Business Details
9 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts & Fitness Center in Central Ohio
Team Chitwood Martial Arts is a certified Relson Gracie school dedicated to delivering world-class martial arts instruction across Central Ohio and beyond. Founded by brothers Shawn, Neil, and Craig Chitwoodchampion black belt instructors with decades of combined experiencewe specialize in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Combat Jiu-Jitsu. Our academies in Lexington, Mansfield, North Columbus, and Lewis Center offer structured programs for all ages, from youth classes like Mini-Jitsu to advanced adult training.We emphasize practical self-defense, physical fitness, and character development, combining technical expertise with a commitment to community. As a Relson Gracie-approved institution, we uphold the highest standards of martial arts education, regularly hosting seminars with Grandmaster Relson Gracie. Our mission is to empower students through disciplined training, fostering confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills in a supportive environment.
Services
Adult Jiu Jitsu
Combat Jiu Jitsu
Mini-Jitsu
Kid-Jitsu
Teen Jiu Jitsu
Judo
Tuff Chicks
Private Lessons
Law Enforcement Training
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer certified Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu instruction with Relson Gracie-approved methodologies.
- Our team includes champion black belt instructors with over 50 combined years of martial arts expertise.
- We provide age-specific programs from Mini-Jitsu for kids to advanced adult combat training.
- Multiple convenient locations serve Central Ohio communities including Lewis Center and Lexington.
- We host exclusive seminars with Grandmaster Relson Gracie for advanced technical development.
Associations and certifications
- Relson Gracie Approved
Services
Adult Jiu Jitsu
Our Adult Jiu Jitsu program teaches practical self-defense techniques and competitive grappling skills through structured Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction. Students develop physical fitness, mental discipline, and real-world combat readiness while learning from certified black belt instructors with decades of competitive experience.
Combat Jiu Jitsu
Combat Jiu Jitsu combines traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with striking elements for comprehensive self-defense training. This program emphasizes practical scenario-based drills and live sparring to prepare students for real-world confrontations while maintaining technical precision and safety standards.
Kid-Jitsu
Kid-Jitsu introduces children to martial arts fundamentals through age-appropriate techniques that build confidence, focus, and physical coordination. Our structured curriculum balances skill development with fun activities while teaching essential self-defense principles and character values.
Judo
Our Judo program follows traditional Japanese martial arts principles, focusing on throws, groundwork, and physical conditioning. Students learn competitive techniques alongside self-defense applications while developing strength, balance, and strategic thinking under certified black belt instruction.
Private Lessons
Private martial arts lessons provide personalized instruction tailored to individual goals, whether for competition preparation, specific technique refinement, or accelerated skill development. Sessions are available with senior instructors for focused attention on technical mastery and personal progress tracking.
People
Shawn Chitwood
CEO & Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt in Combat Jujitsu and 5th Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu with over 30 years of competitive experience. Leads curriculum development and instructor training across all academies.
Craig Chitwood
Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt in Combat Jujitsu and 3rd Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Specializes in youth program development and competition coaching for both amateur and professional fighters.
Neil Chitwood
Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt in Combat Jujitsu and 3rd Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu with military tactical training expertise. Focuses on law enforcement self-defense programs and advanced technique seminars.
Questions
Do you offer free trial martial arts classes?
Yes, we welcome new students to try a complimentary introductory class to experience our training environment and teaching methods firsthand.
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Combat Jiu-Jitsu, with additional programs like Tuff Chicks self-defense and law enforcement training.
Are your instructors certified by recognized organizations?
Our academy is officially certified by Relson Gracie, with instructors holding black belts ranging from 2nd to 6th degree across multiple disciplines.
What age groups do your programs accommodate?
We offer age-specific programs including Mini-Jitsu for young children, teen classes, and adult martial arts training for all skill levels.
Do you have locations outside Central Ohio?
While our primary academies serve Central Ohio communities like Lewis Center and Lexington, we occasionally host seminars and training events beyond the region.
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