The Cobra Kai BJJ Legacy: Everything You Need To Know About SimGo Academy In Las Vegas (2025 Update)
The legendary name "Cobra Kai Jiu Jitsu" still echoes through the halls of the Las Vegas grappling scene, but the academy has undergone a significant evolution and name change to SimGo Academy. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, this gym represents a powerful blend of old-school grit, modern competitive strategy, and a commitment to pure Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training, led by one of the sport's most respected competitors and coaches, Simpson "Sim" Go. This deep dive will uncover the academy's historical roots, the current 2025 training programs, and the impressive competitive legacy of its head instructor.
For anyone searching for the original Cobra Kai BJJ in Las Vegas, you are looking for SimGo Academy, located at 7060 West Sunset Road. The academy continues the spirit of the original Cobra Kai—a name synonymous with high-level coaching and producing elite grapplers and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters—while forging its own path under the leadership of Sim Go, focusing on a safe, inclusive, and highly technical approach to the art.
Head Instructor Biography: Simpson "Sim" Go
The transition from Cobra Kai BJJ to SimGo Academy marks a new chapter, but the lineage remains impeccably strong, tied directly to the academy’s current leader, Simpson "Sim" Go. Sim Go is not just a coach; he is a decorated competitor whose career highlights solidify his status as a true grappling legend.
- Full Name: Simpson "Sim" Go
- BJJ Rank: Black Belt
- Lineage: The first Black Belt awarded by the original Cobra Kai BJJ founder, Marc Laimon.
- Notable Competitive Achievements:
- ADCC Veteran (Competed in the 2007 ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship)
- ADCC North American Trials Champion
- 14-time Grappler's Quest Champion
- 2x No-Gi World Championships Medalist
- American Nationals Silver Medalist
- Signature Technique: Sim Go is widely known and respected in the grappling community for his mastery of the Deep Half Guard.
- Current Role: Owner and Head Instructor of SimGo Academy (formerly Cobra Kai Jiu Jitsu Las Vegas).
The Legendary Roots: Marc Laimon and the Original Cobra Kai
To understand the depth of SimGo Academy's foundation, one must appreciate the legacy of the original Cobra Kai Jiu Jitsu. The name was established in 2004 by renowned grappling coach and BJJ Black Belt, Marc Laimon.
A Hub for Grappling and MMA Elites
Marc Laimon's Cobra Kai quickly became a powerhouse in the Las Vegas martial arts scene. Laimon, a 5th-degree BJJ Black Belt under John Lewis, was known for his ability to coach top-tier athletes. The gym was a breeding ground for well-known grapplers and MMA fighters, establishing a reputation for a hard-nosed, effective, and innovative style of Jiu-Jitsu.
This historical context is crucial: the *Cobra Kai* moniker in the BJJ world has a real, tangible legacy that predates the popular Netflix series. It represents a history of elite training and competitive success in one of the world's martial arts capitals. When Sim Go, Laimon's first black belt, took over the Las Vegas location, he inherited this rich tradition and competitive spirit.
The SimGo Academy Philosophy: Pure, Technical BJJ
While the name has changed to reflect the leadership of Sim Go, the core philosophy is rooted in pure, dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The academy is celebrated for avoiding the common trend of branching out into general fitness or an excessive mix of martial arts. Instead, SimGo Academy focuses intensely on the technical application and mastery of BJJ.
The training environment is often described as safe, fun, and welcoming, making it ideal for both seasoned competitors and absolute beginners. This focus on a positive atmosphere is a key differentiator in the often-intense world of high-level BJJ training in Las Vegas.
SimGo Academy: Programs and Current 2025 Schedule
The current offerings at SimGo Academy are designed to accommodate all skill levels and ages, ensuring that the legacy of high-quality instruction is passed on to the next generation of grapplers. The schedule is kept up-to-date, with the latest available information confirming the structure for early 2025.
Adult Jiu-Jitsu Programs
SimGo Academy offers comprehensive training in both Gi (traditional uniform) and No-Gi (submission grappling) BJJ, which is vital for developing a complete grappling game.
- Adult Gi Classes: These classes focus on the fundamental and advanced techniques of traditional BJJ, utilizing the kimono for grips, controls, and submissions like the collar choke. Training in the Gi is essential for developing patience and precise control.
- Adult No-Gi Classes: Reflecting Sim Go’s competitive background in ADCC and No-Gi World Championships, these classes emphasize wrestling, leg locks, and faster-paced grappling that is highly applicable to MMA. The No-Gi schedule is current as of January 2025.
- Open Mat/Sparring: Dedicated time for rolling and drilling, allowing students to test their techniques against a variety of training partners—a staple of any serious BJJ gym.
Kids and Youth Programs
Recognizing the importance of foundational training, the academy also runs dedicated programs for younger students. These classes focus on discipline, self-defense, and building a strong BJJ base in a safe and structured environment.
One of the most appealing aspects of SimGo Academy for new students is the commitment to transparency and accessibility. They offer trial classes and maintain a policy of no long-term contracts, which is a rare and welcome feature in the gym industry, allowing students to focus solely on their training.
The Las Vegas BJJ Landscape and Topical Authority
Las Vegas is a major international hub for combat sports, and the BJJ community is highly competitive. SimGo Academy consistently ranks among the best-rated BJJ gyms in the city, standing alongside other major academies.
The presence of world-class instruction from ADCC-level competitors like Sim Go elevates the quality of training. Students at SimGo Academy benefit from a focused curriculum that prepares them not only for local BJJ tournaments but also for the highest levels of competitive grappling. In a city where you can also find other elite academies like Zenith Jiu-Jitsu by Robert Drysdale, Atos Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas, and Sergio Penha Jiu-Jitsu Academy, SimGo Academy (Cobra Kai BJJ) holds its own as a testament to technical excellence and a powerful legacy.
Whether you are a local resident or a visiting BJJ Globetrotter looking for a high-quality drop-in, SimGo Academy provides a direct link to the storied history of Cobra Kai Jiu Jitsu while simultaneously offering some of the most current and effective BJJ training available in Las Vegas today. The legacy is alive, well, and thriving under the guidance of Black Belt Sim Go.
Detail Author:
- Name : Layne Borer III
- Username : presley60
- Email : frida64@witting.com
- Birthdate : 1994-11-29
- Address : 53217 Stehr Forks Henritown, MI 47213
- Phone : (949) 606-9142
- Company : Russel-Kuhn
- Job : Fence Erector
- Bio : Id dolorum nobis non officiis veritatis necessitatibus aut. Modi sit odio dolores sint nisi. Voluptatum dolore temporibus distinctio quis nihil. Dolor fugit aperiam non.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@ablick
- username : ablick
- bio : Aut recusandae libero incidunt recusandae voluptas.
- followers : 2283
- following : 878
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/alenablick
- username : alenablick
- bio : Minus magnam quis magnam recusandae est. Animi animi in et nihil quam.
- followers : 5384
- following : 1719
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/alenablick
- username : alenablick
- bio : Et ratione dicta libero dolorem quidem numquam omnis.
- followers : 1511
- following : 902
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/alena1988
- username : alena1988
- bio : Illum eligendi et delectus sunt ut et.
- followers : 2780
- following : 332
