Real Jiu Jitsu.
Built for Real Life.
The Gold Standard
Gracie Humaita Edwardsville is the premier martial arts academy in the Metro East — built on an unbroken lineage from the founders of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Our members don’t just train. They belong to something elite.
Trial spots are limited — claim yours now.
Call or text us · (618) 427-2414
World-Class Instruction.
Proven Results.
Our curriculum has been proven through decades of real world experience and competition. Every technique, every class, every standard — held to the highest level in Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Adult
Jiu Jitsu
No experience needed — just show up ready to learn. You’ll train under a curriculum with direct lineage to Grand Master Hélio Gracie, in a gym where beginners are genuinely welcomed and developed into skilled practitioners.
Claim Your Free ClassKids, Youth
& Teens
From first class to black belt, every child starts somewhere. Our age-appropriate programs build real confidence, focus, and self-defense skills under top-tier instruction. Parents notice the difference within weeks — and kids actually love coming to class.
Claim Your Free ClassWomen’s Program
Whether you’ve never been on a mat or you’ve been training for years, this class was built for you. Real technique, expert instruction, women-only environment — a space where you belong from your very first day. Fridays at 6 PM.
Claim Your Free ClassGracie Humaita
Affiliate
Authentic Lineage.
Real Results.
Gracie Humaita Edwardsville carries an unbroken lineage directly from the founders of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Our head instructor, Joey Walters, trained under the Gracie family and brings that authentic tradition to Edwardsville, IL.
Joey Walters
Joey found Jiu-Jitsu in 2008 when he moved to Edwardsville for college and started training under JW Wright — 4th Degree Black Belt under Royler Gracie. He competed through his college years, earning wins on the tournament circuit while finishing a degree in Exercise Science from SIUE.
He went on to earn his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Logan University. When he teaches movement, posture, and body mechanics, he actually knows what he’s talking about.
Joey lives in Edwardsville with his wife and kids — and he’s here because he believes jiu-jitsu is the most complete personal development tool that exists. It builds you physically, sharpens you mentally, and connects you to a community unlike anything else. His goal isn’t just to teach techniques. It’s to use jiu-jitsu to make Edwardsville a stronger, more capable, more connected place.
Black Belt
Chiropractic
Science · SIUE
2008
A Schedule Built Around
Real Life.
Morning, midday, and evening classes 7 days a week. New students always welcome — first class is free.
Real People.
Real Results.
“I walked in at 38 with zero experience and zero confidence. Eight months later I’m in the best shape of my life and I actually know how to defend myself. There’s nothing else like this in the area.”
“My 7-year-old was getting picked on at school. After 3 months at GHE he carries himself completely differently — more confident, more respectful, and he absolutely loves coming to class. Best decision we’ve ever made.”
“I’ve done CrossFit, lifting, running — nothing has kept me as engaged or got me in shape as fast as jiu-jitsu. And you’re actually learning something real and useful. Coach Joey runs a first-class gym.”
Before You Come In
Do I need to be in shape before I start?
No. Jiu-Jitsu is how you get in shape. Every person in this gym started exactly where you are.
I’ve never done any martial art. Is that a problem?
Not at all — all experience levels are welcome. If you’re brand new, we have a proven system to get you up to speed fast. If you’ve trained before, you’ll fit right in.
Is it safe? I don’t want to get hurt.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was designed to work without strength, speed, or size — controlled, technical, and taught progressively. We take the long view: we want you healthy and training for years, not one hard week.
What do I wear to the trial class?
Athletic shorts and a t-shirt. We’ll take care of the rest.
Experience the
Gold Standard
The Gold Standard
Your first class is complimentary — come experience what world-class instruction, authentic lineage, and a first-class community actually feels like.