If you’ve driven past a strip mall in Reno lately, you’ve probably noticed that martial arts schools are everywhere — and they’re not all teaching the same thing. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, karate, wrestling, krav maga, kung fu, capoeira — the list keeps growing. People often ask me how many styles are actually available in this city, because the answer shapes every decision that follows: Which school do you choose? Which style fits your kid, your schedule, your goals? At Gracie Humaita Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts Reno, we hear this question constantly. So here’s an honest breakdown of what’s actually out there, what each style trains, and what you can realistically expect as a beginner in Nevada’s biggest city north of the Sierra.
How Many Styles Are Actively Taught in Reno Right Now?
Counting martial arts styles is tricky because some schools blend disciplines and some styles go by multiple names. As of 2026, Reno has active classes in roughly 15 to 20 distinct martial arts styles, depending on whether you count hybrid formats as their own category. That range puts this city on par with similarly sized metros across the American West.
The Martial Arts Studies journal and organizations like USA Martial Arts recognize over 170 codified martial arts styles worldwide, but in any given mid-size American city, you’ll typically find 12 to 20 styles with a dedicated school or program. Reno sits comfortably within that range, and the variety here has grown noticeably since 2020 as the city’s population has expanded.
Here’s what you’ll actually find being taught across Reno gyms and schools right now.
Grappling Arts
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is the most established grappling art in Reno, with multiple dedicated schools. It focuses on ground control, joint locks, and chokes — and research from the Journal of Human Kinetics has shown it develops strong functional fitness alongside practical self-defense ability. Wrestling is taught in school programs and some adult clubs. Judo has a smaller but loyal following. Sambo — a Russian combat sport — appears occasionally in MMA cross-training contexts.
Striking Arts
Muay Thai, the Thai striking system that uses fists, elbows, knees, and kicks, has a strong presence in Reno’s MMA community. Traditional karate — including Shotokan and Goju-Ryu — is taught at several schools, including programs designed for children. Taekwondo has two or three active schools in the metro area. Boxing gyms, while not always marketed as “martial arts,” teach one of the oldest codified fighting systems in the world. Kickboxing is widely available, though it’s sometimes fitness-focused rather than technique-focused.
Weapons-Based and Traditional Arts
Kali (also called Arnis or Eskrima) is a Filipino weapons-based system taught at a handful of schools, usually alongside empty-hand training. Kung fu — a broad term covering dozens of Chinese styles — appears in a few traditional schools. Iaido and kendo (Japanese sword arts) are taught through small clubs, often affiliated with regional associations like the All United States Kendo Federation.
Self-Defense and Hybrid Systems
Krav Maga, the Israeli military self-defense system, is available through at least one Reno school and occasionally through corporate or law enforcement training programs. Mixed martial arts classes blend BJJ, wrestling, Muay Thai, and boxing under one roof — these are typically taught at combat sports gyms. Hapkido and systema appear occasionally but are harder to find consistently.
What Does This Mean for You as a Beginner?
The sheer number of options can make choosing harder than it should be. Here’s what I’d tell anyone starting from scratch in 2026: the style matters less than the quality of instruction and the culture of the school. A mediocre school teaching any style is a worse investment than a great school teaching something slightly different from what you imagined. The American College of Sports Medicine consistently identifies instructor quality as the primary driver of outcome in skill-based fitness training — and that holds just as true for martial arts.
For kids, structure and consistency matter most. A good kids program should teach respect, focus, and basic movement — not just techniques. For adults looking at self-defense, grappling-based arts tend to perform well in real-world scenarios because most physical altercations end up on the ground. For fitness, almost any style works if you train consistently three or more times per week.
Our instructors at Gracie Humaita bring decades of combined experience, and we’ll tell you honestly whether BJJ fits what you’re looking for — or point you toward something else if it doesn’t.
What Makes BJJ Different from Other Styles Available in Reno?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu has a few qualities that set it apart from most other options on this list. First, it’s fully live-pressure tested from your first week. You roll against real resistance — not compliant partners — which means your skills are stress-tested regularly. Second, it works across body types and ages. A 140-pound adult can submit a 200-pound opponent using leverage and technique rather than strength. Third, the Gracie family lineage behind the style has a documented competition and self-defense record spanning nearly a century.
You can see what our current students say about training with us in Reno by reading our client reviews — those are real accounts from adults, parents, and families who started exactly where you’re starting now.
How to Actually Try a Class Before Committing?
Most reputable schools in Reno offer some kind of trial class. We offer an intro class for only $30 — a single session that lets you move, sweat, and get a feel for the environment before you sign anything. If you want something more personalized before jumping into a group setting, private classes are available as well. Check our class schedule to find a time that fits your week.
We also serve the broader northern Nevada area, including students who come to us from Sparks, NV.
Ready to Start?
Gracie Humaita Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts Reno is located at 9333 Double R Blvd #1100, Reno, NV 89521. Call us at (775) 376-6229 or get in touch online to ask questions or reserve your intro class. If you want to keep reading before you decide, our blog covers everything from picking your first style to what to expect on your first day on the mat.
Reno has more martial arts options than most people realize. The real question isn’t how many styles exist — it’s which one you’re going to try first.
