Professor Matt Strack is a wonderful instructor with a gift for teaching. The level of detailed instruction from both Professor and Instructor Garrett has been absolutely wonderful for me as a complete beginner. Learning a martial art was something that I really wanted to do, but was extremely intimidated to start. I chose Soma because of the excellent Google and Facebook reviews. After attending my first class and experiencing the extremely welcoming and friendly environment, I knew that I had chosen the right place. I signed up for a membership on my second day. I'm still very new to Soma and to jiu jitsu, but I have definitely found a place where I belong. If you are looking to start jiu jitsu, looking for a new school, or looking for a place to train while traveling - I would definitely recommend Soma!

4.75 year update: I've been training here for almost 5 years now. I couldn't imagine training anywhere else but at Soma. This place is one of my second homes. These people are some of my favorite people. We learn effective jiu-jitsu, have fun, and train safely. If you're looking for a great place to learn jiu-jitsu and self defense, then check out Soma.

Renae Martin

My family has only been attending for a couple of weeks, so can’t speak to all parts of the experience. But for newcomers, this is a remarkably warm, welcoming and supportive place. Literally everyone- the teachers, the students, the other parents of kids in classes— has been lovely, kind, patient and encouraging. Our two daughters are loving their classes, and come home wanting to practice and get “points” for burpees and taking baths. The teachers are AMAZING with the kids.

The Foundations adult classes are fun and doable even with very little experience. They focus on form and technique, explaining why things are done this way. There’s plenty of repetition (including alternative tactics and different progressions) but the class also moves along nicely- there’s plenty to learn. I do like how some of the same techniques are taught throughout a given month, so there’s a chance to practice week after week. The next month it’s something different (is my understanding) with some common techniques.

Can’t recommend highly enough. If you’re curious, they offer a trial week-no need for any special gear. So glad we found this place!

Rachel Brockman

I am brand new to jujitsu and martial arts in general. I was nervous going into my first class, and concerned that the atmosphere might cater to a  macho “let’s see how much damage we can do to each other” environment, but it isn’t like that at all. Professors Matt and Garrett were extremely kind, patient, and welcoming, and the first class was just great. They focus on technique and how to safely progress through the scenarios. The other students are friendly and welcoming too, and there is no judgement of beginners or those of us who might not be in great shape.

I absolutely love it here. I didn’t even wait until the free trial week was over, I signed up after my second class!

Miranda McKinney

The main instructors, Matt and Garrett, are fantastic at gearing their lessons toward your experience level, making you feel comfortable, and making class fun.

I never expected to love Jiu Jitsu as much as I do. It's a useful skill in terms of self-defense but it is also a fantastic workout. You can tell the owner, Matt, goes to great lengths to make sure you get the most out of class.

Tiffany Washburn

We have had nothing but wonderful experiences here!  Professor Matt has a true talent and passion that carries over to his students. My kids have been attending classes over a year and the skills they have gained, both physical and mental, are exceptional. Highly recommended.

Jessica Johnson

Incredible instruction both from Matt and his students. I trained at his previous gym throughout college and have trained at several places since as I have moved around quite a bit. The culture here was definitely the best. They accommodate anyone who wants to better themselves through jiu jitsu. “Bro culture” is not a thing here and Matt does an incredible job of promoting playful rolling and also has the perfect blend of instruction, drilling, and live rolling. 10/10 would recommend this academy for beginners and experienced players alike!

Gary Randolph

Superb curriculum. I’ve been  to a lot of schools and  Soma is one of the best. Matt knows his stuff. Great professor and instructor. Every time I try a new school, I always get that feeling of having to raise my own flag with a bunch of egotistical men, but not at Soma. I felt very welcomed and right at home the very first time I stepped in the mat.  I use to worry about getting hurt at other schools, not once I have to worry about it at Soma. Everything is taught through progression. come see it for your self.

Ferdinand Regis

My husband, 8 year old son and 4 year old daughter all take Jiu-Jitsu at Soma and love it! The kids have learned so much, not just about martial arts, but growing in confidence, listening skills, cooperation and determination. The instructors are incredible with children and use a part of each lesson to discuss "mental jiu-jitsu," and how to use jiu-jitsu to deal with situations like bullying. They are taught never to attack, and to only use physical jiu-jitsu as a last resort. Soma has become a great part of our lives and we are so grateful for it.

Jennifer Garcia

I have had the privilege to work with Professor Strack for almost two years.  I am simply amazed at the knowledge you can gain when training and being instructed by Professor.  You will learn from one of the best!

UPDATE: 6 years later this place means more and more to me each visit.  We have training days here, seminars here, and so much more.  This is the absolute best place to train if you reside in Dayton Ohio!

Dan Weirauch

Best BJJ school in Ohio. Period. Prof. Matt and Garrett are excellent instructors: patient, thorough, and detailed. You'll definitely get your money's worth. Plus, the atmosphere is conducive to becoming technically sound in the sport and prepared for a number self-defense situations in the real world.

Anthony Brown

This is an excellent school for beginners as well as intermediate to advanced students. The focus at this school is Brazilian jiu-jitsu, more specifically Gracie style jiu jitsu. The head professor Matt Strack is an excellent instructor who focuses on the technique as opposed to using brute strength and trying to man handle people.

Robert Negri

Been training at SOMA for about a year now and without question the right decision.  No doubt it's intimidating to start your training so consider this...you will be hard pressed to find a better environment, great people and instructors who collectively want to see you get better. Professor Strack and assistant instructor Garrett perfectly execute a curriculum centered on technique and efficiency that is clear, precise and comprehensible. Couple that with the incredible people in the class and you have a world class academy.

Dean Abner

Outstanding and world class martial arts studio.  I drop in here went I come to town, I am active military, and you could not ask for a better studio.  I have been doing martial arts for over 15 years and the quality of instructors and facilities is second to none.  A must for those who want to start their children in a realistic program and adults that want to learn both a disciplined mindset and the most practical martial art, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Devin Fultz

The instruction & atmosphere at Soma Academy are top notch! Professor Strack is an excellent teacher & communicator as well as a great ambassador for the art of Jiu JItsu. Garrett is a fantastic assistant who also provides high level instruction and support. I would highly recommend this academy to anyone looking to improve their self defense as well their lives in general. New students are always made to feel welcome by instructors and fellow students alike. My only regret is that I didn't start sooner!

Chris Grashel

My training at Soma Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Dayton with Professor Matt Strack was absolutely the  right decision when looking for a BJJ School in the Cincinnati/Dayton Ohio area. While Preparing for my first BJJ competition in Houston I was forced to come to Ohio on family business. I was worried I would not be welcomed at a BJJ Academy to continue my training. What actually happened was Professor Strack let me train for a very small fee, I learned new detail and instruction I KNOW will benefit my BJJ game, and I absolutely look forward to the next time I travel this way. You would be hard pressed to find better instruction period.

Raymond Valdez

I have been training at Soma Gracie Brazilian Jit-Jitsu in Dayton since June. Like a lot of women, I wanted to learn how to defend myself, but I was really nervous about making the leap and attending my first class. I quickly found that there was no reason to be intimidated! Professor Strack is an extremely welcoming, patient, and knowledgeable instructor whose teaching style makes techniques easy to understand. The academy's atmosphere is friendly and the other students are very supportive of one another. I really enjoy training here and look forward to it all through the week.

If you've wanted to learn a marital art for self defense but have been nervous about taking that first step, I encourage you to try out Soma in Dayton.

Jen Morris

I was looking for a place to learn more Jiu Jitsu well in Ohio for the summer and it blew my mind that I was able to find such a phenomenal school so close to home. Professor Matt Strack's perspective on BJJ is incredible and the way they teach is so clear and welcoming anyone will feel comfortable here!

Brendan Lynch

Our family has been taking private lessons with Professor Strack for a year and a half, and it has been a great experience.  His instruction is superb as he has uncanny ability to connect with young and old combined.  We plan to continue for years to come!  Awesome family time and would highly recommend to anyone!

Amy Day

Working in law enforcement you need to stay fit and be able to defend yourself. Professor is very knowledgeable and able to teach all levels and great training partners. Would recommend to anyone wanting to enhance their skills in fitness and self defense. Also able to train with individuals who compete in MMA to help in the cage. Excellent school!

Ckbaseball23

I take classes from Professor Strack at his Dayton location and am very happy with my experience. He is a great instructor, patient yet he always challenges me to execute better than the day before. He understands body movement and mechanics and is always willing to explain the science behind the art. If you are looking to study a martial art, learn self defense, improve your overall health, or to do something fun and healthy as a family then Soma is definitely the place for you!

Keith Argabright

I'm a regular attendant at Matt's school in Oxford, I've been going for about 8 months, and I love it! Matt gives new students a free week to participate and see if you like the class, and everyone is welcome to sit and watch first, too. He makes a point of pairing new students with those who've been there and know what they're doing, and if you need help with a move he's right there to walk you through it step by step, not to mention he sticks around for open mat after class if you need more help, and all the other students are friendly and willing to help you learn as well. He's very knowledgeable, if something isn't working for you, he's able to point out exactly what's going wrong and can help you fix it or provide an appropriate alternative.

Beth Hall

I have had the absolute pleasure of training with Professor Matt Strack for 5 years and it was the best decision I have ever made. Professor Matt Strack is the only black belt instructor in Ohio to have trained directly under a student of Grandmaster Helio Gracie from blue belt to black belt and it shows with his understanding of the techniques and principles of Gracie Jiu-jitsu. It is a family friendly environment for people of all ages and provides and safe training environment for all students. If you are interested in Gracie Jiu-jitsu look no further than Soma Academy it is truly a unique experience from other jiu-jitsu academies

Garrett Myers