For Overland Park Adults Who Want To Challenge themselves by Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu....
Complete our 42-Day Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
And Earn 12 Weeks of Additional Training - FREE
It is the EXACT program that has helped our clients....
-Lose Hundreds of Pounds
-Build Coordination, Flexibility, Strengh, and Conditioning.
-Progress Faster Than Their Peers
-Get Ready for Their First Competition
-Train Harder and More Sustainably.
Paul S.
“In my first year back I lost about 70 pounds training 5–6 hours a week at E3, in a hard but still kind, supportive environment, and it’s helped me deal with anxiety, depression, and body‑image issues in a great way – it’s been truly life‑changing.”
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Hi everyone, I’m Paul Sanders. I’m 40 years old. I did judo for a couple of years at another gym and loved the art, but not the huge crashes and constant bell‑ringers. Every practice I’d leave a little rattled. I also had a friend’s parent pass away from conditions related to repeated head trauma in football, and that was a wake‑up call. I decided I needed a less impact‑heavy art that still had real grappling.
I transitioned to jiu‑jitsu and have been at E3 for about four years. Growing up, I was the fat kid and always wanted to do martial arts, but never stuck with it. I told myself I wasn’t going to stay a white belt this time. At E3 I found a hard but kind training environment where people push you and still support you. In my first year back after COVID, I lost about 70 pounds through a strict diet and training 5–6 hours a week.
Beyond the weight loss, the biggest change has been in my anxiety and mental health. Jiu‑jitsu forces me to be present. You can’t obsess about work or life when someone’s trying to pass your guard. It put my problems in perspective and helped me handle normal adult stress like money and job stuff without feeling like it’s life‑or‑death.
E3 and jiu‑jitsu have been life‑changing for my body image, anxiety, and overall outlook. I couldn’t be more grateful.
Anthony T.
“In my first six months I dropped about 40 pounds, by the end of the year another 20 – in a year I ‘lost a five‑year‑old’ – and I’ve kept it off; jiu‑jitsu is something I really just enjoy doing.”
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I’ve been training for about a year and a half. I’m your stereotypical old white married guy with two kids and a dog, and I work in IT, which means I sit behind a desk all day.
Before jiu‑jitsu, I was always looking for “the thing” I was going to stick with. If you name the workout or fad program, I probably still have the DVDs.
I’d get short‑term success and then completely lose motivation.
In my first six months here I dropped about 40 pounds, then another 20 by the end of the year. I started around 250–260 and now sit at 190. In a year I basically lost a five‑year‑old and have kept it off.
Jiu‑jitsu went from something I was trying to something I flat‑out love. Before this, I was floating through life. I loved my wife and kids, but outside of home I didn’t have much to look forward to.
Now if I stay off the mats too long I get grumpy. My wife literally tells me, “Just go to the gym, even if you can’t roll, just be there,” because it’s my chicken soup for the soul. I’m not a naturally social guy, but showing up three to six times a week brings me out of my shell.
I don’t know how far I would have let things slide without everyone here. Best‑case, you find something you absolutely love and it changes your life.
Worst‑case, you can say, “I tried jiu‑jitsu for six months, it wasn’t for me, but I feel more confident because of it.”
Just try it.
Blake F.
“Physically I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since my early 30s, I’ve lost almost 30 pounds, I can keep up with my kids, my attitude around the house is better, and honestly it’s been life‑changing.”
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I’m Blake, 42 years old. I work a desk job, sitting 9–10 hours a day talking to people about software, then I’d go upstairs, see my three kids and my wife, put the kids to bed, and come back down to watch TV or play video games.
I lived on Dr Pepper and Cheetos, and my body showed it. At 5'7", I was around 190 pounds, easily could’ve been 200. That led to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. I didn’t feel great physically or mentally.
I started going to a regular gym, but I was completely inconsistent and mostly sat in the sauna. One night, bored and scrolling my phone in the sauna, a longtime friend posted about his jiu‑jitsu journey and invited people to try E3. I took it as a sign, walked in, and signed up for the beginner course.
At first I was extremely nervous. All those feelings of anxiety and not being good enough followed me onto the mat. I felt slow, like a burden to my partners.
Very quickly I learned what an awesome, supportive community E3 is. Those doubts faded within weeks, which is not easy for someone with anxiety. Now I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since my early 30s. I’ve lost close to 30 pounds, cleaned up my diet because I want to feel good on the mats, and my wife and parents see the difference.
I can roll multiple rounds three nights a week, keep up with my kids, my clothes fit better, and my attitude at home is better.
If you’re struggling with motivation or direction, give jiu‑jitsu at E3 a shot. It’s absolutely worth the time for your mind, body, and soul.
Jerome S.
“When you step on the mat you quickly find out how kind and generous everybody is; the culture at E3 is very family‑friendly, there’s no ego, just a lot of kindness and dedication to learning.”
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My name is Jerome, I’m 40 years old, and I’ve been training for about 11 months. I originally came to E3 for my daughter.
We tried taekwondo elsewhere and it wasn’t the right fit. At E3, the kids could move, run, and burn energy instead of standing in lines, and I loved that environment.
My daughter trained for a year and a half, my brother trained, and I was at the gym three times a week just watching. Eventually I ran out of excuses and joined.
When I started, I weighed 260 pounds and did not feel great about myself. Seeing athletic people on the mat was intimidating, especially coming from no combat sports or athletic background. It would be easy to walk in and feel like you don’t belong.
But like Blake said, you quickly learn how welcoming and kind everyone is, and that sucks you in. The culture is family‑friendly, low‑ego, and focused on learning.
In under a year I dropped to 228 for my last tournament, about 30 pounds down. More importantly, I found a community that supports me. If you have hesitations, especially about not being an “athlete,” stop by, shake some hands, and talk to Charlie.
You might be very pleasantly surprised.
Brooks C.
“My triglycerides were through the roof; after starting BJJ my bloodwork dropped, my energy shot up, and training became the best stress relief I have.”
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I’m Brooks Castle, 27 years old. The biggest change I’ve felt since starting BJJ is how I feel day to day.
On days I train in the morning, I feel excellent afterward. It’s a night‑and‑day difference from how I felt before.
Back in February I was dealing with low energy and fatigue. I went to the doctor, got bloodwork done, and my triglycerides and cholesterol were through the roof. I made a few lifestyle changes and started jiu‑jitsu. At my follow‑up, my numbers were way down, and a lot of that is from training.
I had the usual doubts—walking into an established group is intimidating—but E3 has never made me feel like an outsider. From day one I’ve been welcomed and treated like part of the team. Now I have more energy, I feel physically healthier, I sleep better, and jiu‑jitsu has become my best stress relief and source of social interaction.
I absolutely hate the traditional gym—treadmills and lifting felt like a drag. An hour of jiu‑jitsu flies by. If you hate the standard gym scene, give this a try.
It might be exactly what you’ve been missing.
Ray B.
“I’m 51, Jiu-JItsu got me down to 6% body fat again and helps me walk into the ER with a calm confidence, knowing I can take care of myself, and my family.”
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Hello, my name is Raymond Brovant. I’ve been training at E3 for about six years.
I started around 190 pounds and now I’m at 165, down roughly 30 pounds of fat and up about 15 pounds of muscle.
At 51 years old, I’m back to about 6% body fat, and people don’t believe it’s just from jiu‑jitsu, exercise, and a simple protein‑focused diet.
My initial goal was to not feel fear, especially in the ER where I work. I deal with a lot of violent or intoxicated patients who are bigger, stronger, and faster than me. I remember restraining people and realizing how outclassed I felt physically. I didn’t want to live in fear. I wanted to be able to take care of myself and set an example for my four kids.
My doubts were age, flexibility, and strength. Starting in my mid‑40s, going against 20‑year‑olds and people 60 pounds heavier felt intimidating. Over time I developed a style that works for my body and realized how much technique matters.
After just a year, you can feel the gap between you and a brand‑new person. Jiu‑jitsu gave me a deep sense of peace. I’m not looking for fights; my ego is in check.
I’m more aware, more capable, and more confident in everyday life, and that’s something you can’t buy.
Steven G.
“I started for my fiancée’s safety and to fix my back; now I’m more flexible, more confident, and walk around knowing I earned a real skill.”
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Hey, I’m Steven Gilburn, 32 years old, and I’ve been training for about two years. Friends had been encouraging me to start for a while. The biggest change has been my confidence.
The first 30 days are the true test, but if you get through that, you’ll understand why it’s worth it.
My “rock bottom” wasn’t dramatic; it was a mix of low energy, stress, and wanting to protect my fiancée. I wanted a skill set that would let me keep her safe if I ever needed to, while also fixing how lethargic I felt.
Once I found something I loved and could do every day while constantly learning, those problems started to disappear.
Physically, I used to have really bad back pain and could barely touch my toes. You’d think a combat sport would make that worse, but jiu‑jitsu has made me way more flexible and mobile. Now I’m rolling over my shoulders and doing things I never imagined.
Emotionally, the confidence is huge. You walk around knowing you worked hard for something that wasn’t given to you. I honestly think everybody could benefit from this, especially people who need a push out of their comfort zone and into something they end up loving.
Michelle M.
“Coming to the gym I realized there is no such thing as an underdog – physically and mentally I’ve gotten so much stronger, my confidence has grown, and I see myself in a completely better light.”
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Hi, my name is Michelle. I’m 27 and have been training at the gym for a little over a year. Before jiu‑jitsu, I always saw myself as the underdog. No one took me seriously, and honestly I didn’t take myself seriously. I’m 5'2", about 110 pounds, and I grew up watching my brother wrestle. I admired how strong and athletic he was and wanted something similar, but my own.
When I moved to the Kansas City area, I started looking for local gyms. Something about E3 spoke to me. When I walked in, I met Charlie, and that changed everything. I was nervous and stuck in that “I’m little, I’m the underdog” mindset. Charlie’s kindness and support made my confidence grow. Walking each step of the way with me made this process so much easier.
Coming to the gym, I realized there is no such thing as an underdog. Physically and mentally I’ve gotten so much stronger. My coworkers and patients notice it at work; I’m a nurse, and being stronger has even helped me prevent falls and keep patients safe. It’s spilled over into every area of my life.
If you need an excuse to start, come down. Even if you don’t stick with jiu‑jitsu forever, you’ll meet new friends and walk away a stronger version of yourself.
Michael
“I started over 300 pounds and out of shape; four months and about 35–40 pounds later I’m in the best shape since my teens with a completely different, more confident mindset.”
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My name is Michael, I’m 32 years old.
About a year ago, I decided I needed to make some changes. Sports were a big part of my life when I was younger, but I drifted away from them. I wanted something that combined sports with being around people again, so I started researching jiu‑jitsu and found E3.
I was over 300 pounds when I started and didn’t like what I saw, physically or mentally. I’d gotten complacent and stopped challenging myself. I worried I was too old, too out of shape, and would get injured.
But once I came in, I realized there are people of all ages and backgrounds here. The coaches don’t just throw you in on day one; they build you up gradually. I lost about 30–40 pounds in four months and got into the best shape I’ve been in since 18 or 19.
Beyond the weight, my mindset has completely changed. I’m more social, more positive, and I actually look forward to tough days on the mat. Jiu‑jitsu pushed me to set small daily goals and that spilled into the rest of my life: I’m back in school, learning German, looking for new challenges.
If you’re on the fence, just talk to the coaches and take the first step.
That one decision can turn into a totally different life.
Ryan W.
“I get a lot of self‑esteem from training and seeing the progress I’ve made over the years – I’ve tried a lot of different hobbies and jiu‑jitsu has been by far the most rewarding.”
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I’m Ryan Weist, 35 years old, and I’ve been training jiu‑jitsu for about three and a half years. Before jiu‑jitsu I was in the best shape of my life from bodybuilding and weightlifting.
I was bigger, stronger, and thought I was pretty tough. Then I took a trial class and someone half my size wiped the floor with me. That was my wake‑up call that jiu‑jitsu is real.
I trained at another gym for a while, took some time off, and then came to E3. What I love most is the self‑esteem I get from training. I’ve seen how far I’ve come from when I started. You don’t walk into jiu‑jitsu naturally talented. If you put in the time and effort, you grow. It completely changed my belief that people are just “gifted.” Nobody is good on day one.
I’ve tried a lot of different hobbies over the years and jiu‑jitsu has been by far the most rewarding. On top of that, there’s an awesome group of guys at E3. You can show up any time, know your friends will be there, train hard, and have a great time. Jiu‑jitsu really is for everybody, even if it’s outside your comfort zone.
That's what makes it worth doing.
Anthony T.
“I went from 260 pounds, exhausted walking stairs, to running 5Ks, dropping over 80 pounds, and having normal bloodwork for the first time in my adult life.”
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My name is Anthony Truey, I’m 39 years old. The biggest change I’ve seen is in my health. My weight, my bloodwork, my ability to move—it’s all better than before I started training. I had basically sat for 20 years and done nothing. My cardio and strength were below rock bottom.
I started at an easy 250–260 pounds. The lowest I’ve seen on the scale is 179. Before jiu‑jitsu, I was tired in every sense of the word. Physically, walking up two flights of stairs at work wore me out. Chasing my kids was hard. Mentally, I was tired of feeling that way. I was tired of being tired.
My biggest doubt was whether I was physically capable of doing it. If you’d told me to run a mile under 10 minutes, I’d tell you to just shoot me. I knew if I didn’t change something, nothing would change, so I bit the bullet. I accepted that I wouldn’t be good, I’d need rest rounds, and I’d be the slow old guy on the mat if that’s what it took.
Now I have way more energy, I sleep better, my sleep apnea has improved, and my wife says I’m not as loud at night. I’ve run two 5Ks this year with basically no prep, something I never thought I’d do. My triglycerides used to be in the thousands; my most recent bloodwork was in the normal range for the first time in my adult life, with no medication—just jiu‑jitsu and better food.
If you’re tired of feeling tired, worried you’ve been inactive too long, that was me.
You’re not in a worse spot than where I started.
Johnathan R.
“I was going through a divorce, overweight and low energy; a year later I’m down 35 pounds, more confident, and even won my first tournament.”
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My name is Jonathan Rivera, I’m 35 years old, and I’ve been training a little over a year. I’ve lost about 35 pounds so far. At my heaviest I was around 235. The first 20 pounds came off in about four to six months, just training Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week
.
Before jiu‑jitsu, I was going through a divorce and hit a low point. I had no energy, no confidence, and I was overweight. I’m originally from the west suburbs of Chicago, and a lot of my friends were already training gi and no‑gi. I watched from the sidelines for a long time.
One day I was scrolling and saw Charlie talking about jiu‑jitsu, and realized the gym was close. Everyone else was doing it, so I finally decided, “Why not me?”
I was scared of the unknown: what if I get choked out, what if I can’t handle it? But once I met Charlie and walked into class, it became life‑changing.
At the end of the day you have nothing to lose. If you don’t come in, you stay exactly where you are. If you do, you gain more than jiu‑jitsu. You gain confidence, community, and a new version of yourself.
Winning my first tournament and realizing I’d already lost 25 pounds by then was huge. I tell everybody—whether you’re at a low point or just want a good workout—to come try it.
You don’t need experience. Just focus on getting a little better every day.
Andy D.
“I honestly thought I was going to do it for one month, but here I am six months in and I don’t plan on stopping – everybody’s welcoming and patient, and you basically get a two‑for‑one: a workout plus learning the tactics of jiu‑jitsu.”
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I’m Andy, 22 years old, and I’m a technician at BMW. I’ve always been into martial arts but, honestly, I was scared to try jiu‑jitsu. I thought everyone went super hard and didn’t play around.
A coworker who trained kept telling me how great it was and that I should try it. Eventually I agreed to pay for one month and told myself I could quit after that if I wanted.
I used to walk around at about 150 pounds and worried I was too skinny; everyone in there looked big. Six months later, I walk around 160–165 and I don’t plan on stopping.
The people at E3 were the opposite of what I feared: welcoming, patient, and they go easy on you when you’re new. I could talk to anyone in that gym now and feel comfortable.
Jiu‑jitsu has helped my discipline more than anything. I struggled going to the regular gym and finding days to train, but with jiu‑jitsu I get a two‑for‑one: a workout and the tactics and strategy I love.
Now I look forward to going. I’d recommend it to anybody looking for a new physical hobby. At least dip your toes in the water.
Calum H.
“In just one month jiu jitsu has rekindled my love for training, restored my discipline, and massively improved both my mental health and physical strength.”
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My name is Calum Howe, I’m 38 years old. I’ve been training at E3 for about a month, and it’s already changed my life in a very positive way. I actually practiced jiu‑jitsu about 10 years ago, fell out of it, and always meant to come back. Charlie and the team here rekindled my love for the art and helped me bring back the discipline I’d lost.
I realized I wasn’t getting any fitter just going to a regular gym. I wanted something that would challenge me physically and strengthen my mental health. I knew about E3 and had even spoken to Charlie almost a year before I finally joined, but talked myself out of it, thinking I wasn’t in good enough shape. Coming back showed me that barrier was all in my head. Jiu‑jitsu here really is for everybody.
In just a month, I’ve noticed big improvements in my mental health, physical strength, and discipline. It’s pushed me to work on flexibility with yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and to take better care of my body overall. I’ve found community, strength, and focus.
My only regret is waiting a year after talking to Charlie.
Don’t do what I did. Come now. It’s changing my life.
Charlie T.
“Fast forward 10 years, I’m a jiu‑jitsu black belt, one of the youngest out of Kansas City, with a team of amazing people I love hanging out with every day, and I couldn’t imagine trading this for anything else.”
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I’m Charlie, 28 years old, and I’ve been training jiu‑jitsu for about 10 years.
Before jiu‑jitsu, I’d just graduated high school and felt pretty worthless. A lot of my teachers told me I’d never amount to anything, and I believed it. I didn’t get much positive encouragement from coaches or adults growing up.
When I started training, that changed. I remember one of my coaches pulling me aside and telling me jiu‑jitsu was what I should be doing and to stick with it because I had no idea what opportunities it could open. I saw how respected and loved my coaches were by the team, and that was the day I decided jiu‑jitsu was what I’d do for the rest of my life.
Fast forward 10 years: I’m a black belt, one of the youngest out of Kansas City, and I’ve got an amazing team of people I love hanging out with every day. I couldn’t imagine trading this for anything else.
If you’re on the fence, just jump in. Worst‑case, you decide it’s not for you. Best‑case, it changes your entire life like it did mine
Steven Bowen
"From the first moment you walk through the doors everyone here makes you feel like you've always been here. So welcoming and kind are the owners. You don't need to know a thing about Jiu-Jitsu."
Ray B.
"Great place to train with some of the best people I know. I can't think of any other gym I would want to continue my Jiu-Jitsu journey with. Do yourself a favor and give this place a try."
Darrick B.
"Great place to learn BJJ! All of the members are so welcoming and fun to train with!"
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is a grappling based Combat Sport. An incredible workout that brings together a community of like minded people focused on consistent self-improvement.
What is Etiquette or Culture of the Gym?
It's very simple, just remember your ABC's
Always
Be
Cool
Introducing yourself to new people and help them learn the sport. Cool
Appreciating small wins and slow improvement. Cool
Working on yourself and fitness outside of the gym. Cool
Sparring at a safe pace for your skill level. Cool
Have a positive attitude, even during a hard class. Cool
Easy.
Trashing new people to make yourself feel better. Not cool
Not washing yourself/equipment. Not Cool.
Drag in ego/negativity/drama. Not Cool.
Hurting a teammate because you were unsafe. Not Cool.
Complaining about a workout when you chose to show up for a hard class. Not cool.
Is this a self-defense program?
Our sessions are focused on learning the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A large part of that sport is learning, and practicing, how to take someone to the ground, break their limbs or strangle them unconsious all while they try to do the same thing to you.
Two sides of the same coin.
We focus on the sport because it makes it a game, and that makes it fun, and competitive.
If you come into jiu-jitsu, and act like sparring is a life or death situation.
You will quit.
Quickly.
It's too stressful.
I've been training 10 years, with teams across the globe, and don't know of a single person with that thought process who has stuck it out.
But I know plenty that haven't made it, because of that exact reasoning.
Framing it as a sport shifts things from, "I would have died if I got choked out like that in the street" to "Coach is really freaking good at this, I am going to learn how to do that."
If you can make things fun and learn to enjoy the sport, you will go further and get significantly better than someone who only wants to learn to defend themselves.
It could save your life someday.
Am I in good enough shape?
Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone.
We encourage all of our clients to take the class at their own pace.
As coaches, we'll push you, but you'll never be asked to do anything that you are un-able.
We've worked with many people over 300 lbs, and under 110 lbs.
People over 40, over 50, over 60 years old.
People with herniated discs, missing ligaments in their knees, labrum tears in their shoulders, crunchy elbows and bad ankles.
If you show up, do what you can with honest effort, you will get better, your body will improve and you will become more abled.
Meet the Team
Profesor Vinicius Gimenes
'Profesor' in portuguese translating literally to teacher in english. Vinicius is a true master of sport, with over thirty-five years of experience competing, training, and teaching Jiu-JItsu. He has promoted twenty eight individuals to the rank of black belt over his tenure and has lead E3 Jiu-Jitsu's team since 2018.
Head Instructor
Ben Coate
Ben is the first American to be promoted to Black Belt under Profesor Vinicius. Involved with grappling, whether through wrestling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, essentially his entire life. He has been training for over twelve years and remains involved in both the MMA and BJJ scene. Ben has been writing about combat sports since 2017. He has interviewed and profiled some of MMA's biggest stars, including multiple UFC champions.
Instructor
Charlie Tietgen
Charlie got his start training locally in Overland Park before meeting Vinicius in 2018. He spent four years living with Vinicius and three of his students before the covid-19 pandemic. During the shutdowns he spent his time living with the Studio 76 Team based out of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Charlie trained with them for 2 years before taking on the role of onboarding coach here at E3 in 2022. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with nine years of experience and the second American Black belt under Prof. Gimenes
Instructor
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