Blue Collar Grappling Academy — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Marion, AR
Blue Collar Grappling Academy members training
Marion, AR · Est. 2022

Build YourLegacy

World-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Marion, Arkansas. We don't create hobbies — we create legacies. Hard work, consistency, and accountability, seven days a week.

Pedigo Submission Fighting Association Training 7 Days a Week All Ages & Levels
2022
Established
7
Days a Week
All
Ages & Levels
PSFA
Pedigo Affiliate
Our Story

We Don't Create Hobbies —
We Create Legacies

Blue Collar Grappling Academy was built on working-class values. Founders Chase Smith and Nathan met in 2018 and opened BCGA to bring quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Crittenden County — building the gym while holding down full-time jobs, and living the discipline they teach.

We're proud members of the Pedigo Submission Fighting Association. Our classes teach self-defense, competition jiu-jitsu, and personal fitness — but most importantly, we grow together as a community and have fun doing it.

Our attention to detail rivals no other, because we never stop improving and we push others to do the same. Come meet the family — we can't wait to help you build something that lasts.

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Coaches Chase Smith and Nathan
What We Offer

Programs

Technique-based training for every level — kids, teens, and adults.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

A powerful blend of fitness, self-defense, and personal growth. Technique-based training that builds strength, resilience, and confidence — for kids, teens, and adults, every level welcome.

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Fitness Troop

Fitness Troop

High-energy cardio meets strength training. Fast-paced, rhythmic combinations that burn calories, build lean muscle, and sharpen focus in a fun, motivating group setting.

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Personal Training

Personal Training

Customized, goal-focused coaching that keeps you accountable — proper form, real technique, and a plan built around your goals, whether it's weight loss, muscle, or mobility.

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1-on-1 BJJ Coaching

1-on-1 Coaching

Private, one-on-one BJJ instruction built entirely around you. We break down technique at your pace, correct details group class can't always catch, and build a plan around your goals — competition prep, faster promotion, or just leveling up with focused mat time.

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When to Train

Weekly Schedule

MonTueWedThuFri
5:00 AM Fit Troop Fit Troop
6:00 AM Fit Troop Fit Troop
10:00 AM Homeschool Class
4:30 PM Kid Troop (Ages 4–8) Kid Troop (Ages 4–8)
5:30 PM Teen Troop (Ages 9–13) Teen Troop (Ages 9–13) Teen Troop (Ages 9–13)
6:30 PM Adult Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 14+) Adult Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 14+) Adult Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 14+) Adult Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 14+)

Pick your age group and a class time that works — we'll see you on the mats.

The Team

Meet Our Coaches

Chase Smith

Chase Smith

Owner & Head Coach

Chase discovered his passion for jiu-jitsu through mixed martial arts. As a family man and blue-collar worker, he spent years balancing work, home, and his hobby — until the dream of owning a gym began to take shape.

Today he's committed to inspiring and supporting the next generation of grapplers, right here in his own community.

Owner & FounderBrazilian Jiu-JitsuPedigo SFAEst. 2022
Nathan

Nathan

Co-Owner & Coach

Nathan spent years lifting in the gym and setting personal goals, but eventually realized those goals no longer challenged him. That's when he discovered jiu-jitsu, and his passion for the discipline grew.

He set a new goal — to share that same love with others. His dream was to bring jiu-jitsu to Crittenden County and serve the community that calls it home.

Co-OwnerCoachStrength & ConditioningCommunity First
The Family

Our Community

BCGA team competing at a grappling tournament Blue Collar Grappling Academy members at the academy Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class training on the mats at Blue Collar Grappling Academy
Reviews

What Members Say

★★★★★

"Very professional, clean gym, supportive gym family, dedicated coaches that provide a premier training environment."

— Jason Smith
★★★★★

"Blue Collar has given my son confidence, resilience, and a true sense of community. The coaches teach life skills — hard work, accountability, discipline — in a welcoming environment."

— Kayla McCool
★★★★★

"BCGA has been such a blessing to have right here in our small town! Our son has grown on and off the mat."

— Emily Stewart
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all. Every class is beginner-friendly and no prior experience is required. Brand-new students train right alongside experienced members — you'll be guided every step of the way.

Just comfortable athletic clothing — a t-shirt and shorts (or leggings) without zippers or pockets. No gi? No problem. We'll take care of you for your first class.

Yes! Kids classes start at age 4. We split students into age-appropriate groups — Kids (ages 4–8), Teens (ages 9–13), and Adults (ages 14+) — so everyone trains with the right peers. Jiu-jitsu is a fantastic way for kids to build confidence, focus, and discipline.

We offer training seven days a week, morning through evening, so you can build a routine that fits your schedule. See the full schedule above.

Absolutely. Our technique-based training teaches realistic, effective self-defense and the confidence to stay calm under pressure — for every age and body type.

We're proud members of the Pedigo Submission Fighting Association, and we regularly host seminars, tournaments, and family-friendly events with the wider community.

Come as you are. Jiu-jitsu itself will get you in the best shape of your life — you don't need to "get ready" before you start. Just show up.

Book a free trial class and come see the difference for yourself. Call or text us at (870) 559-4317 or request a time online.

Ready to Build Your Legacy?

Your first class is on us. Come see what Blue Collar is all about.

Visit the Academy

Blue Collar Grappling Academy

114 Block Street
Marion, AR 72364

(870) 559-4317 [email protected]