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Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Academy in Troy Michigan is safe & fun for adult men, women, and children. Start your free trial today and learn how martial arts can change your life, improve your confidence, and teach you self-defense.
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Been in both the BJJ & Bang! Muay Thai classes. Not at the same time, of course. Well rounded teaching style.
The kickboxing class uses Dutch drills. Takes getting used to. Also, I hurt my elbow doing the Dutch drills. But, the instructor is competent.
The BJJ class is also pretty good. I like the rolling sessions the most. You don't know what you're learning until you've had a chance to test it out on a live specimen.
If you are worried about getting hurt, just keep in mind that the most common injuries are the bruises you'll find on your arms & legs, the morning after. This school will take good care of you.
This review was posted by a current student.
This place has a really good atmosphere the kids class has only gotten bigger and the instructors are always communicating with the kids highly recommend giving this place a go.
Best training environment here at Apex. Joe is a great instructor and I’m proud to be a part of his school. Everyone here is the best. Keeps me young and I’m so happy to be able to train here. The training is the best I could ask for. Thank you Joe, Nate, and all the instructors, and the whole team you guys are the best.
Thank you
Mike
As I turned 40 I needed an alternative way to challenge myself and stay healthy and active. I tried many different avenues. I was very fortunate to try Apex. After a year I feel like I have something to look forward to each week. The staff has created a great atmosphere to make everyone feel challenged and accepted.
I have trained at many BJJ gyms all the way back since ‘09 and I believe Joe is one of the best in the biz! Been training here since 2018 and he has helped me understand and refine my jiu jitsu game from basic fundamentals to developing my personal strengths.
I’ve been a long time blue belt and his attention to detail makes me appreciate staying in my current level to really maximize my growth in the art. I recommend anyone who is starting or has been training to come here.. the environment and training partners are all very positive and take safety very seriously!
🙏🏽 🤙🏽
oss!
We love this place!!!!! The coaches here care about your kids they will work with children at any level. They are phenomenal at teaching both discipline and techniques. Very clean gym and with a family friendly vibe. We tell all of our friends to sign their kids up and hope to be here for as long as possible 😊
Very clean facility with a wide range of class times. Class instructions are well structured, informative and to the point with a lot of time for training and practicing. Great community of training partners as well.
Kids class are fantastic too. Solid and consistent curriculum for different student ages.
Been training there for almost a year now, having a great time! Coaches are really nice and respectful, lots of questions can be asked without scrutiny. As well as amazing classes which teach good techniques most of which can be applied to self defense. Overall 10/10 experience
I can’t express enough how much Apex has changed my life. It has brought me to a group of people who love art of jiu jitsu and the brotherhood that I was starving for after I left the military. I’ve been with Apex since the early days when it was Renzo’s. Five years later and I’m still working on being a better version of me.
Apex Jiu-Jitsu offers an amazing program for kids. Their coaches are incredibly knowledgeable and make learning new techniques fun and engaging. Our children have really enjoyed being a part of Apex and love going to class!
Myself, my son (13), and my daughter (5) are all training at Apex. The kids classes are fantastic. They do a great job making learning jiu-jitsu fun and interesting for the littlest kids. No matter your skill level or experience, everyone is extremely welcoming in the adult classes. I would definitely recommend training here.
Amazing school that balances safe for your kids with high level competition. We’ve been super pleased with the instructors energy and joy training the kids classes.
Apex Jiu Jitsu is an amazing institution for anyone looking to explore jiu jitsu for themselves or their children. The kids classes have a great balance of play, exercise, and technique and all of the instructors are great with the kids. I started training in the adult classes a few months back, and it has been a great experience. Everyone is very helpful and I haven’t come across a single person with an ego or a bad attitude. Professor Joe is an amazing instructor with tons of bjj experience and runs an excellent academy for any one of any age looking to practice jiu jitsu for any reason. The hardest part is getting on the mat for the first time, but you will love that you made the decision to start!
Their kids' jiu-jitsu program is fantastic! The coaches are exceptional with the children. My son began when he turned 4, and now he's almost 7. He thrives on challenges, which is why he adores Apex jiu jitsu above any other sport.
The kids program knocks it out of the park. The adult classes are led by highly trained professionals that care about you and your desire to advance in Ji Jitsu. Friendly and Clean environment (most important) can’t say enough good things.
Sign up and see why Apex is top notch.
We have been with Apex close to 2 years. Our kids have been excelling in practice and discipline. Coach Nate is wonderful to work with! Keep up the good work!
My son has been training here for over a year. He has built a solid skill set, but more importantly, a community of friends and confidence in himself. The coaches (Joe, Nate and Brian) are encouraging, knowledgeable and challenge my child to be the best he can be. I’d give 10 stars if I could. Proud to be Team Apex!
Professor Joe Graunstadt has built an exceptional martial arts academy. The caliber of people that work at and attend this gym, with regards to their dedication and sportsmanship, makes training here something to look forward to every session. Beyond BJJ, there are Muay Thai classes available to work on your striking game as well.
Joe himself is very humble. He is highly knowledgeable in traditional BJJ as well as the techniques that modern BJJ athletes are implementing in current competitions (gi and no-gi). He's able to provide strategies for competition as well as self-defense. He will gladly reciprocate your passion for the sport and help you identify your strengths in the art based on body type, thought processes (intuitive vs calculating), etc.
Moreover, Joe maintains a healthy network of other knowledgeable professors and exchanges ideas with them regularly to help students keep up with modern BJJ techniques.
The gym is kept in great condition with regards to cleanliness, mat condition, etc. I highly recommend this gym to develop your skillsets.
Great gym to learn and train at. The instructors are amazing. Everyone there is friendly and helpful. After your first class you will be hooked! Excellent workout as well.
[please "like" if this is helpful]
Great gym for all the right reasons:
1) respectful, supportive gym culture
2) expert trainers
3) all ages and genders welcome
4) great value
5) clean
6) reasonably priced
Jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai
Stopped in for a visit while I was away from my home gym. I had a wonderful time. The owner and black belt, Joe provided great, knowledgeable instruction. The atmosphere was chill and I (a smaller female) felt safe while I rolled with bigger male student. The building and mat was clean and well kept.
Great environment to learn and train. Joe will make sure you understand each drill. He'll always be happy to answer any of your questions, very approachable. I highly recommend.
From what I've read and heard, the average child's martial arts career lasts 3-6 months. My son tried two other martial arts school in the area before enrolling at Renzo Gracie Troy. Full disclosure: This is the second review I'm posting after my son's two-year anniversary of training at this school. The instruction and curriculum has only gotten better. Professor Joe and his coaches are second to none. No better value, instruction, learning, or enjoyment for children than at this academy. As an added bonus, the uniforms and rash guards are sharp. Try a free class and tell them Abe sent you :)
I honestly can’t say enough amazing things about the experience at Professor Joe’s BJJ school, located in Troy. Rarely do you find a teacher, much less a whole group of them (big shout out to Nate and Miguel) that are helping mold our kids into respectful and awesome little people. They care about the kids as much as the art of BJJ. Every instructor makes sure the kids are engaged and learning while being safe! If you’re on the fence you won’t find a better school! It has already paid dividends in my sons confidence and attitude after only being here a month!
My son attends the Tiny Tigers program at Renzo Gracie Troy. It is a wonderful place only made better by great coaches, parents, and kids. He was welcomed by all and made to feel right at home. The free trial classes are a great no commitment way to test the waters. My son had just turned 4 when joining and the attention and care given to him made him feel accepted and helped him learn and increase his athleticism, confidence, and social skills. I regularly recommend Renzo Gracie Troy to friends and colleagues seeking similar experiences for their children.
Was pretty nervous about going into the gym for my first free lesson. The fear of the unknown can impact our lives in such a profound way if it keeps us from doing the things we may grow to love. After just a few minutes in the gym I felt right at home. The kindness, professionalism and dedication the instructors show on a daily basis is second-to-none. The passion, courtesy and respect each student shows each other is unparalleled. This is a conveniently located, clean and spacious place for people to learn the basics and hone their newfound skills into something that is truly great. Don't be afraid to take that first step. Stop saying "what if" and just come in for one class and I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.
I don't know if anyone will read this, and I’m still new, and there’s a chance I might disappear into thin air if I get kidnapped or die in a plane crash, but I am glad that even though I contacted various schools in Rochester and Troy, the only school that contacted me was here at DAMA by Prof. Joe himself. It was meant to be. It was destiny. AGHHH!!!!
I always did Taekwondo & Hapkido classes cause my father was a martial artist in Korea and Hawaii, and I was forced to take classes so I hated it. I always disappointed the family legacy whom many of the males in our family made it to at least a black belt in TKD as it was an expected tradition, but I hated being pushed to do TKD, even though I was always open to learning other styles. So I moved around a lot of schools but always gave up and never went past a yellow in TKD, and orange in HKD. Don't get me wrong, I love my dad, but now that I'm a grown-a** man, I finally wanted to commit to doing BJJ after being a fan of UFC and being fascinated by ground work.
The moment I walked in, I was nervous, and felt like vomiting. Everyone seemed very good! But after watching for ten minutes, I didn't feel the need to check out other places and immediately signed up on the first day of 2019; they even had a deal going on! I still get torn coming here; I'm overcoming the beginner's hurdle (hate coming here because I know I'll be bad at something), and by the end of a session, I'm so glad I showed up. It’s been a month and a half, and I think I can start to see myself grow in this for the long haul. If you’re tired of just running on the treadmill (and getting beat even at that by the soccer mom running next to you), and want something fun and effective, this is it. You don’t just shed weight, but feel your body actually getting sculpted unlike those “body-sculpting machines” in the commercials that promise you getting chiseled.
I love how everyone who trains here are from all different walks of life. And this art really shows that anyone of any age can do this if they commit to learning and staying teachable. As a pastor of a church body, I was tired of getting choked out by my own members when they get upset with me, so I really needed to learn how to defend myself... Now, none of them have the slightest thought to mess with me...Now I can be like,” And where were you Sunday?” And my favorite, “So why no tithe!” All while they’re in a headlock.
All the instructors are respectful and humble, mats are and stay clean (huge important matter if you’re a germophobe like me), they teach street and sport based styles, everyone helps each other train and teach especially new rookies like me, and they have classes for beginners and advanced grapplers. I still get nervous when Joe, Evan, and that Asian instructor circle around us like vultures getting ready to swoop on fresh meat to see how we're doing, but they only want the best for each student and walk us through the steps themselves often, and care about our safety. There are afternoon and Saturday classes as well. I always see kids and youth classes too, and they play dodgeball at the end, which make me wish I was a kid again, so I could play that too. It’s illegal for adults to play dodgeball in my home country.
I am an amateur ping pong player (my coaches were once coaches for the S. Korean Olympic national team), but I wish I had started this awhile ago and put in just as much time into this like I did with table tennis! Never late to learn. They have Muay Thai too for you MMA folks! Don't hesitate checking this place out, especially as it’s a Renzo Gracie affiliated school. It’s a gem in this area of MI. And always remember to tap; because people don’t let go here if you don’t. And you’ll feel it for three days, even with the best of store brand ice and a hot shower after.
WHY HAVEN'T YOU SIGNED UP YET??? Outstanding Jiu Jitsu academy. The instructors are simultaneously knowledgeable and approachable. The students are welcoming and have a wide range of experience levels. I highly recommend to beginners or people with experience. 600 out of 5 stars.
I’ve never trained any martial arts prior and may have been spoiled from the start. From day one at the academy I was welcomed and felt as if part of the “family”. Instruction is expertly given, yet caters to all levels of BJJ. This isn’t a free ride sport, you definitely have to earn every inch. Though you’ll feel like a monster after only a few short weeks under this amazing school.
Started learning bjj here and haven't found the need to move to other gyms. The class is taught by a black belt who is very knowledgeable about each position. The gym is very positional sparring heavy, which allows for extremely fast progress. Facility is very clean and the gym has nice mats.
The gym also has a solid stable of blue belts. So if you're new, there are plenty of people who are willing to give you pointers. And if you're looking for good training partners, you're not always rolling with the same person.
Started going a few months ago and never looked back. Positive environment with friendly people. The facility is very clean too. The classes consist of men and women from 13 to in their 60s, maybe even 70s. It's hard to tell because they get after it and are in really good shape. I had no expirience whatsoever in wrestling, martial arts, or anything of that nature when I started and I still felt welcomed. The gym has reputable instructor lineage: D.A.M.A Head instructor Joe-> Pat (Black belt under the legend Renzo himself) -> Renzo Gracie. Gyms that don't have that have a propensity to lack a level of safety. Injuries are expensive and can be life altering. They could even prevent you from being scuba certified. If I can't scuba then what has this whole thing been about?
Joe provides a safe and clean environment for everyone to enjoy and have fun while training. He sets a great positive tone, truly cares about his students and goes above and beyond to share his passion with everyone. I've met some of my closest friends since joining and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great experience.
First and foremost!!!!!
The coaching by Joe, and his entire team is beyond impeccable!!!! It will be one year training for me in July!!!! I encourage everyone and anyone to be trained here. I have not only built a very solid skill set. But have made new friends, and family here at DAMA. This is the most humble training environment to learn and feel great about yourself. The experience gained is just the icing on the cake. But the people are what make DAMA my second home.
Cheers
Matt Kurek
Extremely knowledgeable coaching staff, huge amount of space to train, and an overall sense of belonging to a team make DAMA fantastic! I tried multiple other BJJ gyms in the area but they simply do not compete with the experience that you'll receive under Professor Joe. Would highly recommend!!
I started training at DAMA almost a year ago. My decision to start training Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu at this gym was one of the best decisions I have made. The instructors are top notch and really help you progress to be better each and every day. Joe, the owner, as well as all of the other instructors, are very knowledgeable and really break down movements in a mannerism that all can grasp - regardless if your are brand new or have had years of training. There also is a strong feeling of camaraderie and competitiveness with everyone here. This place is 10/10 and I would highly recommend checking them out, you won't regret it!
I started training about 3 months ago. Great group of people and instructors. I highly recommend DAMA to anyone interested in learning Jiu-Jitsu. It can be a little frustrating at times in the beginning but everything starts coming together quicker than you might expect if you stick with it.
Have visited 3 other BJJ academies in the Metro area, and DAMA is the best by far. Balancing fun and instruction, my two girls, ages 6 and 10, love training here. Recommend stopping in and seeing for yourself. If you want your child learning how to defend themself, build self-confidence and have fun, your search is over. Friendly staff and clean facilities.
This place is amazing! My daughter is 4 years old and attends the jiu jitsu class. The coaches are a natural with the children, very attentive to each individual child’s needs, and they make the class a lot of fun. My daughter loves it and comes on average three times a week. Overall we could not be happier. I highly recommend this place.
Professor Joe and coaches Nate, Andrew, and Aaron are amazing with the kids classes. Supportive, encouraging, and caring, it's like instantly gaining four great big brothers for my son.
I have been looking for a place for me and my kids to train for a wile now and that led us To DAMA . not only are the instructors Friendly they are extremely knowledgeable with real High level experience they are great with Kids and I can say they also have reasonable Pricing it may seem high atoy first glance but When other local Bjj gyms will charge you more for 1 class a week you know you'r getting a great deal
After trying out a couple different local gyms, I chose DAMA for a variety of reasons and couldn't be happier with my decision.
The facility is clean and has high quality equipment to use if needed (important if you're just beginning). Every student I've trained with has been friendly and helpful. Nobody has a big ego or bad attitude - everybody has the understanding that you're there to improve, no matter your skill level.
The instructors tailor their criticism to match your skill level, which is a huge help in continually pushing yourself. They constantly monitor technique and are sure to teach you something new each class. They also do a great job of mixing the routines up so you don't get bored. Lastly, the schedule offers a multitude of class times so you can train whenever works best for you.
If you're even a little curious, I urge you to come in for a free class and try it out for yourself!
Detroit Academy of Martial Arts I'd a great place to train! After much research and shopping around I stepped in for a free trip class and have been a member ever since. The Muay thai instruction is top notch. As a busy surgeon their class schedule is great as they have classes late at night so even a person with a busy schedule can make class times.
Excellent instruction and training environment. Relatively young school so classes are tailored towards beginners. Facilities are simple but more than adequate.
I've only been there for about a month, but I already love it. I did traditional Muay Thai in the past and I am finding that I like Bang Mauy Thai a lot better. The techniques and flow just seem more natural and smooth. I also really like the drilling with gloves instead of just pads, that way, both people get practice at the same time.
The instruction is excellent. The technique is great. The environment is fun yet challenging. An underrated factor too: The gym is very clean.
Finally, the kids class is great. I get there early and get to see the end of it and it looks like a lot of fun. I look forward to when my boy is old enough to train there.
This gym provides high quality training for both Jiujitsu and Muay Thai. It is affiliated with leading organizations of both arts and instruction is clear and friendly. Training is structured and safe yet challenging. Facility is clean. Students are nice, and some are very skilled.
Absolutely love this place! I was looking around for a place to train at, and after driving by this place every day on my way to work, I decided to stop in and see what it was about. I fell in love with training jiu jitsu. The atmosphere of this place is amazing, and so are the people. I would highly recommend anyone to come here to see what it's about!
It can be a difficult to find a great academy when you have no experience and nothing to compare against... So I will help you.
Great instruction.... Check
Great atmosphere.... Check
Clean mats and equipment... Check
There are students who have been here since they opened, and they are as encouraging as Joe (main instructor and owner). Everyone understands that we are here to help each other which is extremely refreshing. It is not always the case... Trust me. I have made some incredible friends here and am so happy with my decision.
The instruction is fantastic. Joe is constantly monitoring technique and will help you along the way. He also does a great job relating it back to how he learned it and the struggles he experienced, which is extremely helpful.
Jiu jitsu is not easy. It's a scary thing for those who want to do it for a hobby or fitness, but also for those who take it serious. Challenging yourself in ways you likely never have been before. However, that challenge becomes so much easier with people who understand and who will support you.
Just come in! Meet some really nice people and have a really good time. I promise, you will not regret it.
Fantastic place to learn! I shopped around at other schools and couldn't be happier with my choice. The environment is accessible and friendly, and the Bang Muay Thai system is phenomenal with its scalability. Whether one is interested in casual classes or a serious contender, the system has it all.
DAMA is an amazing academy. Not only does it help you grow in the martial arts, but it also helps you grow as a person. Instructor/Owner Joe and my teammates are the absolute best. I walked into the academy knowing absolutely nothing, and now I am completely addicted to jiu jitsu! This would not be possible if it wasn't for the amazing staff and people. The atmosphere is one of learning. You will not walk out of a class feeling defeated. You will learn and grow every time you step onto the mat. I know I do!! They offer Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu, and both are fantastic.
Very happy with DAMA. Our 6 year old son has attended since jan 2014 and professor Joe is very good with him and all the other children. We went to several other jiu jitsu academies, and DAMA was definitely the best balance of instruction and fun for kids.
It's been an amazing experience at the academy so for and it's only going to get better. I joined because I had been lifting weights for 5 years and needed a change in pace. Lifting heavy weights is fun and all but I always had this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that if I were to ever get into an altercation that I would be train wrecked because I have no idea how to handle myself.
The environment and people are amazing. It's a very family like atmosphere where everyone is helping everyone else get better.
The owner and primary BJJ instructor is legitimate, he's listed on Renzo Gracie's site so you know you're learning the real stuff.
So if any of that sounds good to you, I'd recommend stopping in to check the place out. Come say hi to me too if you see me!
It doesn't get much better than this place! The instruction is phenomenal, & the team environment is awesome. We all help make each other better every class. I won my division in the Michigan No-Gi Open 2014 & wouldn't have done nearly as well if it hadn't been for Joe & my teammates.
I signed up the first week the academy was open and I’ve been here ever since. If you’ve ever been to another martial arts school, you will immediately see what sets DAMA apart from the rest. There is no drama, there is no pettiness and no attitudes. Everyone is part of the same team. We are all working toward helping each other perfect our crafts. All the classes are reasonably priced. I did Krav Maga for a long time at KMD and every time you see the owner pull up in his brand new Porsche it feels like someone kicked you in the balls because he’s charging you $200+ a month for training. I rarely write a review on anything, and I tend to be picky, but DAMA has become such a part of my life that I feel everyone should know what a gem this place really is. To kick off the Muay Thai program Joe (the owner) brought a seasoned fighter to train with us for an entire month. Most other schools will bring someone in for a weekend (if you’re lucky) and we were able to train for a month with a pro fighter who actually learned to fight in Thailand! How cool is that? Oh and did I mention we had a former UFC (!!!!) fighter train us for a week? Not too shabby for a place that’s been in business for less than a year! When all is said and done, DAMA will be one of the premier training centers in our area and I am fortunate enough to be part of the team. Finally, to directly address a negative review - because it pissed me off. 1. You can’t show up to two classes and think you know anything about a place 2. Anyone that thinks they can learn any amount of martial arts off YouTube is in for a real shock when they have to actually use their “skillz” 3. You signed a contract - be an adult and take responsibility for your actions
Detroit academy of martial arts is truly amazing! I've trained here for 9 months now and have loved every minute of it. The people here are great to train with which ends up creating an awesome atmosphere. The instructor joe has also been phenomenal. He is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and continues to learn and help us grow. There is also a sweet Muay Thai program that started this year and joe has brought established instructors from out of country for weeks at a time to help teach classes and to train with himself so he can better teach us. Ive been to several different schools in the area and this is at the top of my list. The schedule is nicely set up too where you can train during the day or later at night which is very convenient. I've seen schools that say you can only come 3 days a week for a certain price where as here you can train has much as your body will allow for the most part. While some schools are outrageously priced this one is very reasonable, especially for everything your getting out of it! Overall amazing!! Come try it out!
