Extra, Extra, Read all about it!

The Response Was Bigger Than Expected

After sharing the feature on Instagram and Facebook, the response was overwhelming.

Messages, comments, conversations—people reaching out to say they’ve been watching, supporting, or thinking about coming in. It reminded me that even when it feels like things are moving slowly, people are paying attention.

Momentum doesn’t always show up loud at first. Sometimes it builds quietly, then all at once.

Here’s the story from the Springfield Business Journal

After teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Springfield, Nixa and Ozark areas since 2019, Justin Edel opened a gym of his own with the Nov. 10, 2025, launch of Forged Jiu Jitsu. The 1,500-square-foot gym in Ozark is located at 773 N. 20th St. in the Diamond Shopping Center. A purple belt in the martial art, Edel, who owns the business via Forged Life LLC, said the academy offers programs for adults and children focused on self-defense, fitness and building discipline and confidence.

Group classes, private one-on-one coaching and specialized workshops, such as women's self-defense seminars, are offered. Edel said while occasional guest instructors help at the academy, he is the lone employee at this time. Startup costs were roughly $40,000, he said, declining to disclose the two-year lease rate with Diamond Shopping Center LLC. Memberships, which offer a free trial class and have no contract, include weekly unlimited sessions and beginner-friendly instruction. They are priced at $139 per month, according to Forged Jiu Jitsu's website.