Lovato's School of BJJ & MMA in Oklahoma City is the headquarters of the Lovato Jiu-Jitsu Association. Rafael Lovato Sr. and his son, both black belts, started it in 1993, and it was the first BJJ school in the city. Rafael Lovato Jr. took over in 2009 and is the owner and head instructor. The academy is now a 10,000 sq ft facility at 10944 N May Ave.

Lovato Jr. won the 2007 IBJJF World Championship at black belt (+100 kg) and the 2007 Grand Slam (Pans, Europeans, Brasileiro and Worlds in one year). He later became the undefeated Bellator middleweight champion and won silver at ADCC 2024 (-99 kg).

The seven-day schedule covers gi BJJ, no-gi grappling, MMA, Muay Thai and boxing. Kids train in Little Warriors (4–6) or Junior Warriors (7–12), and the adult program starts at 13.

Visiting and first class

• Free trial: one free class, booked through the academy site.
• Beginners: Essentials 1 and Essentials 2 classes, for example Essentials 1 on Monday and Wednesday at 6 pm.
• Open mat: Sunday, 2:15 to 3:30 pm, plus a Thursday open mat and curriculum review, 7 to 8:30 pm.
• Other Lovato schools nearby: Northside in Edmond and a Southside academy. Older listings at NW 50th St are out of date.

Details above were checked on the academy site in October 2026. Confirm the current schedule with the school before you go.