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.
Learn more
2026 The Pitch Best of KC Winner — Best Martial Arts Gym
Youth Jiu-Jitsu, Adult Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness Kickboxing in Excelsior Springs
Stride Martial Arts and Fitness is a beginner-friendly gym in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. We teach youth Brazilian jiu-jitsu for ages 6–14, adult Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and fitness kickboxing. The gym is at 2365 Vintage Drive. We serve Kearney, Liberty, and surrounding areas. Stride is the 2026 The Pitch Best of KC winner for martial arts gyms.
4.9 stars from 75 Google reviews. 2026 The Pitch Best of KC Winner — Best Martial Arts Gym
Programs
Kids Martial Arts, Adult Jiu-Jitsu, and Fitness Kickboxing
The gym is in Excelsior Springs. Families from Kearney and people who drive from Liberty train here, along with Orrick, Richmond, Lawson, and surrounding areas.
Adults 15+
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Technique, leverage, and a supportive room — built for beginners and experienced grapplers alike.
Learn more
All levels
Fitness Kickboxing
A 45-minute full-body workout that burns fat, builds lean muscle, and teaches real striking.
Learn moreWhat Stride Is About
Fun. Family. Fitness.
Stride is built around three core values. They shape how we teach — and they are why people stay long enough to improve.
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.
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.
Google Reviews
Families Keep Coming Back
Real reviews from parents and students in Excelsior Springs, Kearney, Liberty, and nearby towns.
4.9 stars from 75 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 & Instructor
BJJ Black Belt under James Krause. Father, coach, and owner of Stride in Excelsior Springs.
BJJ Brown Belt
Nick Grass
BJJ Brown Belt & Instructor
Excelsior Springs native, professional MMA competitor, and a coach who trains his own kids on the same mats.
BJJ Brown Belt
Brent Ferris
BJJ Brown Belt
BJJ brown belt who started training in San Diego in 2011. Coaches the Gi classes and owns Goodtimes Barbershop in Kearney.
Our location
Located in Excelsior Springs
The gym is in Excelsior Springs at 2365 Vintage Dr, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. Families from Kearney and people who drive from Liberty train here, along with Orrick, Richmond, Lawson, and surrounding areas. Call (816) 629-8514.
Questions We Get
- What ages do you take?
- Youth Brazilian jiu-jitsu is for ages 6 to 14. Adult Brazilian jiu-jitsu is for ages 15 and up, Gi and No-Gi.
- What programs does Stride Martial Arts offer in Excelsior Springs?
- Stride Martial Arts and Fitness in Excelsior Springs teaches youth Brazilian jiu-jitsu, adult Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and fitness kickboxing at 2365 Vintage Drive.
- Are beginners welcome?
- Yes. No experience is needed. Most adults who start at Stride have never trained before.
- What should I wear to the first class?
- Wear regular workout clothes, such as shorts and a t-shirt. Arrive a few minutes early so you can fill out a waiver.
- Is the first class free?
- Yes. The first class is free. Fill out the form and a member of our team will reach out within 24 hours to answer any questions and schedule your free trial class.
- Which towns does Stride serve?
- The gym is in Excelsior Springs, not Kearney or Liberty. Kearney is about 10 minutes away. Liberty is about 15 to 20 minutes away. Families from Orrick, Richmond, Lawson, and surrounding areas train here too.
- Is Stride a good martial arts gym in Kansas City?
- Stride is the 2026 The Pitch Best of KC Winner — Best Martial Arts Gym. Google reviews rate the gym 4.9 stars from 75 reviews. Matt Waters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, owns the gym in Excelsior Springs. Nick Grass is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt.
Book a Free Trial Class
Fill out the form and a member of our team will reach out within 24 hours to answer any questions and schedule your free trial class.