniques that work for both.
Ryan McClure
BJJ / Wrestling Instructor
Black Belt
Strong wrestling background. Cross-trains his sons in jiu-jitsu and wrestling.
Micheal Carta
BJJ Instructor
Brown Belt
Ian Overking
BJJ Instructor
Brown Belt
Matt Rigney
BJJ Instructor
Jessica
Yoga Instructor
David Venne
BJJ Instructor