Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing & Kickboxing in Newaygo
Welcome To Our
Martial Arts Gym
Welcome to Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu, a martial arts gym in Newaygo for kids and adults of all experience levels. We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kickboxing in a structured, supportive environment that challenges you to improve. Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, competition, or building confidence, you’ll get the coaching and accountability to move forward. Our kids program focuses on discipline, confidence, and learning how to handle challenges both on and off the mats.
Claim your
Two-Week Free Trial!
Train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Striking for two weeks at no cost.
Experience the classes, the coaching, and the community.
Who We Are At
Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu
Our School
Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu is an award-winning gym built on high-level training and a strong support system. Our coaches bring grit, energy, and purpose to every class, creating an environment where students are pushed to improve while still enjoying the process. We focus on more than just technique, training here is about building confidence, discipline, and the ability to handle challenges on and off the mat. Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kickboxing, students develop real skills that carry into everyday life. Whether your goal is competition or personal growth, you’ll have the coaching and community to get there.
History
Josh Libolt, owner and head coach of Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu, got his start through a love of MMA that eventually quickly turned into a deep commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From there, he began competing, earning multiple local championships and continuing to sharpen his skills on the mats.
In 2023, Josh opened Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu and has been focused on growing the gym ever since – expanding into a larger space, adding more mat room and striking equipment, and building a strong, supportive community. His goal is simple: help every student who walks through the door improve physically, mentally, and emotionally through consistent training.
Register for a membership!
Come join us with a membership. Register and find the best option for your journey!
Meet the
Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu Coaches
Our team is dedicated to be the best educators for our students’ development. The coaches at Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu bring passion, experience, and motivation to each class. They are here to help each student find their place in our martial arts gym. Take a look below to meet them!
Josh Libolt
Head Coach & Gym Owner
Anthony Bell
Striking Coach
Natalie Taylor
Head Women’s Coach & Assistant Kids Coach
Our Gym Schedule
Are you looking to get started in martial arts in Newaygo? Then check out the Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu schedule to find the right time for your Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training!
Explore Our
Martials Art Programs
There is a martial arts program for everyone at Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu. We have training for children, adults, women, beginners, hobbyists, competitors, and everyone else in between. Take a look at our different programs to find the right fit for you.
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
We take pride in offering children a great experience in our Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. Students are guided on a path where they’ll learn physical tools and life skills. The confidence, respect, and discipline they gain will be beneficial in all aspects of their lives.
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are beginner-friendly and designed to help you build real self-defense skills, improve your fitness, and challenge yourself mentally and physically. Whether you’re brand new or experienced, you’ll be pushed and supported as you constantly improve on and off the mat.
Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Women’s Only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes provide a supportive, empowering environment to learn self-defense, get in shape, and build confidence. We are here to provide a great space for women to learn Jiu-Jitsu. No experience is needed. Just show up and start learning!
Adult Striking (ages 13+)
The Adult Striking program focuses on fundamentals, conditioning, and real world application through Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kickboxing. You’ll learn proper technique, build endurance, and develop confidence through structured training, pad work, and optional sparring. You’ll improve your self-defense skills, improve your health, and more!
Kids Homeschool Program
Our homeschool class gives kids a chance to stay active, build confidence, and develop discipline during the day. They can come in and take advantage of opportunities to socialize, learn Jiu-Jitsu, and be part of a positive structured environment.
Private & Group Lessons
At Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu, we offer private and small-group training tailored to your goals. Private lessons give you one-on-one coaching to sharpen technique, improve faster, and get detailed feedback, perfect for beginners, competitors, or anyone wanting focused instruction.
Small-group sessions are ideal for friends, families, or teammates who want a more personalized experience while still training together. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, these sessions give you the flexibility and support to train on your schedule.
Words from Our Community
Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu is a home for anyone ready to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kickboxing in the Newaygo area. We offer a complete martial arts program designed for kids, adults, and all experience levels.
Our gym is family-oriented, where kids build confidence, competitors develop high level skills, and everyday people improve their fitness, self-defense, and overall lifestyle through consistent training.
“Josh is super knowledgeable and patient just an all around great dude and teacher. And all my fellow students have also been really helpful and supportive”
“The atmosphere was so inviting and fun that even he couldn’t resist joining in. My boys go 4 days a week and are always sad on Fridays when they can’t go. “
“He (coach Josh) really loves coaching and cares a heck of a lot about providing a safe, clean, and fun gym for everyone interested.”
“It’s a great way for kids to learn something new as well as get plenty of exercise. All of the coaches do a fantastic job keeping the kids engaged.”
“My son has been attending for a few months and he loves it. The coaches are great, they make the class a lot of fun for the kids. Clean, friendly, and laid back atmosphere.”
Claim your
Two-Week Free Trial!
Train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Striking for two weeks at no cost.
Experience the classes, the coaching, and the community.
Contact Us
Start your martial arts journey at Rivers Edge Jiu-Jitsu with training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kickboxing right here in Newaygo. We proudly welcome students from Newaygo, Fremont, Big Rapids, Sparta, Cedar Springs, and surrounding West Michigan communities. You’ll find us conveniently located next to Newaygo Fitness Club.