BJJ & Muay Thai in Covington, KY
The Storm
Our consent-based Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai teams use martial arts as vehicles for personal growth and strength-building. Open to women, transfolks, and gender nonbinary folks ages 16 and older. No experience necessary.
How we train
A safe place to discover what you can do
Trauma-Informed
We start with the simplest fundamental movements, emphasizing the mind-body connection and a spirit of playfulness and community.
Consent-Based
Your boundaries are respected in every class, every interaction, every time.
Intimate
Intro training groups are limited to six people per session, so you get individualized attention and build real trust.
Team culture
Working through techniques with training partners creates a bond like no other. We draw strength from the journey together.
storm Muay Thai
Muay Thai, also called Thai boxing or kickboxing, is a striking martial art that originated in Thailand. Its techniques use combinations of fists, elbows, knees, and shins, with footwork and body movement to use distance and timing to your advantage.
Intro team: Sunday mornings 10:00 to 11:00 am
Intermediate: Sunday mornings 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (completion of the 8-week intro program required)
Storm Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Called the gentle art, jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art that uses leverage and momentum for escapes and holds rather than relying on size and brute strength. The techniques are designed so even people with smaller bodies or physical limitations can execute them effectively. (For more on the transformative power of jiu-jitsu, we recommend Dr. Jamie Marich and Anna Pirkl's book, Transforming Trauma with Jiu-Jitsu.)
Intro team: Sunday 12:30 to 1:30 pm, Wednesday 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Intermediate: Sunday 1:30 to 2:30 pm, Wednesday 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Tuesday 10 to 11 am
The Benefits
Why our members train
Understanding your capability
Both jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai are about learning to move your own body in protective and powerful ways. Most of us never fully believed in our strength until we started training.
Connecting mind and body
Training helps you be completely present in the moment, building trust that your body can keep you safe in a way that just talking about it cannot.
Building stress tolerance
On our safe mats, you learn to breathe, think, and work through uncomfortable positions like a puzzle. It is OK to cry, rage, or freeze here. There is no shame in our game.
Confidence in communication
The mat is a place to practice expressing how you feel, asking for what you need, and setting boundaries. A high five and fist bump says, "I am ready". A tap means an immediate stop.
Developing playfulness
On the mat we laugh, joke, sing, and swear as we work our way out of tough spots. Learning to feel safe enough to play there is a huge relief.
Being part of a team
One of the top reasons people train is the community that comes with it. We need each other to learn and grow.
Ready to find your power?
Come exactly as you are. Memberships and class passes are flexible, and ability to pay is never a barrier at Thrive.
Good to know
Storm team FAQs
Who can join The Storm?
Any person age 16 or older who identifies as a woman, transperson, or gender nonbinary person. You do not need to identify as a trauma survivor to participate. Everyone can benefit from a trauma-informed approach to training. If you are a survivor, it is helpful to also have a counselor while participating, for an additional level of support, though it is not required.
Do I need any experience or gear?
Nope. We start with the most fundamental movements and build from there. Wear comfy bottoms like sweatpants or leggings and a supportive bra. When you join, you get a t-shirt as your training uniform. For Muay Thai, we have pads and gloves you can use. For BJJ, we mostly train nogi, but we have gis to borrow and provide belts when we practice gi techniques. We also partner with ELITE Sports if you decide to buy your own gear.
What is the time commitment?
There is never any obligation associated with The Storm. Our first class is the intro program (12 weeks for BJJ, 8 for Muay Thai) where you will learn all your foundational skills. After that, you can continue with an intermediate group or stop. You control your membership and can stop anytime.
Is this real martial arts?
Yes. We are an affiliate of Focused Fight Team, using the same BJJ and Muay Thai curriculum taught across FFT gyms, and of the Conscious Combat Club, the birthplace of trauma-informed kickboxing. The Storm offers the opportunity to test for traditional rank, but it is always optional. In the intro programs you earn a bracelet for every personal and team goal you meet, and if you ever want to transition to a co-ed FFT team, we will help prepare and introduce you.
It sounds interesting, but I am kind of scared.
That is OK. Trying anything new can be intimidating, and we were scared too when we started. Each time you step onto the mat, your confidence will grow. Your safety is why The Storm is designed to be intimate (intro groups capped at six), consent-based (you are never pushed into anything), and individualized (we start as gently as you need, including techniques with zero physical touch).
How do I join?
Book an appointment with Lauren (BJJ) or Maria (Muay Thai) to set up a consultation session. At that time, you'll have the chance to talk about your personal goals, learn more about the weekly class flow, and ask any questions you might have. When you’re ready to get started, select one of the membership options below.
The Storm
Combat sports memberships
Trauma-informed Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai for women, trans, and nonbinary folks. Every Storm membership includes a free t-shirt, $10 off a team rashguard, free open mat time, and free admission to Thrive-hosted seminars.
Contact Us
Whether you are curious about a class, want a workshop for your group, or just want to say hello, send us a note and we will get back to you.
