Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School in Columbia, MO
Cavalo BJJ has been a trusted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training center in Columbia, MO since 2010. Our experienced instructors prioritize personalized attention through small class sizes, ensuring every student masters technique while building physical and mental strength. We offer structured programs for adults, youth, and women, fostering a family-friendly environment where students develop discipline, self-defense skills, and lifelong camaraderie.With a proven track record of competitive success and community engagement, our academy provides high-quality instruction tailored to individual goals, whether recreational or competitive. We maintain rigorous safety standards while making jiu-jitsu accessible to all ages and experience levels, emphasizing proper form and progressive skill development.
Services
Adult Fundamentals
All Levels Training
Youth Programs
Women's Only Classes
Strength Conditioning
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Established 2010 with proven competitive success
- Small classes ensure personalized instructor attention
- Family-friendly environment with multi-generational training
- Structured curriculum for all skill levels
- Expertise in competitive and recreational jiu-jitsu
Services
Adult Fundamentals
Structured introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults with no prior experience. Focus on core techniques, body mechanics, and positional control. Classes emphasize proper form, safety protocols, and progressive skill development through partner drills and instructor demonstrations. Ideal for building foundational knowledge for self-defense and sport competition.
All Levels Training
Dynamic classes combining students of various skill levels for technical development and live rolling. Advanced participants refine complex techniques while beginners practice fundamental movements with experienced partners. Curriculum includes takedowns, submission escapes, and strategic position transitions in a supportive training environment that simulates real-world grappling scenarios.
Youth Programs
Age-specific martial arts instruction for children aged 4-16. Programs develop motor skills, discipline, and self-confidence through games and structured technique practice. Curriculum includes character development components focusing on respect, perseverance, and teamwork. Classes balance skill acquisition with fun activities to maintain youth engagement and enthusiasm.
Women's Only Classes
Supportive environment for women to learn self-defense and sport techniques without gender dynamics. Instruction emphasizes practical applications for real-world scenarios while building physical strength and mental resilience. Classes maintain a non-intimidating atmosphere where female practitioners develop confidence through progressive skill challenges with peer support.
Strength Conditioning
Complementary physical development program focused on jiu-jitsu-specific strength and endurance. Customized workouts improve grappling performance through functional movement patterns, core stability exercises, and cardiovascular conditioning. Designed to enhance mat performance while reducing injury risk through targeted muscle group development.
People
Zach Lenon
Founder and Head Instructor
3rd-degree black belt under Francisco Kiko France with 20+ years competitive experience. Former Southwest Missouri State finance graduate who turned passion for BJJ into successful academy. Multi-time national champion with family-oriented teaching approach emphasizing technical precision.
Questions
What should I wear for my first BJJ class?
Wear comfortable form-fitting clothing like a t-shirt and shorts. Avoid zippers or pockets. Remove jewelry and tie back long hair for safety. Gi requirements apply for uniformed training sessions.
Are there beginner classes available?
Yes! Our Adult Fundamentals classes specifically cater to beginners with structured, progressive instruction. Instructors provide individualized attention to ensure proper technique development for new practitioners.
Can children participate in BJJ training?
We offer age-appropriate programs for children aged 4-16. Youth classes focus on skill development, character building, and safety through games and technical practice in a supportive environment.
Do you offer women-only training options?
Yes, our Women's Only Classes provide a supportive environment for female practitioners. These sessions focus on practical self-defense techniques and skill development tailored to women's learning preferences.
What is the class structure like?
Classes begin with warmups followed by instructor demonstrations. Students practice techniques in pairs before progressing to live rolling. Sessions end with group discussion and skill review to reinforce learning concepts.
How does the belt ranking system work?
Adult belts progress from white to black through blue, purple, and brown. Each rank requires demonstrated proficiency in core techniques. Advancement depends on technical knowledge, training attendance, and instructor evaluation.