Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, wrestling & boxing in Kearney, NE — for total beginners to pro fighters. No experience needed; we meet you exactly where you are. Try a full week for $7.
From first-timers to competitors and kids — there's a class built for exactly where you are.
BJJ · Gi & No-Gi
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
All levels · Teens & adults
Gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu for every level, from your first day to the competition podium. Fundamentals, all-levels, and a constraints-led morning class.
Mixed Martial Arts
MMA & Fight Team
Beginner to pro
Striking, grappling, and wrestling brought together — from MMA fundamentals to the Kearney Fight Team for aspiring competitors.
Wrestling · Takedowns
Wrestling
Youth & adult · All levels
Takedowns, control, and top pressure — coached by state champions and a Division-I competitor. Youth groups plus an adult all-levels class.
Boxing · Striking
Boxing & Striking
Youth
Hands, footwork, and conditioning taught by a coach with 20+ years in the boxing world. Clean technique and real fitness.
Kids BJJ
Kids Jiu-Jitsu
Ages 4 – 13
Structured, coach-led jiu-jitsu that builds confidence, focus, and discipline — split by age group. Free no-gi class for the public on Fridays.
All disciplines
Member Open Mat
Members
Open training time to drill, roll, and put your game to the test with the rest of the team.
How we train
Trained The Modern Way
Our all-levels Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu runs on a constraints-led approach (CLA): less standing in line drilling a move fifty times, and more live, game-based problem-solving. You build skills that actually hold up against a resisting opponent — and you have a lot more fun doing it.
01
Game-based learning
Constrained games with a clear goal and a live partner, so you learn by solving real problems from day one.
02
Meet you where you are
Fundamentals and all-levels classes scale to every student — brand new or seasoned competitor.
03
Built for the real thing
Skill that adapts under pressure, instead of memorized sequences that fall apart the moment a roll goes off-script.
About
Why train at Kearney Combat Sports & Fitness
Kearney Combat Sports & Fitness has been Kearney, Nebraska's home for combat sports since 2016. We train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (gi and no-gi), MMA, wrestling, and boxing under one roof — a complete program for everyone from total beginners to professional fighters on the Kearney Fight Team. You don't need any experience or athletic background to start: our fundamentals and all-levels classes are built to meet you exactly where you are. Sign the waiver, borrow a loaner gi, and get on the mats. We're also a proud We Defy–approved training facility, supporting veterans on and off the mat.
A coach who invests in how you learn
At Kearney Combat Sports & Fitness, 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 trainer at Kearney Combat Sports. A purple belt under Greg Lawson with 16 years of mixed martial arts experience, including jiu-jitsu and amateur MMA. Richard leads the youth BJJ programs and is head coach of the Kearney Fight Team.
Alexander Weaver
Black Belt
A black belt under Carlos Machado with over 9 years on the mats and a long-time KCS coach. Alex assists the youth BJJ programs, is a certified personal trainer, and is available for private and semi-private sessions.
Rachel Silverman
Brown Belt
A brown belt under Felipe Fogolin (Triunfo BJJ), training gi and no-gi since 2016, with a PhD in Sport Management. An active competitor with wins at IBJJF, JJWL, and Tap Cancer Out, Rachel teaches youth and adult classes and offers privates.
Jose Hernandez
Purple Belt · Pro MMA
A purple belt under Richard Barajas and an active professional MMA fighter holding multiple titles in his division. Jose heads the adult MMA fundamentals program and the youth wrestling program, developing aspiring fighters toward the KCS fight team.
Dante Rodriguez
Blue Belt · IBJJF World Champ
A 3x Nebraska state wrestling champion, 2014 USA World Junior Greco team member, and Division-I national qualifier who won the IBJJF Blue Belt World Championship in 2021. Dante coaches adult and youth wrestling and the fight team’s grappling.
Chelsea Ruiz
Purple Belt
Head of Marketing & Member Services and the first face you see at KCS — your go-to for memberships, payments, and scheduling. A purple belt under Richard Barajas training since 2019, Chelsea also assists the youth and adult programs.
Juan Arredondo
Striking Coach
Assistant striking coach with over 20 years in boxing, coaching since 1995. Juan has helped train Silver Gloves, Golden Gloves, and professional fighters, specializing in mitt work, stance, and footwork. He leads youth boxing and assists the MMA fundamentals program and fight team.
Garret Kluthe
Blue Belt · Amateur MMA
A two-time state wrestling medalist and multiple-time jiu-jitsu gold medalist (Sub Spectrum Winter Trials and Nebraska Jiu-Jitsu Championship) now training MMA for his amateur debut. Garret assists the youth wrestling program.
LJ
Leah Juhl
Schedule
Weekly class schedule
Find a class that fits your week. New students and drop-ins always welcome.
Kickboxing MMA Wrestling Open Mat No-Gi / All Levels
Monday
5:00 – 6:00 PMYouth BJJAges 10–13
5:00 – 6:00 PMYouth WrestlingAges 6–9
6:00 – 7:15 PMGi BJJAll Levels
6:00 – 7:00 PMMMA FundamentalsGrappling
7:00 – 8:30 PMMMA Team Practice
Tuesday
6:00 – 7:00 AMCLA BJJAll Levels
4:15 – 4:55 PMYouth BJJAges 4–6
5:00 – 6:00 PMYouth BJJAges 7–9
5:00 – 6:00 PMYouth WrestlingAges 10–15
6:00 – 7:00 PMMember Open Mat
6:00 – 7:00 PMMMA FundamentalsStriking
6:00 – 7:00 PMYouth Boxing
7:00 – 8:00 PMMMA Team Practice
7:00 – 8:00 PMNo-Gi BJJ Fundamentals
8:00 – 9:00 PMMMA Team Sparring
Wednesday
5:00 – 6:00 PMYouth BJJAges 10–13
5:00 – 6:00 PMYouth WrestlingAges 6–9
6:00 – 7:00 PMMMAAll Levels
6:00 – 7:00 PMGi BJJAll Levels
Thursday
6:00 – 7:00 AMCLA BJJAll Levels
4:15 – 4:55 PMYouth BJJAges 4–6
5:00 – 6:00 PMYouth BJJAges 7–9
5:00 – 6:00 PMYouth WrestlingAges 10–15
6:00 – 7:00 PMMember Open Mat
6:00 – 7:00 PMMMA FundamentalsStriking
6:00 – 7:00 PMYouth Boxing
7:00 – 8:00 PMMMA Team Practice
7:00 – 8:00 PMNo-Gi BJJ Fundamentals
8:00 – 9:00 PMMMA Team Sparring
Friday
5:00 – 6:00 PMYouth No-Gi BJJAges 7–13 · Free to the public
Saturday
10:00 – 11:45 AMMMA Comp ClassAll Levels
10:00 – 11:00 AMNo-Gi BJJAll Levels
10:00 – 11:00 AMYouth StrikingAges 7–15
Gallery
Life on the mats
Real training, real people. Tap any photo to take a closer look.
Giving Back
The Yūsha Sponsorship Program
Through the Yūsha Foundation, Kearney Combat Sports sponsors young athletes and families who need financial help to register for tournaments, cover memberships, and compete. We believe everyone deserves a place on the mats — regardless of what they can afford.
Tournament registration support for young competitors
Membership scholarships for families in need
Recognition and awards for outstanding athletes
What students say
Loved by our community
★★★★★5.0 from 55 Google reviews
5.0 ★ on Google55 reviews
Top Rated Local® 2019Top 10 martial arts in Nebraska
We Defy Approved FacilitySupporting veterans on the mat
100% RecommendFacebook reviews
“
Coming from San Diego to visit they welcomed me in like family! Kearney Combat is an outstanding gym for anyone looking to build confidence and sharpen their skills. The coaches are knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely invested.
EMEdward MilesGoogle review · Local Guide“
I dropped in as I am from FL. Kearney Combat is a great gym. Professor Alex taught the BJJ class. He is awesome, very strategic and explains techniques well. The mat is awesome, the students are very nice and welcoming. If you want to do BJJ in Kearney you need to stop by.
JBJason BruceGoogle review · Local Guide“
The place to be if you're just a beginner, a hobbyist, or a full-time professional fighter. KCS has classes for all levels and will help you reach your athletic goals!
JNJackson NielsenGoogle review“
My 7 year old daughter has been taking classes here for over a year. The coaches are all AMAZING with the kids and the classes are hands on. She'd done other martial arts before starting here and nothing else compares.
AAAmanda AndersonGoogle review“
Amazing coaches! The environment is competitive but team oriented. Lots of encouragement and an appropriate pace for beginners. The advanced classes leave you exhausted but feeling accomplished. Show up! You will be better for it!!!
SNScott NachtigalGoogle review“
I'm from out of town working in Kearney and wanted to keep training. The gym was incredibly responsive and made it very easy to sign up. On top of that, the culture is incredibly welcoming and encouraging. Great spot — would recommend to anyone.
RJRiley JoyceGoogle review
FAQ
Questions, answered
New to training? Here's everything you need to know before your first class.
I've never trained martial arts before — can I still take classes?
Of course! We don't expect new students to have any experience. Our beginner curriculum introduces you to the movements, techniques, and strategies of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, wrestling, and MMA — starting with the fundamentals.
What should I wear to my first class?
Wear clothes you'd be comfortable working out in — a t-shirt and shorts or leggings, ideally not too baggy (loose clothing can catch fingers and toes). We have loaner uniforms new students can borrow.
Do I need a uniform to start?
No uniform is necessary to try a class, and we'll loan you one during your trial week. Once you sign up you'll need your own, and we're happy to help you get one.
Do you offer classes for kids?
Yes! We offer jiu-jitsu, boxing, and wrestling for ages 4–6, 7–9, and 10–13. As with all our programs, kids get the $7 trial week too.
Contact
Come train with us
Questions before your first class? Reach out — we're happy to help.
No experience, no problem. Train for a full week — jiu-jitsu, MMA, wrestling, or boxing — for just $7. Unlimited classes, loaner gear provided. If it's not for you, no hard feelings.
★★★★★5.0 from 55 Google reviews
“Coming from San Diego to visit they welcomed me in like family! Kearney Combat is an outstanding gym for anyone looking to build confidence and sharpen their skills. The coaches are knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely invested.”
— Edward Miles
✓
You're in!
We'll reach out shortly to get you booked for your $7 trial week. See you on the mats.
