• Give Your Kids A Fighting Chance

    Every month in the US, three million children miss school due to fear of bullies. Give your children the confidence to decide the outcome of an altercation.

  • Jiu Jitsu Taught With Practical Application

    BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique.

  • Become Part of a Community

    A community of people all looking to improve themselves, on and off the mat.

About

We specialize in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for adults and kids (age 4 & up). Our instructor, Ryan Thomas, creates an environment that welcomes students of all backgrounds and experience levels to join the exciting programs. Have some doubts? If so, we invite you to come try out classes for free for one week, where you’ll experience the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as a heart-pumping workout.

Ryan is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Ricardo Liborio. He is also a prajied red belt in Noguchi Muay Thai and wrestled division 1 at Eastern Illinois University. Ryan has vast experience in mixed martial arts (MMA), compiling a record of 20-8 fighting in organizations such as the UFC and Bellator.

 

Ryan is wonderful with kids too! He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and has been teaching martial arts to children since 2010.

Curious to see what it's like? Try a week on us.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The premise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is that a smaller, weaker person can defeat a stronger and larger opponent, through leverage and proper technique. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is primarily a ground-fighting art, where the practitioner’s train in a gi or “kimono”. This is similar to what is worn in Judo.

The techniques involve the students on the mat, with a heavy emphasis on positional control, strategy, drills, and live rolling, to help with your submissions and techniques. Once in proper position, many different types of submissions can be applied such as: armbars, wrist locks, chokes, and leg locks. Some of the primary positions include, but not limited to are: Guard, Mount, Side-Control, Back Mount, and so on.

Today, Jiu Jitsu is the fastest growing martial art in the world. There is an established governing body, the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), which runs a yearly, global competition circuit that attracts thousands of entrants.

Staying true to its roots, Jiu Jitsu continues to be effectively utilized in MMA competition – all fighters, regardless of their specialty, require at least a working knowledge of Jiu Jitsu to stand any chance of success.

The art is constantly evolving and being refined by its practitioners. New moves and techniques are being invented every day – a testament to the dynamic and ‘live’ nature of the art.

Sign-up today to learn this art for yourself!

RYAN THOMAS

Ryan is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestled division 1 at Eastern Illinois University.
After high school, he wrestled at Waubonsee Community College where he was a team captain for two years, as well as a two-time national qualifier. He then transferred to Eastern Illinois University and wrestled Division 1 for another year before the wrestling program was cut.

Ryan still had the desire to grapple, so in 2006 he began training under BJJ brown belt, Chad Steinbaugh. After years of competition, Ryan decided to take his training to the next level in 2010, when he joined American Top Team headquarters in Coconut Creek, FL considered to be the #1 MMA training camp in the country and one of the only teams capable of putting out world champions.

In 2016, Ryan brought his experience and knowledge back to Danville, Illinois where he owns and operates Ryan Thomas Jiu Jitsu with his wife, Jennifer. He always wanted to bring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Vermilion County, where there wasn’t a BJJ academy prior.

In June 2020, Ryan was promoted to black belt by Ricardo Libório, who is widely regarded in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as the top black belt ever produced by Master Carlson Gracie, and an all around legend of the sport.

Contact Info:
RyanTankThomas@gmail.com
217.304.1026

We recommend stretching prior to class

  • [Phase 1] Warm-up drills (e.g., Light jogging, side-shuffles, running backwards, etc.)
  • [Phase 2] Front rolls, back rolls, shrimps, break-falls, lunges and sprawls
  • [Phase 3] Typically, we will drill technique for about 30 minutes
  • [Phase 4] Remainder of the class is usually spent in live training/open roll. This is most commonly about 45 minutes.

For Jiu Jitsu classes, the price is only $80/m for Kids and Juniors and $120/m for adults. Sign-up here.

  • Kids Jiu Jitsu: 5pm – 6pm
  • Junior Jiu Jitsu: 6pm – 7pm
  • Adult Jiu Jitsu: 7pm – 8:30pm
  • Open Mat: 11:30am – 1:00pm

Class Availability

Kids Class (Ages 4 to 8)
Capacity 95%
Junior Class (Ages 9 to 14)
Capacity 97%
Adult Class
Capacity 93%
"Great teacher, great man, proud to have him mentor and train my kids."
Christopher
Parent
"Couldn't ask for a better teacher/trainer! Great with kids of all ages. Would recommend 100%"
Brandon
Parent

Schedule

Try our programs out risk free...

Choose Your Program Below...

Kids Jiu Jitsu

Ages 4 - 8

Junior Jiu Jitsu

Ages 9 - 14

Adult Jiu Jitsu

Ages 15+
5/5
“Great friendly teacher. Nice laid back environment. I very rarely post reviews on Facebook, but this place is definitely worthy of positive praise.”
Henry
Student