About Our

History

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Overland Park owner Dave Johnson has been teaching since 1980. Dave first served his community as a parks and recreation teacher by day and a martial arts student at night. As his training progressed, he noticed the need for a martial arts school in the area. Finally, he decided to take action to meet that need. With the support of his students he opened his first martial arts school in mid-90’s at Stanley Station Shopping Center.

Originally a taekwondo school, his class offerings slowly shifted towards BJJ due to the versatility and self-defense training opportunities. Dave’s academy blossomed quickly, allowing him to upgrade to a facility twice the original building’s size. Today, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Overland is a place for everyone in the Johnson County area to learn self-defense and grappling. It continues to thrive and grow as Dave dreams of opening more schools and continuing to share the art with a variety of people.

Meet The Overland Park Team:

Our instructors not only possess impressive technical expertise but also excel as educators, adept at fostering both support and challenge within the learning environment. Moreover, they keenly grasp the individuality of each student, customizing their teaching methods accordingly. Therefore, ensuring safety remains paramount in their approach, as they meticulously guide students through techniques with precision and control. Additionally we are committed to cultivating solid foundations in Jiu-Jitsu, they remain readily accessible for inquiries and feedback, reinforcing an atmosphere of continuous improvement.

Master David Johnson - Owner & Head Instructor

Master David Johnson

Owner & Head Instructor
Grant Cunningham - Instructor

Grant Cunningham

Instructor
Elizabeth Henderson - Instructor

Elizabeth Henderson

Instructor
David Smarr - Chief Instructor

David Smarr

Chief Instructor
Anothony Ciolli - Instructor

Anothony Ciolli

Instructor
Alex Cochrane - Instructor

Alex Cochrane

Instructor

14 Day Free Trial!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to try Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Overland Park for 14 days, completely risk free!

Don't Take Our Word For It

Our son started here in January of 2022, doing both Taekwondo and Jiu-Jitsu. Dave Johnson, the owner, is an excellent coach and everyone at the gym is positive and supportive. We have been extremely happy and can’t imagine being anywhere else!!

Anne P.
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Google

Anne P.<br> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Testimonial

Master Dave truly cares about the Children and their development. Bully Proof is a beautiful thing for kids to understand how to protect themselves from bullies. More importantly, they are learning how to NOT be one. I also love his patience with adults learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The process is well worth the reward.

Brandon H.
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Google

Brandon H.<br> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Testimonial

I started attending the Combatives classes in July 2017. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu specifically. The academy is a certified training center for Gracie University, so you follow its curriculum. With a membership, you also get access to Gracie’s online resources. Instructors and students are very welcoming. It’s like my second home because I go to class as often as I can - Monday through Thursday evenings and on Saturdays!

Adrienne G.
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Google

Adrienne G.<br> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Testimonial

Class Schedule!

Stay up to date on class times! Contact us if you have any questions about our classes.

View Schedule!

Learn More About Our Affiliate

American Korean Taekwondo Association

AKTA The American Korean Taekwondo Association has been around for over 45 years. 

The president Grand Master Choon Soo Lee created the Association in 1974.  The AKTA has many schools and instructors who have taught over 25,000 students.  The tenets are Integrity, Courtesy, Self control, perseverance and Indomitable Spirit.  We are proud to be affiliated with the AKTA because we believe in the philosophies and tenets of this great organization.

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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Overland Park

Get Started Today

(913) 681-1777
midwestmartialarts17@yahoo.com
16131 Foster St, Overland Park, Kansas 66085

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Overland Park has everything…except you! Join our community today and begin your Jiu-Jitsu journey!