Our Story:

At The Fort, we prioritize your growth as an individual, offering safe, professional, and in-depth instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to help you unlock your full potential. We welcome practitioners of all skill levels - from beginners to seasoned competitors- are all invited to join. Our classes emphasize practical self-defense, effective techniques, body mechanics, and live sparring, fostering a supportive community that builds physical strength, mental resilience, and lasting friendships. Whether you seek fitness, confidence, or competition, our experienced instructors guide you every step of the way, helping you develop skills with real-world application. Join us to become stronger, more capable, and ready to face any challenge- embrace the journey and make Jiu-Jitsu your lifestyle!

History:

Rickson Gracie- Our lineage stems from Rickson Gracie- called the “King of the Gracie family” however he only humbly claims to be a developer of Jiu Jitsu and gives credit to all the masters who came before him.

Rodrigo Vaghi (pictured on the right)- Rodrigo (a 6th degree black belt under Rickson) studied at the original Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the 1980's. Rodrigo studied under Helio, Rickson and Royler along with the rest of the Gracie family. Rodrigo moved to St. Louis in 1996 where his school is headquartered today.

Instructors:

- born in Omaha, NE

Sophomore year of High school I moved to a new house and down the street  there was a gym just starting called Mid America Martial Arts. I walked in untrained and eager to learn at 15 years old, this was about 2003. I would train kickboxing and BJJ alternating each day. I did this off and on for few years until I was ready for an MMA fight. I started taking everything more serious at that point. From 2007 until today, I have been training, drilling, and excelling. I have been a sponge of knowledge around all things relating to combat sports. I gathered a 11-1 amateur and 7-1 pro MMA record. In 2020, I received my BJJ black belt from my professors Rodrigo Vaghi and Ed Shobe. I currently am an active combat sports ref throughout many of the states in the Midwest. I love teaching and cannot wait to share what I know!