Ruffhouse Jiu-Jitsu Columbus

Our School

Ruffhouse Jiu-Jitsu is a place for anyone to train martial arts in Columbus and Gahanna. Our team of instructors comes in every day with an eagerness to teach and help kids and adults through training. We make sure each student receives individualized training that isn’t just “checkmarking” new techniques. Classes are fluid, allowing our instructors to personalize training for whatever the group needs the most. Students aren’t just numbers but people with different needs and goals. This is a family where everyone is supported and thrives on and off the mat. This includes emphasizing respect, especially to our kids martial arts classes. They are taught to be outgoing, follow anti-bullying techniques, and to make friends. At Ruffhouse Jiu-Jitsu, as much as we strive to win, it is even more important to provide a space for everyone to be better and feel at home.

History

Ruffhouse Jiu-Jitsu has provided Gahanna and Columbus martial arts since 2011. Since then, under the leadership of owner and instructor Chris Larkin, we have expanded twice and moved into our new facility in June 2025. In the decade plus of teaching, we have continuously improved our kids program, placing a big effort into our local youth. Chris realizes the impact martial arts had on him and wants to pass that down to the younger generation.

Chris began martial arts after his time in the Army in the 90s. He soon began to compete in MMA and eventually found himself in a Gi. From then on, Jiu-Jitsu became his passion. Chris continues to compete in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments—including winning a 2023 IBJJF tournament—to show kids it’s not about winning or losing, but about doing your best and working hard.

Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Our kids Jiu-Jitsu class is a fun and structured environment where children learn the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through age-appropriate drills, games, and techniques. Classes focus on building confidence, discipline, respect, and teamwork while improving coordination, balance, and self-defense skills. Instructors create a positive and encouraging atmosphere, making sure kids stay engaged and motivated as they practice takedowns, escapes, and basic submissions in a safe and controlled way. The goal is not only to teach martial arts but also to help children develop life skills that carry over beyond the mats.

• Panda Cubs (ages 4-10)
• Panda Jr. Cubs (ages 10-14)

Teens and Adults Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Our classes consist of rigorous warmups, drills, technique training, and sparring. Jiu-Jitsu teaches teens and adults how to defend and submit opponents or attackers of any size or shape. Each body type has its advantages and disadvantages in fighting, and through Jiu-Jitsu, students will learn how to use their body effectively. Jiu-Jitsu teaches students discipline, respect, humility, and to overcome fear and adversity.

Women-Only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Our women’s-only Jiu-Jitsu class, led by Purple Belt Coach Sarah, offers a supportive and empowering environment for women of all experience levels to learn and grow in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The class focuses on practical self-defense techniques, positional control, and submissions, while also building strength, confidence, and community. Coach Sarah provides patient, detailed instruction and creates a comfortable space where women can challenge themselves, improve fitness, and develop their skills alongside like-minded training partners.

Adult Striking

This program works with all the different areas of striking. Students learn skills in Muay Thai, MMA, and Boxing to provide a balanced approach. This allows students to combine everything they have learned for self-defense situations or in competitions. Their stand up and on-the-ground will provide them the skills to thrive in whichever striking situation they find themselves in.

Youth Wrestling (6-14)

The youth Wrestling program at Ruffhouse Jiu-Jitsu is focused on children getting started in martial arts. They are taught basic Wrestling skills as we go through drills that are all about the fundamentals. It is a great opportunity to build grappling skills before entering high school and competing for your school.

Private Classes

This is a one-hour private lesson for any of our martial arts classes. Whether it’s Jiu-Jitsu, Striking, or Wrestling, come work with one of our instructors for individualized training and specific technique work.