Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu School in Cedar Rapids
At Tipping Point Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we pride ourselves on being the premier destination for martial arts instruction in Cedar Rapids. Founded in 2006 by John Gutta, a pioneer in Iowa's BJJ community, our academy has trained students of all experience levelsfrom complete beginners to elite competitors. Our programs emphasize self-defense, physical fitness, and character development in a welcoming environment. With a team of world-class instructors, including Iowa's first female BJJ black belt Claire North, we offer tailored classes for adults, women, and children. Our technical approach combines rigorous training with analytical instruction to foster mental and physical growth.Students benefit from a supportive community where newcomers feel at home and seasoned practitioners achieve new milestones. We maintain strong ties to competitive circuits, with instructors and alumni medaling at international events like the IBJJF World Championships. Our facility serves Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha residents, providing accessible, high-quality martial arts education. Whether pursuing fitness, self-defense, or competitive excellence, our academy equips students with lifelong skills through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Services
Adult Classes
Women's Program
Kids' Jiu Jitsu
Fundamentals Training
Advanced Techniques
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer structured programs for all experience levels from beginners to black belt competitors
- Our instructors include Iowa's first female BJJ black belt and international medalists
- We provide a welcoming environment with no cliques or intimidation for newcomers
- Our curriculum combines technical precision with practical self-defense applications
- We serve Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha communities with convenient class schedules
What people say
Welcoming environment
Helpful coaches
Perfect for newcomers
Super nice community
No intimidation
Services
Adult Classes
Structured Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction for adults at all experience levels. Our curriculum develops technical proficiency, physical conditioning, and self-defense capabilities. Classes blend fundamental techniques with advanced strategies for continuous skill progression in a supportive environment.
Women's Program
Specialized classes led by Iowa's first female BJJ black belt. This program combines sport techniques with practical self-defense training in a women-only environment. Participants build confidence, physical fitness, and practical defense skills through structured instruction.
Kids' Jiu Jitsu
Age-appropriate martial arts training for children aged 5+. Our program develops discipline, respect, and self-confidence through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals. Classes focus on character development while teaching technical skills in a safe, engaging environment.
People
John Gutta
Head Coach
Black belt since 2016 and Iowa's BJJ pioneer with 15+ years experience. Former University of Iowa coach and Miletich Fighting Systems instructor. Holds multiple international championship titles and develops elite competitors.
Claire North
Women's Program Head Coach
Iowa's first female BJJ black belt since 2019 with multiple international podium finishes. Combines clinical pharmacy expertise with martial arts instruction. Creates engaging, empowering training experiences for women practitioners.
Questions
Is prior martial arts experience required to join?
No experience necessary. Our fundamentals classes cater to complete beginners with no prior training.
What age groups do you offer classes for?
We provide programs for children aged 5+, adults of all experience levels, and specialized women's classes.
Can I try a class before committing?
Yes! We offer a free trial class for all new students to experience our training environment.
What makes your instructors qualified?
Our instructors include Iowa's first female BJJ black belt and international competitors with decades of combined experience.
Do you offer competitive training programs?
Yes, we train students from white belt fundamentals through advanced competition strategies for black belt competitors.
Reviews (6)
Chas L.
Dec 18, 2021
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Coming in town to visit family I wanted to check out a gym to get some training in. This is a GREAT gym for anyone that wants to venture in BJJ. Professor John is a phenomenal instructor. He teaches in a very clear, easily understandable, while giving reasons as to why things are done, so that all levels of students will gain an incredible amount of knowledge. I cant recommend this gym enough. If you live in town and want to try out BJJ, go to this gym. If you are in town visiting and want to train, go to this gym.
GF Team/Houston TX/Blue Belt
GF Team/Houston TX/Blue Belt
Andrew Maixner
Dec 02, 2021
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Been going to the beginner classes for a couple months now, and they've been great in terms of instruction, as well as a great workout that's much more exciting than jogging!
Evan Selsor
Nov 22, 2021
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I've been training at Tipping Point for just over 7 months. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in trying Jiu Jitsu. The instructors are amazing, always willing to work with you, even after class has finished up. The training partners range anywhere from world class competitors coming 5-7 days a week to casual participants showing up a couple days a week, and the same amount of respect and care is given to everyone. Walking into my first class at Tipping Point was one of the best decisions of my life.
Kyle Selsor
Nov 17, 2021
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I have been training at tipping point for about eight months now. The instructors are amazing as well as being world class competitors in the sport. The members range from world champions to casual practitioners that show up a few days a week. No matter what skill level the person, everyone is treated with respect. I have gotten a lot of help from both instructors and upper belts during and out side of scheduled class times. I highly recommend tipping point and giving jiu jitsu a try.
Bryan Peterson
Nov 14, 2021
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I can't say enough great things about Tipping Point as a BJJ gym. There's training for all levels, for hobbyists and world champions, and an incredibly welcoming environment. A absolute must for anyone interested in jiu jitsu.
MarinheiroTX
Nov 04, 2021
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Planned on checking out multiple gyms to find the right place to train. Went here first and decided this was the one. All the instructors are great at explaining technique and details of application. More importantly, the advanced students trained respectfully and with teaching in mind when rolling(sparring) with new students. How advanced people treat new students says a lot about a gym's culture, and i saw the right things at Tipping Point. Been all positive. Highly recommend.
