From Mat Time to Main Street: How Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Found Its Home in Harlan

A Former Marine's Passion for Teaching Transforms into a Thriving Community Hub

When Austin Staley first started teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a rented church room, he wasn't trying to build a business – he just wanted more time on the mats. What began as extra training sessions with a few dedicated practitioners has evolved into Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a flourishing academy that's changing lives in downtown Harlan.

A Journey from Student to Sensei

Staley's path to becoming a BJJ instructor began during his military service, where he got his first taste of martial arts training. But it wasn't until 2017 that he fully immersed himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. "I've grown so much as a person," Staley reflects. "I've discovered a lot about myself and others through this journey."

That personal growth led him to share his passion with others, starting informal training sessions in 2022. "I didn't really have a need to start a business," he explains. "I wanted more days where I could sit on the mats with a few of the guys that I train with and go over things."

From Church Hall to Town Square

What started as a small group quickly gained attention. "We had people looking in the windows like, 'What's going on in there?'" Staley recalls. "Then we had friends who were referring friends. We had local law enforcement here that heard about it, so they started showing up, and then all of a sudden, my mats were full."

This organic growth led to the gym's current location on the northwest side of Harlan's town square, where classes now serve students ranging from age seven to their fifties. The academy offers both gi (traditional uniform) and no-gi classes, with programs tailored for both youth and adult practitioners.

Building More Than Just Physical Skills

For Staley, who serves as Shelby County's IT Director by day, teaching Jiu-Jitsu isn't just about physical techniques – it's about building mental fortitude and life skills. "It feels like chess, but your body's involved, and your brain's involved," he explains. "It's a mental game of chess, but imagine that you're completely winded and trying to solve math problems."

This mental aspect particularly shines in the youth programs, which have become the academy's most popular offering. "Teaching the kids is my favorite thing," Staley shares, his voice filled with emotion. "There's something about being able to teach the kids that you see throughout the community all the time, to be very impactful for their lives and teach them something that they can take with them anywhere they go."

A Different Kind of Small-Town Connection

The intimate nature of a small community adds a unique dimension to the training experience. "People that come through my door, it's 'Hey, I know your mom' or 'Hey, I think your brother trained with us for a little while,'" Staley explains. "There's already a connection there, which makes it easier to build trust and rapport with new students."

Classes run Monday and Saturday, with specialized sessions for different age groups and skill levels. The kids' program (ages 7-14) has grown so popular that Staley is considering adding more classes to accommodate the demand.

First Steps on the Mat

For those considering trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Staley's advice is simple: "If you do it, you're not going to regret it. If you don't do it, you will regret it." He emphasizes that the first class is always free, giving newcomers a chance to experience the art without commitment.

Visit Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 915 7th Street on Harlan's town square. Classes run Mondays (kids 6-7pm, adults 7-8pm), Wednesdays (no-gi class), and Saturdays (9-11am). For more information or to sign up for a free first class, visit midwestbjj.org, call (712) 219-9935, or follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram. Monthly memberships start at $40 for kids and $50 for adults.