Fun
Jiu-Jitsu skills can only be built through consistency over a long period of time. That’s why we believe training should be something people enjoy and look forward to — because the ones who stick around are the ones who improve.
2026 The Pitch Best of KC Winner — Best Martial Arts Gym
Kids Martial Arts, Adult BJJ & Fitness Kickboxing
Youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Fitness Kickboxing in Excelsior Springs.
Fun
Training should be something people enjoy and look forward to.
Family
The mats should be a place where people support each other and belong.
Fitness
Fit and prepared for challenges on and off the mats.
What Stride Is About
Fun. Family. Fitness.
Stride is built around three core values. They shape how we teach in Excelsior Springs, and they are why people stay long enough to improve.
Family
You may compete as an individual, but you can only improve in Jiu-Jitsu with the help of a team. The friendships and community built on the mats should benefit and boost everyone up far beyond them. The mats should be a place where people support each other, train together, and feel like they belong.
Fitness
The skills and conditioning we build in class should make us more fit and more prepared for whatever our goal may be. We want to be fit and prepared for whatever challenges are thrown our way — both on and off the mats.
Programs
Youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Fitness Kickboxing
Kearney and Liberty families train here — one gym in Excelsior Springs.
Ages 6–14
Youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Confidence, focus, and real self-defense for ages 6 to 14 — in a fun, safe, family-friendly gym.
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Adults 15+
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Technique, leverage, and a supportive room — built for beginners and experienced grapplers alike.
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All levels
Fitness Kickboxing
A 45-minute full-body workout that burns fat, builds lean muscle, and teaches real striking.
Learn moreGoogle Reviews
Families Keep Coming Back
Real reviews from parents and students in Excelsior Springs, Kearney, and Liberty.
5.0 from 16+ Google reviews
“Can’t recommend enough! My son is loving the youth classes. Coaches are amazing and very professional. Help support a small family business that is also the best around.”
“I joined Stride as a way to challenge myself both mentally and physically. I walked in with absolutely zero knowledge or experience. The instructors are patient, respectful and knowledgable. The studio is clean, organized and welcoming. The owners are wonderful people and are very family oriented. I am so glad I decided to give it a try because it’s been just the challenge I needed.”
“Stride offers a family friendly atmosphere, great place to train with great people. The facility is super clean and inviting! Top notch instructors with great detail and on point!”
“We’ve been so happy with our experience at Stride! Their passion for what they do is so evident, and seeing our boy grow in confidence under their leadership really is invaluable.”
“Wonderful place with super welcoming members. I have only gone twice but I am already having a blast. Everyone has been really nice and helpful to me being so new. Very relaxed atmosphere with great members. Cant wait to continue!”
“I have seen the most improvement in my son this year. I can't thank Matt and Nick enough for helping my son with building confidence and respect for others. It's a great outlet for him.”
Coaches
Coaches Who Build the Room
BJJ Black Belt
Matt Waters
Owner & Head Instructor
BJJ Black Belt under James Krause. Father, coach, and the reason Stride exists in Excelsior Springs.
BJJ Brown Belt
Nick Grass
BJJ Brown Belt & Coach
Excelsior Springs native, professional MMA competitor, and a coach who trains his own kids on the same mats.
Our location
Excelsior Springs — Easy for Kearney & Liberty
Stride Martial Arts and Fitness, 2365 Vintage Dr, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. Call (816) 629-8514. Families drive in from Kearney, Liberty, Lawson, Richmond, and Orrick — one gym, no extra locations.
Questions We Get
- What programs does Stride Martial Arts offer in Excelsior Springs?
- Kids Martial Arts, Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Fitness Kickboxing. All three run at one gym: 2365 Vintage Dr, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.
- Do Kearney and Liberty families train at Stride?
- Yes. Kearney is about 15–20 minutes away. Liberty is about 20–25 minutes. We do not have a gym in Kearney or Liberty — families drive to Excelsior Springs.
- Is Stride a good martial arts gym in Kansas City?
- Stride is the 2026 The Pitch Best of KC Winner — Best Martial Arts Gym. The school is in Excelsior Springs and serves Kearney, Liberty, Lawson, Richmond, and Orrick.
Book a Free Trial Class
Name and number are enough. A coach will follow up with a time that fits.