Alliance Jiu-Jitsu

Reviews

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  Kelsey B.

  We have tried out several different martial arts gyms and couldnt really find one that fit. My son, daughter and nephew joined Alliance several months ago. I am a people watcher and observer. I have watched these coaches plant so many seeds for success, confidence, and just an all around wholesome experience into so many individuals in the gym and their families. Everyone has been very kind and welcoming. The head coach and his wife are really awesome people, along with all the coaches. My son has become so much more confident, he loves this gym. His demeanor has changed in such a positive way. We are very grateful we found this place, it definitely fits for us.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Kelsey Briann Faddler

  We have tried out several different martial arts gyms and couldnt really find one that fit. My son, daughter and nephew joined Alliance several months ago. I am a people watcher and observer. I have watched these coaches plant so many seeds for success, confidence, and just an all around wholesome experience into so many individuals in the gym and their families. Everyone has been very kind and welcoming. The head coach and his wife are really awesome people, along with all the coaches. My son has become so much more confident, he loves this gym. His demeanor has changed in such a positive way. We are very grateful we found this place, it definitely fits for us.

  Instructors Facility Atmosphere

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Jimmy Stillerman

  Great spot

  Atmosphere

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Ccavemark32

  Solid place! The entire Fam comes here. Nothing is given for free here, you earn your experience through hard work. More options for classes than any other place, and I can go as many times a week as I like. Thats not the standard in this world. I can't say enough about the level of respect this team has earned. Gold standard all around! Thanks guys!

  Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

  Posted 1 year ago
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  Trent Nutter

  I had the opportunity to drop in for a class while in the area. Everything about my experience was first class. If your looking to start jujitsu, I recommend you stop by.

  Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

  Posted 2 years ago
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  Kellen Kersten

  Awesome people. Awesome instruction. I have had a great experience starting my Jiu Jitsu journey here.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 2 years ago
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  Nehemiah White

  Was in town for business and dropped in to join the evening instruction. Excellent instruction and great rolling experience. Thanks Coach Damian and Coach Danny!

  Instructors Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 2 years ago
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  Will Sharpe

  Signing my son up for jiu jitsu here is easily one of the best parenting decisions I’ve ever made. Incredible teachers and a fantastic community of kids and parents!

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 2 years ago
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  Robert Wales

  I go to Minneapolis several times a year for work and I have visited Alliance several times, for gi and no-gi classes. The gym is clean, the atmosphere is great, and the instructors are top notch!

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 3 years ago
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  Anthony DeRosier

  Damian is an amazing teacher and everyone I've met has been so friendly! Overall an incredible place to learn and workout, highly recommend it.

  Instructors Atmosphere

  Posted 3 years ago
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  Blake Chapman

  Great work :)

  Instructors Facility Location Pricing Atmosphere

  Posted 3 years ago
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  Mark P

  This place is awesome! Damian is a top notch, passionate instructor who also happens to have a great resume as a competitor! All the other instructors have just as much passion and the welcoming, family environment is great for any level of practitioner! Whether a beginner just looking to learn, or a competitor looking to be a champion, there is no better place to train in the area!!!

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 3 years ago
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  Billy

  While visiting from another state I was shown amazing hospitality and instruction. Welcoming and skillful students. Clear and concise instruction. Cannot recommend this school highly enough.

  Instructors Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 4 years ago
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  Ben Craig

  I was in MN for work/family for a month and Alliance was the gym I went to. Damian made the 45 minute drives worth it. Very good fundamentals/instruction and all of the people I worked with gave me good tips. And Damian answered my million questions prior to arriving, so kudos to anyone who can deal with all the questions. Whenever I am back in town, this will be the spot. If you live here, definitely recommend it.

  Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

  Posted 5 years ago
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  Charlie Johnson

  Cathartic, meditative, great place to spend an hour in the afternoon with good people and tough training!

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  Posted 5 years ago
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  Carsten C

  I have only been here a few months, I am a white belt, and am lucky enough to have started my jiu jitsu journey here. This gym is top notch, the instructors know what they are talking about, have the accolades to prove it, and are super friendly. Best gym in the twin cities, highly recommend training here!

  Instructors Facility Atmosphere

  Posted 5 years ago
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  William Tyler

  I love this place. I keep in touch with the gym and it’s members despite moving away and training under a different association. Good instruction is good instruction. You will find it there!

  Instructors Facility Atmosphere

  Posted 6 years ago
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  roxana safipour

  This is a fantastic academy! I dropped in here to train while visiting from out of town. They took great care of me. Instruction was super technical and so was everyone I rolled with. Really friendly atmosphere. 10/10 would train here again!

  Instructors Facility Atmosphere

  Posted 6 years ago
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  Arrio

  Alliance MN is by far the best BJJ school I've trained at. The head instructor is probably the best teacher I've ever had, in any subject, in my entire life. The other instructors are great as well, and the community is excellent. Everyone here is respectful and genuinely wants everyone to have a great learning experience. I have nothing but great things to say about this school!

  Instructors Facility Atmosphere

  Posted 6 years ago
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  Raphael

  Great place to train friendly and clean. The owner Damian is not only a top-notch instructor but a top-notch human being. Don't hesitate to train here just sign up and you will be happy you did. My son trained here and it was great if we hadn't moved so far south we would still be there, in fact we are trying to see if we can make it work with our schedule even with the longer drive.

  Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

  Posted 6 years ago
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  Brock B

  Professors Damian and Tim truly care about your progression in BJJ and will remember you by first name almost immediately, which is remarkable considering the amount and diversity of training partners you will experience here. If you are looking to maximize your ability and progress FAST I would look no further. Not to mention the instructors are constantly looking to innovate new techniques and training tactics to stay on top of jiu jitsu trends, as this art never stops evolving. The team atmosphere here is as welcoming as it gets!

  Instructors Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 7 years ago
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  Erin Azevedo Dos Santos

  I have trained at Alliance on and off for about 4 years now. I love this gym!!! The instructors are excellent! The people are like family! Jiu jitsu can be intimidating for women sometimes but this gym really makes you feel at home!

  Instructors Facility Atmosphere

  Posted 7 years ago
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  Karina

  This place is phenomenal. I was looking for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in the Twin Cities-- when I came and tried the first class here, I knew immediately this was the place. I signed up for a year on the spot. The instructors are fantastic, and they remember EACH of the students, and always help you along-- but never baby you. They will let you struggle a little, so you can feel the wrong way to do things, and figure some things out for yourself, but they will always help you, especially if you ask. They break things down in logical ways, and are happy to take as much time as you need to explain or show you things if you have questions. The school is very welcoming, and it feels like a second family. It took me a bit to fall into my outgoing self and start being chatty with people, but everyone is VERY friendly and supportive and encouraging, even if they hardly know you yet. People saw me showing up earlier on and started to tell me, genuinely, that it was good to see me. People will always come introduce themselves if they don't know you. We call ourselves a team, and that's definitely the mentality here. I'm so, so happy I found this place. The class schedule accommodates morning, evening, and mid-day students all, so you'll probably be able to find classes to attend for any level (the fundamental/basic classes are great no matter how high a belt you are). They tend to run anywhere from one to two hours. There are also open mat times, which, after a certain point as a beginner, are INVALUABLE to putting everything together and into practice. Don't skip these after a few months of classes. I can't personally speak to the Crossfit side of the gym as I don't do it, but I know you can get a super cheap membership if you already do BJJ and want to add Crossfit. It's very popular and I always see tons of people doing it (but it's not overcrowded, since the gym is pretty large). I do know the instructors for BJJ also teach Crossfit (are certified etc.), and if they teach/run Crossfit like they do BJJ, they'll be just as awesome there. Since a lot of people ask me personally: from what I have seen, the prices are on par with other similar martial arts schools or better. They have multiple types of plans for most budgets, and discounts for cops, students, etc. I can't possibly recommend this place enough.

  Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

  Posted 7 years ago
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  George Kennedy

  I dropped in when I was in MN. The facility, instructors, and students were top notch and very welcoming. I loved the structure of the curriculum. I'd recommend this gym to folks visiting MN looking to get some time on the mats.

  Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

  Posted 8 years ago
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  Wesley Campbell

  Great place to train. I envy you if you get to start your BJJ journey with Damian + Alliance as the instruction is very good. I trained for 7 years before coming to Alliance and the fundamental classes continue to build my game up. Friendly teammates, overall just a great place to workout. Go Alliance.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 8 years ago
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  Grant Mongin

  Great place for kids to learn Jiu-Jitsu

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 8 years ago
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  Kiel Rushton

  Knew nothing of BJJ, came in cold with a buddy, and was welcomed here with respect and dignity, everyone there also had their “first day”. Fast forward a year and a half, and have learned how special this place is. Damian and Tim, along with their instructor and black belt core group have pulled me aside to help correct things on an individual level, in a way that helps me learn, and not embarrass me. Try this place, it won’t disappoint. There’s a class and time for every schedule, and plans for every budget. I’m down 20lbs too....

  Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

  Posted 8 years ago
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  Peter Bekke

  This is a great gym. The facility is clean, the staff is well-versed, and the upper belts couldn't be more helpful in productively educating/training new members.

  Instructors Facility

  Posted 8 years ago
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  B Harris

  These guys are legit. I was visiting Minneapolis and dropped in to train. Friendly atmosphere excellent instruction.

  Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

  Posted 9 years ago
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  Julio Santana

  After the closing of Gracie Barra Twin Cities where I managed and trained since 2011 and after a one year hiatus from BJJ I decided to take up Damian Hirtz offer to train at Alliance. After my first class I knew I was home and among family. Damian, Tim Blackstone and the many black belts there have a way of teaching very technical positions in a way that make them easy to learn and a lot of fun while learning them. After 42 years in martial arts I can say they get it . They are phenomenal teachers, friends and teammates. If you are looking for an academy that will help mold you into a great jiujitsuplayer whether for self defense or competition you will not find a better place in Minnesots. The best way judge is to just go train and decide for yourself. First class is usually free so there is no pressure to join. That was another attractive wuality, they don't sell it , it sells itself. I am proud to say that , I AM ALLIANCE!

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 10 years ago
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  John MelinaGold

  Best Gym for Jiu-Jitsu in the Minneapolis, MN. Come find out where you really rank, ;) Beginner Jiu-Jitsu Classes for kids and adults.

  Classes Location

  Posted 10 years ago
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  Shawn Roland

  My son has been going to Alliance since he was 7. The program is great and the instructors really care about the kids. He is now training with the adults and loves it!

  Instructors Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 11 years ago
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  Robert Hinna

  Had a great time at Alliance jiu jitsu. Everyone was real nice, and the facility was clean. I went here on a whim to supplement my training while on the road, and they were all very welcoming. If you're staying at any of the hotels near by, definitely hit this place up. If you live nearby, I definitely recommend starting your training here. OSS!

  Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

  Posted 12 years ago
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  Chuck Svendsen

  I was one of Damian's first students 6 years ago. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Alliance Jiu-Jitsu MN. The quality of BJJ instruction here is the best in the Midwest without exception. Damian has a watchful eye and a keen interest in seeing his students improve. The atmosphere on the mat is relaxed and open but everyone is very serious about improving. That attitude comes from the top down. Damian embodies the BJJ lifestyle and it shines through in his teaching and his attitude towards students. If you are looking to challenge yourself, improve your physical conditioning then this is a wonderful place to start. In addition the guest instructors I have gotten to train with reads like a who's who of BJJ. Paul Schreiner, Gabriel Goulart, Bernardo Faria, Lucas Lepri and Fabio Gurgel have all been in to teach. If you have any interest at all in learning BJJ, do yourself a favor and stop by to check this place out.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 13 years ago
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  J Westberg

  I’ve been at Alliance with Damian Hirtz for two years. I started with absolutely zero background in martial arts or wrestling, and was looking for something to do to keep the winter weight off…Like the other reviewers have said, the pedigree of instruction is probably the best in the Midwest so I feel I don’t really need to expand any further on that. With Alliance, you know you are getting the best training… period. The jiu-jitsu is great, but the people and teammates are what keep me around. Some of the guys here have developed into some of my closest friends and I can’t even fathom going anywhere else. From day 1 as a lowly white belt, everyone was extremely welcoming and willing to lend a hand, give a few words of encouragement, and even let me win every once and awhile. The ego here is nonexistent, and the gym is overflowing with high-level talent. Great instruction, convenient schedule, awesome people.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 13 years ago
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  Jason Cheng

  I was searching for a new Jiu Jitsu home after I left Duluth. I wanted to make sure I ended up somewhere where the instructors really cared about the students; their well being, growth, and progress. I didn't want to belong to a gym that only focused on the number of students. After one phone conversation with Damian Hirtz, and one visit to Alliance MN, I had found my new home. I have now been a member of this school for 2 years, and it's definitely in a class of its own in the Twin Cities. Damian provides classes that fits students of all levels. His step by step instructions during class are very detailed, and he makes it easy for students to understand the different techniques. I couldn't be happier to be a member of this school. Team Alliance is the best team in the world right now with 5 consecutive WORLD Championships. Damian has also held some of the best seminars with the likes of Fabio Gurgel, Lucas Lepri, Gabriel Goulart, and Bernardo Faria. If you're still not convinced, come check it out and see for yourself.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 13 years ago
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  Dumisani Thomsen

  I have been a member of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu MN for nearly 5 1/2 years and I am proud to be part of the school family and represent the team. At Alliance Jiu-Jitsu MN, they believe that Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art for everyone. The instructors do a great job of welcoming you into the family and teaching you the proper techniques regardless of your background or experience level. The Alliance Jiu-Jitsu system is a tried and true formula for developing high level Jiu-Jitsu in individuals. Beginner, intermediate and advance classes, as well as private lessons and seminars are offered on the schedule. There are children as young as 4 years old learning self defense and having fun, adults in their late 60s refining their technique and athletes in their 20s preparing for world class competitions at this school. While the classes are always informative and challenging, the level of encouragement and support from instructors and classmates is outstanding. Someone will always be there to offer a helping hand, or a word of advice. If you're looking for a school that exemplifies Jiu-Jitsu in a friendly, respectful and supportive atmosphere, I would drop in and try a class. Go Alliance!

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 13 years ago
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  Marcos Mercado

  I've been training at Alliance Jiujitsu MN for 2 and a half years now and this is by far the best gym I could have asked for. Whether you want to improve your jiujitsu for MMA, self defense, or straight tournament jiujitsu this is the one place you should check out. Come see it yourself, we have the best quality instruction, great training partners, different levels/classes and all of it combined in an environment that it's only gonna push you to get the best out of you. Damian Hirtz is a top notch instructor who is constantly evolving his jiujitsu game and staying up to date with the most recent moves so he can teach us the right techniques. Not to mention that we are part of the best team in the world, with world champions coming all the way from brazil to teach classes or seminars all the time. If you are serious about martial arts and/or fitness in general, this is the right place for you.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 13 years ago
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  patrick worley

  I have been involved in the Martial Arts for over45 years. I have seen it all. If you are looking for the best JJ school in the state, this is it. The instructors are professional and know how to teach. Teaching is a different skill set than doing. The instructors at Alliance can do both, a rare combination. The school's culture is to help you get better and for you to have fun. They are serious about MA and training, but at the same time they make classes enjoyable. Don't take my word for it, stop by and watch a class and decide for yourself.

  Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

  Posted 13 years ago
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  Donn Felker

  Best BJJ in the city/midwest IMO.

  Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

  Posted 14 years ago
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  Bronson Barnett

  I trained under Damian Hirtz for two and a half years back when he started off renting space from karate studios until he opened his first studio which was a Dave Camarillo GJJ affiliate(Revolution Defense and Fitness). The training was sufficient, but financially I was unable to continue my membership. After some time I was again able to afford training, and I was denied by Damian and deleted from Facebook. If you are unsure about training Jiu Jitsu your whole life, do not go to this gym.

  Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

  Posted 11 years ago