
No Illusions Martial Arts (BJJ and Muay Thai)
About No Illusions Martial Arts (BJJ and Muay Thai)
At No Illusions Martial Arts in Brookings, South Dakota, we are dedicated to changing lives one person at a time through martial arts, education, and coaching. Our name reflects our core philosophy: we train without ego, without pretense, and without illusions about what it takes to develop genuine skill. We create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere where every student — regardless of age, gender, or experience level — can grow.
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is organized into age-specific tracks. Cubs (ages 4–6) and Ninjas (ages 7–10) learn foundational movement and technique in structured, age-appropriate settings. Samurai (ages 11–14) and Teen BJJ build on those foundations with more advanced grappling concepts. Adult BJJ covers the full curriculum including positional work, submissions, and regular live rolling. Our Muay Thai program mirrors this structure, offering kids, teen, and adult striking classes.
Instructors Cary, Jordan, and Nolan bring genuine passion to the mat every class. Located on 6th Street in Brookings, we serve the SDSU community and the broader eastern South Dakota region. Whether you're a first-time martial artist or an experienced grappler looking for a new home, No Illusions is your gym.
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Reviews
This is an amazing gym, full of stellar people! I live in Sioux Falls and making it to their open mat on Sundays is something I thoroughly look forward to! There is a wide spectrum of levels in this gym from beginners to world medalists! Instruction from Cary is well articulated, and easy to digest! The gym is clean, the people are friendly, and they aren’t afraid of hard work! If you’re in the brookings area I can’t recommend enough that you stop in!
The Muay Thai coach and the BJJ coach always put their best into every class. They really emphasized safety and genuinely cared about everyone training there. The coaches and members treated me like part of the team, and the training was both fun and challenging. I’m leaving for military service, but if I return, I’ll come back here for sure. Thank you for everything!
Awesome place to learn and grow. Been coming here for almost 3 years and dont plan on stopping. Instructors and students want you to succeed and it shows, its a gym that pushes you to be more and treats you like family.
Hey if your reading this your already on the right path to a new you and being the best version of yourself. Carry, Jordan and Nolan have given so many people new mind sets and drive you just can’t get anywhere else! There’s no substitute for this type of training!
I’d been wanting to start training martial arts for several years but was worried my lack of background and exposure to the culture may eventually choke that desire out(pun intended). I could not have been more wrong. The instructors and members are incredibly supportive and patient as they train with you no matter your skill level. Safety is priority number one. Everyone wants to see you do better and I never once felt like an outsider. My passion to train grows with every class. I highly recommend everyone gives No Illusions a try. You won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT MARTIAL ARTS DOES NO ILLUSIONS TEACH?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai for all ages, organized into Cubs (4-6), Ninjas (7-10), Samurai (11-14), Teen, and Adult tracks.
WHERE IS NO ILLUSIONS MARTIAL ARTS LOCATED IN BROOKINGS?
We are located at 308 6th St (listed as 323 6th St on some listings), Brookings, SD 57006. Call 605-651-1731 or email noillusionsmartialarts@gmail.com.
WHO ARE THE INSTRUCTORS AT NO ILLUSIONS MARTIAL ARTS?
Classes are led by Cary, Jordan, and Nolan — a dedicated coaching team committed to practical martial arts education.
IS NO ILLUSIONS MARTIAL ARTS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes. We welcome complete beginners and believe martial arts can be for everyone regardless of age, gender, or prior experience.
CAN I FOLLOW NO ILLUSIONS MARTIAL ARTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
Yes. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/NoIllusionsMartialArts, Instagram @noillusionsmartialarts, and YouTube @noillusionsmartialarts8419.
Programs
Weekly Schedule
| Time | Class | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00am | Fundamentals BJJ | All Levels |
| 12:00pm | Noon BJJ | All Levels |
| 5:30pm | Kids BJJ | Youth |
| 6:30pm | Fundamentals BJJ | All Levels |
| 7:30pm | Advanced BJJ | Blue Belt+ |
| 6:00am | No-Gi Grappling | All Levels |
| 6:30pm | No-Gi Submission | Intermediate |
| 7:30pm | Competition Training | Advanced |
| 9:00am | All Levels BJJ | All Levels |
| 11:00am | Open Mat | All Levels |
Check the gym's website for current schedule and any changes. Visit website
Instructors
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Student Stories
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