Two Rivers Martial Arts

4.2 mi

I've been training at this gym for a number of years now. All I can say is that training here has…read moregreatly improved my life in a number of ways. The coaches are top-notch and are willing to work with everyone. The facilities are the best in the area. There are numerous classes throughout the week to accommodate most schedules. Everyone at the gym is amazing and friendly and willing to work with new people. If you're interested in jiu-jitsu, I cannot recommend DMJJA enough. ADDITIONAL: I wanted to add that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an excellent form of exercise that also has been shown to be an effective form of self defense. The academy has adult classes every day but Thursday for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and recently increased the number of kids' classes during the week. The gym also has Muay Thai kickboxing and a modest MMA program. Yoga was also recently added to the schedule two to three times per week. The academy caters to athletes of any level, from straight-off-the-couch to expert martial artists. The academy also has a weight lifting / cardio room for members to use during the hours the academy is open. I seriously cannot recommend this gym more. It is amazing and I feel like anyone would enjoy and benefit from classes provided.

Excellent instructors and a great environment.read more

Average Tuesday night crowd

No gi jiu jitsu

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Triumph Martial Arts

(1 review)

7.5 mi

Mr. white is about as good as they come! A great teacher and role-model who leads by example and…read morebrings out the best in all of his students youth and adult! If you've been thinking about a martial arts program for yourself or your kids, you should consider giving Triumph a try. You'll be happy you did!

From the owner: Triumph Martial Arts stands out as a trusted leader in the martial arts community, serving central…read moreIowa for over 21 years with a proven track record of excellence. As an award-winning business with an A+ Accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, we are committed to quality, integrity, and positive impact. All our programs are professionally affiliated, including ATA Martial Arts, KMF-AC Krav Maga, and Carlos Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, ensuring students receive top-tier instruction from world-class organizations. Our highly experienced team, led by Master Matt White—a 6th Degree Black Belt in ATA Martial Arts, 4th Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, and Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—provides a supportive and motivating environment for students of all ages and skill levels. From preschoolers learning focus and discipline to adults mastering self-defense and fitness, we offer a unique blend of life-changing programs. Join us to experience why Triumph Martial Arts is a community favorite, helping individuals and families grow stronger together.

Preschool martial arts at Triumph Martial Arts in Clive - Des Moines BEST Martial Arts Studio!

Gun disarms in Krav Maga at Triumph Martial Arts in Clive.

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Preschool martial arts at Triumph Martial Arts in Clive - Des Moines BEST Martial Arts Studio!

Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines

5.1 mi

I absolutely have fallen in love with training at Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines-…read more I was also lucky enough to start at the right place, with the right coach Carsten Carlsen. As a life long strength & conditioning coach and nutrition coach, coaching is my forte. I understand and study the art. Coach Carsten is everything you could ask for in a coach and BJJ mentor, plus some. His speed is your speed, and he can be as strong as a lion yet as gentle as a lamb in the same class. It's really something to witness, and awesome to be a part of. I very much am "the new guy" at school. And I'm happy being that guy. I'm a firm believer in a "white belt mentality" and will continue to have that when I've completed hour 5,000...and if I don't have that mentality I'll never make it that far... -That's the beauty of Jiu Jitsu- If you live in Des Moines and are looking for something new, fun, and challenging both physically and mentally I can't recommend Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines enough. You won't regret walking into Carsten's class and will leave a better man/women because of it.

Very clean and inviting Jim everyone was super kind. Very high-level instruction. I highly…read morerecommend you check it out.

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Iowa Martial Arts & Wellness Center

(1 review)

6.2 mi

We are in town visiting so we took our daughter and son to the kids Jiu-jitsu class today. The kids…read moreloved it. Nice facilities and outstanding instructors. Highly recommend. Thank you Iowa Martial Arts!

Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi

(5 reviews)

7.0 mi

I had the best experience attending Shadow Fist and learning about self-defense, with techniques…read morethat drew from tai chi, it was practical and really interesting to learn. I picked up useful skills--and had a lot of fun doing it. Robert is a fantastic teacher and is highly recommended!

At 87, I attend tai chi classes twice a week to maintain my mobility, flexibility and balance. The…read moresessions are tailored to each person's pace, and the instructor explains every move clearly. My motivation is staying active and independent, while others in the class, including three doctors, study the art more deeply. Tai chi has helped me keep moving and confident, and Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi provides a welcoming, supportive environment that encourages my continued growth.

Intermediate Students

Intermediate Class

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Metals

No Coast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

(3 reviews)

7.9 mi

Very welcoming to my daughter when we were in town for the week. She enjoyed meeting new friends…read moreand coaches. Comp class was a good challenge for her and she liked the way the classes were taught.

The owners, coaches and students at No Coast BJJ go out of their way to make all guests and new…read morestudents feel welcome. The instructors are highly skilled and teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with an emphasis on exceptional technique with a little humor sprinkled in to keep things light hearted and entertaining. All members of the school take pride in the gym keeping it a clean, safe, non-judgmental, family friendly environment. No Coast BJJ offers a free week to all new students letting new members experience the benefits of BJJ with no commitment.

Crunch Fitness - Des Moines South

2.0

(9 reviews)

2.3 mi

This location opened summer 2025 and the draw for us was the price and the hours of operation…read more Mondays open at 5am then stay all the way open 24/7 till Friday nights at 11pm when they close, Saturdays & Sundays 7am-9pm. A lot of space, lots of options for lifting, cardio, tread machines, stair climbers, bikes and so much more! They offer classes and have a child care department. Everyone's feedback will be different depending on what time you head to the gym. Naturally the times you go during the week after 5pm it'll be more packed than at 5am. For us, early morning is best! Most of the "regulars" recognize each other and pretty respectful of each other and the gym. We couldn't give 5 stars because 1) the smith machine area and free weight area is usually pretty dusty and dirty. The top of the cabinet next to the smith machines and the top of the machines themselves never get wiped down and it's not vacuumed in that area either. The AC and fans blow the dust around and can make working out a bit challenging when breathing in all that dust. A quick vacuum to the baseboards and around the machines and dumbbell racks would go a long way; 2) they do not monitor people vaping in the gym or smoking right outside the gym doors. A fitness center like this pushes health and wellness - but hard to do that when they continually allow people to vape in the gym (regardless of whether you think that has an affect on those around them or not - it doesn't matter - this type of activity needs to be done outside of the gym). People also have lit up as soon as they leave the gym doors and all that cigarette smoke gets blown right back into the gym. We would've given less stars but they have two staff members that has made our times at Crunch Fitness so much better: Robert (trainer who is there early in the morning) and Logan who is also there in the early mornings! Robert is quick to help and answer any questions we have - and is never pushy about signing up for training. He provides your options and allows you the space to decide what's best for you. Logan is one of the hardest working guys we see at gyms like this. He's always cleaning, we see him refilling the paper towels regularly and always keeping an eye out for the safety of those using the gym while we're there! He's the only one besides Robert that has made an effort to remember our names and is genuinely concerned when they don't see us for a few days. Nice to see people who genuinely care in an industry like this! Hopefully Crunch Fitness will recognize these men for going above and beyond!

So crunch. You let me in for 30 min and let me lift with my friend who is under 18 too. On your…read morewebsite you never mention an age for using the free trial so I'm not sure why you let me lift and then kick me out after the fact. And the only way you would let me stay was if I payed 15$?? Terrible gym makes no sense

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Birdland Pool

3.3

5.8 mi

My daughter was here for a swim meet. The pool was super dirty so was the blocks! I would give it a…read morethree just cause of the dirty pool! But everything else was ok! The locker rooms were a little dirty!!

Found a pool this Summa!!!!…read more Review during COVID19: Birdland pool is like a hidden gem for Central Des Moines this summer! Never been here before but we've been here twice now. No FRILLS pool. They have 1 slide and 3 diving boards. A wading pool that goes 2.5'; very large size too. The pool is clean water and the environment is clean. The price is great too! $2.00 for kids; $4.00 for adult. Free for 3 and under. People around us do not wear masks. There are different ethnic families that live near and visit this pool. They play very loud music. A different variety but I think they play most recent rap and hip hop the most. Staff here is great! They also have two local officers inside the pool to keep things safe. The pool is located by North High school so that's probably why they have officers; it's a little rough neighborhood. The two times we visited we have watched the pool capacity website before arriving. This pool stays under the capacity limit every day and have found it to be very compliant to COVID social distancing regulations. The staff wipe surfaces every hour. At the end of the swim session they are cleaning everything immediately. They also wear masks when they are around people. There's a snack bar open but we've never visited. The water slide is the highlight of the visit for the kids. Young jumpers must go through a swim test before allowed on the diving boards. I recommend visiting this pool this summer. I'm not too sure during any other year as they may be a lot more full but I've enjoyed our visits so far. We will be returning more this summer as we feel safe coming here and seeing how the staff and the people around us are abiding to social distancing rules.

Overlooking pool from the east side

Nice open water slide

Entrance

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Union Park

4.7

(3 reviews)

5.8 mi

I love it and it's the best place you could be it's very good and it's just the best because you…read morecan do all sorts of stuff good for kids I forgot what this the rules of the park separation I'm pretty sure it said to 2 12-year-olds

Memorable park with the famous ROCKET SLIDE!…read more It's a fun playground because it has a unique structure that is considered vintage. Made of metal. The slides are plastic. During COVID19 review: Came out here with some moms for a play date. Rocket playground was open as well as the north playground. Wading pool was NOT operating. Didn't see anyone using the restrooms or the drinking fountain. A few park benches around to sit and picnic at. Grass was very tall but landscapers were working on mowing. Well maintained with no tree debris. We've been to this park before and it's a popular place to come. But during COVID19 there is way less people around. 3 other families and 1 small day care of 4 kids were there with our group. Made for around 20-25 children playing around each other. Would recommend if you're in the neighborhood.

Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center

17.2 mi

My granddaughter attended Wesley Woods horse day camp in 2024 when she was 10. She'll go again this…read moresummer - but wants to have the week-long overnight experience. She's already decided that after beginner, and now intermediate, she wants to go on to advanced - all the way to becoming an instructor!

Came here for horseback riding with my family. This is a Methodist Church camp that offers…read morehorseback riding year-round for a price way lower than anywhere else I've ever been. This is a great outing for anyone new to horseback riding or to do with your children. It's also a price that makes this a great weekend activity for the whole family. Our guide led us around the large acreage of the camp for around 45 minutes on a very easy and beautiful ride.