American Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai for the St. Louis Metro East. Kids and adult classes where everyone is accepted and creativity is encouraged. Start with a four-week trial.
From first-timers to competitors and kids — there's a class built for exactly where you are.
Kids Jiu Jitsu is a safe, aerobic workout that helps any child's health and fitness improve. Students develop body coordination and personal development while learning techniques they can adapt to a variety of opponents.
Our adult Jiu Jitsu classes teach universal concepts that apply to everyone training. Instruction covers both Gi and No-Gi formats for self-defense, competition, and law enforcement applications.
Our Muay Thai classes are all about two things: striking and fitness. We focus on the basics as you learn a productive skill that will improve your health and fitness.
HeadNod American Jiu Jitsu is a place where everyone is accepted and creativity is encouraged. Our unique approach lets students have fun and thrive — whether you're a kid taking your first class or an adult looking to get a great workout and learn a real skill. The journey started in a garage in 2002 when owner Josh McKinney and his father Steve began training together. Josh opened the first Granite City location in 2015, and HeadNod has since grown across the St. Louis Metro East with locations in Granite City, Jerseyville, and Edwardsville. Over the years we moved from a strictly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu curriculum to an American Jiu Jitsu centric system — teaching universal concepts and principles that apply to every student, in both Gi and No-Gi, for self-defense, competition, and law enforcement. Add our Muay Thai program and you've got a complete striking-and-grappling home for the whole family.
A coach who invests in how you learn
At HeadNod American Jiu Jitsu, our coaches are serious about being the best they can be — so they've joined a community of forward-thinking coaches, led by Greg Souders, who train with the constraints-led approach: a modern, games-based method grounded in motor-learning science. You learn by solving real problems on the mat — and build skill faster.
Owner and head coach. A black belt under UFC veteran Kyle Watson and a 16x IBJJF gold medalist, Josh has been competing since 2008. He started training in a garage with his father Steve in 2002 and opened the first HeadNod location in Granite City in 2015. "I really want HeadNod HQ to be a place where people come in after work, get a good workout, and have a blast doing it."
Co-founder and coach. A BJJ black belt under Kyle Watson with 25+ years in the fitness industry, Steve is a 1st Class Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and the 1990 Mr. Southern Illinois bodybuilding champion. He and his son Josh started the HeadNod journey together in 2002.
Coach. A black belt under Josh and Steve McKinney, Justin has been training since 2009 and is a Southeastern Jiu-Jitsu Super Fight Champion (2018).
Kids' and Muay Thai head coach. John leads the youth program and the striking classes, creating a space where people of all levels can learn, grow, and enjoy training.
Find a class that fits your week. New students and drop-ins always welcome.
Real training, real people. Tap any photo to take a closer look.
An absolutely fantastic gym with some really great people…I will definitely drop in every time I am in town! Thank you HeadNod HQ for an amazing time!
Love the Women's class. Awesome new friends, knowledgeable coaches, and an empowered mindset.
While traveling I stopped in for an afternoon class and I'm glad I did. The instruction covered concepts and technique. Everyone was very welcoming and kind.
The community here is extremely welcoming and friendly for all experience levels.
I visited HeadNod HQ last week and was very impressed with the high level of instruction, friendly students and the clean facilities.
Great group of people! This is a very family friendly and personable gym. Highly recommend if you are in the area looking to learn some jiujitsu.
Love this place and the people. Started training when the doors opened and still go multiple times a week.
John creates a space where people of all levels can learn, grow, and enjoy training again…Highly recommend for anyone looking for a supportive place to train!
Questions before your first class? Reach out — we're happy to help.
No contract. No commitment. Just come train with us for a week and see what modern grappling instruction feels like. If it's not for you, no hard feelings.
“An absolutely fantastic gym with some really great people…I will definitely drop in every time I am in town! Thank you HeadNod HQ for an amazing time!”
We'll reach out shortly to get you booked for your first free class. See you on the mats.
