Category Five Jiu-Jitsu

Category Five Jiu-Jitsu

535 reviews
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About Category Five Jiu-Jitsu

At Category Five Jiu-Jitsu, we've built a welcoming martial arts community in Hurricane, West Virginia where community and camaraderie come before intimidation. Founded in 2014 by Shannon Newhouse and acquired in 2020 by Wes and Kristi Thompson, our lineage traces directly to world champions Saulo and Xande Ribeiro through IBJJF 4th Degree Black Belt Chris Blanke of the Toledo Jiu-Jitsu Center.

Our instructors bring diverse backgrounds in jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, and defensive tactics to ensure students receive well-rounded, practical training. We maintain clean training spaces and a culture where every new student — regardless of experience — is welcomed and supported.

Category Five offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids (ages 5–12), adults and teens (ages 13+), and kickboxing classes, making us a true family martial arts academy serving the greater Hurricane and Putnam County area.

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Reviews

5
35 reviews
Nae Paugh
2026-03-06

I came in from out of town while on a work trip and these guys were great! I didn’t have a gi, but they were happy to loan one for the class. Roman was very helpful in making sure we understood the technique! I’ll definitely be coming in again next time I’m in the area!

Alfredo Morales
2025-09-17

I couldn’t be happier that we found Category 5! We recently moved to the area and were searching for a place where my daughter could continue learning BJJ. Before the move, she had trained for about four months at another academy, and the difference here is night and day. From her very first three classes, the level of attention and instruction she received blew me away. Multiple instructors take turns demonstrating and teaching, making sure every student is supported and engaged. The energy, professionalism, and care they put into every class are just amazing. My daughter had started losing interest in BJJ, but since joining Category 5, her excitement is back—and stronger than ever! She now looks forward to every class. Huge thanks to Wes and his team for running such a well-oiled machine. If you’re looking for a place where kids not only learn BJJ but also gain confidence and passion, Category 5 is it!

Emily Daly
2025-10-01

So happy we found category five jujitsu, we travel to WV several times a year to visit family and we needed a place for our kids to practice while we were out of town. The gym is SUPER clean, the staff are great, very welcoming and great with the kids. My kids had a blast! We can’t wait to come back at our next visit!

Kelsie Bennett
2025-11-11

I'd been looking into a gym to put my 5 and 6 year old daughters in for a while. We finally landed on Category 5 and I could not be happier. The instructors are incredibly patient, attentive, and passionate about what they do. You can tell they genuinely love the sport and enjoy teaching it to all ages. They take their time with each student, build confidence, and make learning fun while still keeping structure and discipline. They've created a very low-stress environment to optimize learning.

Edward Heater
2025-11-06

Category 5 Jiu Jitsu is an absolute gem in Hurricane, WV! From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a staff that radiates warmth and professionalism. The sign-up process is refreshingly straightforward—no hidden fees, no fine print, just honest, transparent enrollment that makes you feel welcome from day one. But what truly sets Category 5 apart is the caliber of its instructors. Patient, kind, and deeply knowledgeable, they embody the spirit and discipline of jiu jitsu in every class. Whether you’re a seasoned grappler or just starting out, their guidance is tailored, respectful, and empowering. And for families—this place is gold. Watching the instructors work with the youngest kids is a masterclass in compassion and skill. They take time, they listen, and they build confidence from the ground up. It’s not just training—it’s mentorship. If you’re looking for a place where technique meets heart, and community meets excellence, Category 5 Jiu Jitsu is it. Hurricane’s lucky to have them!

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE LINEAGE AT CATEGORY FIVE JIU-JITSU?

Our lineage traces to world champions Saulo and Xande Ribeiro through senior instructor Chris Blanke, an IBJJF 4th Degree Black Belt and Toledo Jiu-Jitsu Center founder.

WHEN WAS CATEGORY FIVE JIU-JITSU FOUNDED?

Category Five was founded in 2014 by Shannon Newhouse and acquired in 2020 by Wes and Kristi Thompson, who continue the school's mission today.

DO YOU ACCEPT CHILDREN?

Yes. Our kids program serves ages 5–12 with age-appropriate BJJ instruction focused on discipline, respect, and confidence.

IS THERE KICKBOXING AVAILABLE?

Yes. We offer kickboxing classes for ages 13 and up alongside our BJJ curriculum.

WHERE IS CATEGORY FIVE LOCATED?

We are located at 3544 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane, WV 25526 in Putnam County.