Your First Week Is Free

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what's stopping you?

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Your First Week Is Free • what's stopping you? •

What we offer

  • An older man and a woman practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a black mat inside a gym, with the man pinning the woman in a grappling position.

    Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

    The bread and butter of our gym.

    Control. Technique. Confidence.
    Learn one of the most effective martial arts in the world for self-defense and personal growth. BJJ focuses on ground-based grappling, submissions, and positional control — teaching smaller individuals how to overcome larger opponents through leverage and technique.


    ✔️ Adult & Kids Classes
    ✔️ Gi and No-Gi Options
    ✔️ All Experience Levels Welcome

  • Two men boxing in a gym, one throwing a punch while the other blocks.

    Striking Techniques

    Power. Movement. Defense.
    Our striking classes ranging from boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai aim to build well-rounded stand-up skills. You’ll learn proper footwork, defensive movement, combinations, and conditioning — whether you’re training for fitness or combat sports.


    ✔️ Great for Beginners
    ✔️ Focus on Technique, Not Brawling
    ✔️ Gloves Available for First-Timers

  • A male MMA referee wearing a red T-shirt raising the hand of a smiling female competitor in black shorts and T-shirt as a female competitor with long dark hair looks on. They are on a black mat inside a crowded sports hall.

    Kids Program

    Confidence. Focus. Respect. Fun.
    We believe martial arts can shape more than just strong athletes — it builds strong character. Our kids program is designed to help children grow in confidence, discipline, and resilience, all while having fun and staying active.

    ✔️ Grappling & Control
    ✔️ Competitiveness & Sportsmanship
    ✔️ Character Building & Leadership

  • Group of people posing for a photo at a martial arts event with a large 'Nakatani Open' sign in the background. One person is holding a medal and a plaque.

    Competition Support

    Show up for your own. Compete with confidence.

    When you step onto the mat, you won’t do it alone. Teammates and coaches regularly travel together to support each other at competitions across the region — and even across the country. You’ll find us cheering in the crowd, coaching in the corner, and celebrating on the podium.

    ✔️ Coaches corner you during matches
    ✔️ Teammates show u to spectate and cheer
    ✔️ Post-match feedback & encouragement

    Join the family — not just the gym (in a not-culty way.)

Your First Week Is Free

•

what's stopping you?

•

Your First Week Is Free • what's stopping you? •

Meet Our Founder: Scott Smith

With over 28 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience, Scott Smith brings a lifetime of martial arts knowledge and leadership to the mats. A black belt under Tom DeBlass and proud member of the DeBlass BJJ affiliation, Scott’s training also spans judo, aikido, muay thai, and wrestling.

Before founding Para Bellum Combat Sports, Scott served in the U.S. Army’s elite 2nd Ranger Battalion — an experience that shaped his focus on mental toughness, discipline, and service to others.

Scott’s goal is simple but powerful:

“I want to teach skills that improve lives — not just for competition, but for confidence, self-control, and long-term health.”

At Para Bellum, we train hard, we support each other, and we prepare for life — on and off the mat.

More Than a Gym A Place to Grow

At Para Bellum NKY, we believe martial arts is more than just a sport — it’s a path to better discipline, stronger character, and lifelong health. Whether you're here to compete, get in shape, or gain real-world self-defense skills, you're part of something bigger the moment you walk through our doors.

what people are saying

“Excellent gym with a very welcoming group of folks. If you're in the area and are considering bJJ for you or your kids I would definitely recommend it. The place has a ton of members, but it still feels tightly knit and receptive to new folks.”

- Serena J.

“NKYMAA and the Para Bellum BJJ program are more than just a gym and training group…it’s a family. Whether you are just starting your martial arts journey, a seasoned competitor, or just looking to make friends and get in shape….this is the place for you!!!”

- Brian E.

“Dropped into an open mat while out of town for a wedding. Everyone was super welcoming. The gym, mats, and locker room was well kept and clean. 10/10 recommend if you’re in Cinci or NKY.”

- Frank B.

Two men practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a mat, with flags of Israel, the United States, and Brazil hanging in the background.
Four women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uniforms smiling and posing together in a training gym, with one woman in a blue gi and three women in black gis, two with black belts and one with a blue belt.
Two martial artists hugging in a martial arts gym, with other practitioners in uniforms in the background.