Guardian Jiu-Jitsu coming to Holland Town Center

HOLLAND — A martial arts studio is joining Holland Town Center.

Guardian Jiu-Jitsu — formerly Kevin Irwin Jiu-Jitsu — will relaunch under its new name in a larger space on Saturday, June 8.

“It’s a family-friendly gym that’s accessible to everyone,” said co-owner Andy Hagans. “When people think of martial arts, they might think of these really tough people and think, ‘That’s not for me.’ But we build people up and stress having a safe, respectful atmosphere where everyone can grow without watering down the martial arts.”

For the past two years, Hagans and co-owner Kevin Irwin have taught and trained together at Kevin Irwin Jiu-Jitsu on Butternut Drive in Holland Township.

“It’s really popular and it’s grown over the past year,” Hagans said. “We’re bursting at the seams at our old location. We wanted more space and to upgrade everything. And that led us here. We have more amenities now, and we’re also launching our new team name.”

For Irwin, Jiu-Jitsu is about more than physical strength.

“What I’ve learned helps me everywhere in my life,” he said. “It’s shown me the keys to success and I want to pass that on.”

The children’s program at Guardian Jiu-Jitsu will include a unique character development curriculum that encourages growth in 16 virtues, both on and off the mat.

“We want to do something positive for the community,” Irwin said. “I was born and raised in Holland and it’s an incredible place. The people here are just amazing.”

The new facility is nearly 3,700 square feet and offers new, premium MMA mats, and an expanded class schedule that includes women’s martial arts and adult kickboxing.

“I want anybody from any walk of life to feel welcome here,” Irwin said.

According to Irwin and Hagans, Jiu-Jitsu was founded on the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent by employing leverage and technique.

“I want to take that kid walking down the hall at school looking at the ground because they lack confidence or have anxiety,” Irwin said. “And I want to do what I can do to get them to look up. And that’s what Jiu-Jitsu is about.”

To learn more, visit kevinirwinjiujitsu.com.

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