Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu

Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu at 8843 Mason Dr in Newaygo, MI offers a practical martial arts training environment for families, teens, and adults who want structured instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking. The academy serves a wide range of ages through Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No Gi) for ages 3-12, Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No Gi) for ages 13+, and Adult Striking classes in Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai for ages 12+. That blend makes it easy for students to build a complete striking and grappling foundation in one place, whether they are stepping onto the mat for the first time or returning to sharpen existing skills. The school’s martial arts focus also gives the training a clear direction for anyone looking for a consistent long-term program rather than a casual drop-in experience.

Instruction at Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu is led by Josh Libolt and Coach Anthony Bell, giving students access to experienced coaching in both youth and adult classes. The academy offers belt ranks across its Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs, which helps students track progress in a visible, motivating way as they move through the curriculum. That belt structure is especially useful for beginners who want a clear path from fundamentals to more advanced training, while also giving experienced grapplers a setting where they can continue developing technique, timing, and mat awareness. For younger students, the kids’ program provides an age-appropriate introduction to the discipline and movement patterns that make jiu-jitsu such an effective martial art.

The academy’s combination of gi and no-gi training adds flexibility for students with different goals. Gi work supports grip-based control, positional understanding, and classic jiu-jitsu mechanics, while no-gi training emphasizes speed, connection, and adaptation. Having both under one roof allows students to cross-train without needing to split their schedule between multiple gyms. For local families, that versatility is a practical advantage, especially when siblings or parents are training in different age groups or styles. The adult striking program also expands the training options for students who want stand-up skills alongside grappling, creating a well-rounded martial arts experience.

Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu presents itself as a martial arts school with a broad training footprint and a clear local identity. The website, http://newaygomartialarts.com/, gives prospective students a straightforward way to explore class offerings before visiting. For newcomers in Newaygo and surrounding communities, the academy offers an approachable place to start with youth or adult martial arts, while experienced practitioners can benefit from a schedule that supports both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking in a single training environment. That mix of accessibility, progression, and variety makes the academy a strong option for anyone looking to train consistently in the local BJJ community.