About Us

Midwest Jiu-Jitsu Academy was founded on the principle that in order to succeed, you must train with purpose and support those around you. With those things in mind, MWJJA, under the leadership of Professor Scott Altgilbers, has become one of the premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies in West Central Illinois and the surrounding tri-state area.

Classes at MWJJA focus on developing strategies, skills, and techniques developed through the lineage and history of Brazilian/Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, teaching students of every level how to apply those techniques in his/her arsenal. Every lesson, whether with kids or adults, encourages students to learn from and challenge each other to become the best versions of themselves.

With Professor Scott’s background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Traditional Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Modern Army Combatives, he combines his knowledge to help students develop into well-rounded martial artists who are disciplined and skilled in the academy and in life.

Programs

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    BJJ focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling one's opponent, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.

  • Judo

    The objective of competitive judo is to throw an opponent, immobilize them with a pin, or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke. It is a useful skill for self-defense, especially when combined with jiu-jitsu training.

  • Women's Self Defense

    Don’t become a victim! Empower yourself through our Women’s Self Defense program. Gain confidence, motivation, and develop practical self defense mechanisms for personal safety and security.

Affiliates

  • Professor JW Wright

    4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

    Owner and Head Instructor of Gracie Humaita St. Louis

  • Sensei E. L. BESHIMENTOB MAYFIELD

    Judo Sensei

    Sergeant Major, United States Marine Corps - Retired

    Co-Founder, Head Sensei and Head Coach of Males of Mayfield’s Martial Arts Academy

    Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt) in Judo

    Hachidan (8th Degree Black Belt) in Neko Ryu Jiu-Jitsu

    Judan (10th Degree Black Belt) and Founder of “Combat Jiu-Jitsu”