Alpha Martial Arts Academy

Alpha Martial Arts Academy teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to beginners of all ages, with a focus on fundamentals, safety and structure. Classes include a 30-week Fighting Fundamentals program for teens and adults, plus separate kids groups for ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 13. The style is playful and friendly, and the school teaches both sport and self-defense jiu-jitsu. Owner Darren DeSalvo leads the head instruction, drawing on years of training and on a previous academy he ran in Louisiana.

New students can start with a free trial class. A team of instructors who have trained together for several years coaches both the adult and kids classes. The academy is in Altoona next to the HyVee Supermarket off 8th Street, and it draws students from nearby towns including Bondurant and Des Moines. Call ahead to learn about training times.