Jiu-Jitsu is alive and well in Owensboro thanks to the Gracie Owensboro Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The academy specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, competition jiu-jitsu, and self-defense classes for kids.
Owensboro native Josh Hayden first introduced the concepts to the community from a storage unit on Salem Drive in 2016. Membership grew from 30 to 120 people in 3 short years, prompting Hayden to open a permanent location on Triplet Street in 2019.
A year later, Gracie relocated again to the Owensboro Athletic Club on Frederica Street. Gracie moved locations just before the pandemic, and though they desperately needed the additional space, the timing presented a new set of challenges.
“We moved in March of 2020 to the athletic club, and then COVID hit. We moved in and expanded our mat to keep up with the program’s growth,” Hayden said. “We tried to do some virtual stuff, but it was tough. We have a good community at the gym that supported us; it was definitely trying times.”
Hayden said they are returning to a sense of normalcy, and their member numbers are growing.
“We’re recovering from COVID, adding many new members,” he said. “Our classes are for everyone regardless of experience level.”
Hayden said Gracie caters to a wide range of people, from former athletes looking to satisfy their competitive itch to individuals looking to increase their fitness levels. He added that their partnership with the Owensboro Athletic Club aids in their efforts to promote martial arts and fitness as a lifestyle.
Beyond competitiveness and fitness, Hayden said the classes are chock full of life skills such as dealing with failure, learning, humility, problem-solving, and self-esteem. He said the courses also offer an escape from reality and promote a strong sense of community.
“Success is an atmosphere,” Hayden said. “We want our members to feel comfortable and welcomed. We have an open format where we encourage our students to ask questions. We do not intimidate or allow others to intimidate, so leave your ego at the doorstep.”
To learn more about Gracie Owensboro, visit its website here.
