3635 S Lawrence St STE G, Tacoma, WA 98409
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy of Tacoma. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
The best academy hands down! The most black belts in one gym. They care about our progress. My son and I love training at BJJ253!
Posted 4 years ago
My kids have trained only with professor proctor. I give him five stars because of how he thinks about the best for the whole team. It might involve feelings to get hurt as seen in other reviews but he always put everything up for the greater good for the team first. Clean facility and hard working family. Very dedicated to helping people learn. Welcoming new people is something I have always seen him be great at.
Posted 4 years ago
Great group of hard working teammates!
Posted 5 years ago
I started here a little over 6 months ago and it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned having never done any martial arts before starting here. Professor Michael Proctor is a great instructor he also has awesome team of coaches and upper belts. This gym is growing, new additions and classes are being added all the time. You won’t regret giving it a try.
Posted 5 years ago
Coming in knowing nothing was a bit intimidating, I quickly realized that I had nothing to worry about. Professor Proctor is one of the most genuine and caring people I’ve ever met and has created an environment in his gym that is not only welcoming, but also competitive and encouraging. All of the coaches and higher belts are always willing to help newer students. I travel 40 minutes to and from and have not thought once about switching academies. Absolutely recommended 253bjj to anyone and everyone looking to train.
Posted 6 years ago
Been going about a month now and I love it! The people are great and they take it slow, which is good for an old guy like me! Mike Proctor is an excellent teacher and just a real good dude. I highly recommend this place. Update: been going now for about 18 months and truly enjoy this place! Great instruction, great facilities, great attitudes!
Posted 6 years ago
Awesome team, awesome environment! Rules are laid out and the code of ethics is followed. The curriculum based training is fantastic. Very positive atmosphere!! Love training here!!
Posted 6 years ago
I really enjoy going to class here, I joined early in 2019, and I've recommended it to all my friends. Great environment, great instructors, and great teammates.
Posted 6 years ago
I just visited Tacoma and trained twice here. After getting my visitor information sorted out, I had a great time. Good instruction at the Friday All Levels Class and had good rolls afterwards. Much thanks to Bubba for being my training partner that day. Went to Open Mat on Saturday at Noon, had some great rolls with different level belts from white to purple. Especially enjoyed meeting and training with Issac & Art, thanks to both of them. I will return when back in Tacoma. Thank you Professor.
Posted 6 years ago
This gym and its staff are incredible. I have received nothing but encouragement and sincerity since signing up. My prerequisites for signing up for a gym were: that it have a clean and professional environment, a community of members who are more than just training partners, and that the instructors were properly accredited and knowledgeable. 253BJJ goes above and beyond the standards I set when seeking to begin training, and the more time I spend on the mats with the team there, the more I feel welcomed. If you haven't trained before, or you are looking to continue your training and you're in the area, look no further than this gym.
Posted 6 years ago
This gym was my second home for a couple of years. I loved this place. I loved the people. My observations while training here... -Gym and equipment was always clean. -Coaches were knowledgeable. -The students were super cool! The people I trained with made it feel like family. -Kids/Jr's program was amazing! My children absolutely loved it. I watched in astonishment as my kiddos kept progressing! Looking to train? Stop by 253BJJ! I'm definitely glad I did. Mike Gayle @thebjjoiler
Posted 6 years ago
Been going here for a long time , This place is clean and the instruction is comprehensive. The professor is a no nonsense kind of guy, that says what is on his mind. I have seen other reviews that are less than raving most them only have one review. Go there and check it out and judge for yourself. I as always taught that if you do not have something good to say, say nothing. If you don't like it go train elsewhere it is a free world
Posted 7 years ago
I’ve been training for a while and am a purple belt, and have trained at several places when out of town for work. I walked into the gym and from the minute I was greeted by Michael I was treated like family. You would have thought I had been training there for years. Gym was clean, bathrooms and changing rooms were nice. Mats was super clean and great for training. As I was leaving they were cleaning the mats, so hygiene and prevention of those jiu jitsu fungus are prevented through cleaning. Could not recommend this gym high enough.
Posted 7 years ago
I was on a business trip from LA and decided to drop in. I am glad I did, this place was amazing. The professor and students made me feel at home. All level of experience with a lot of high level athletes but what impressed me the most was how fun, technical and geared towards learning and evolving in the art everyone I rolled was. I will be returning to train here 100 percent. Thank you so much!
Posted 7 years ago
This is an incredible gym with wonderful people. I moved to the area with a list of a few gyms to attend. I wanted to see which would be best for me when starting BJJ. My first choice was 253BJJ and I never went anywhere else. It felt like a family from the very first day. The instructors are kind but firm and truly care about each person's progress. I couldn't be happier with this gym and would recommend it to anyone.
Posted 7 years ago
Although I was only able to attend one day at your location due to the snow storm, I found your gym to be an excellent place to train. The environment was friendly and the coaches training was impressive. I hope to stop by your location again in the future. Thanks. V/r Sosa Sierra Vista AZ
Posted 7 years ago
This is a great BJJ Academy! Very clean. Friendly atmosphere. Challenging competition. My son also takes classes twice a week and he loves it. Very high caliber people and coaches. Owner is very accomplished and is a great guy. -Chris
Posted 7 years ago
I’ve been here for a few months and this place is amazing. Great family environment and amazing place to learn, this place is one of the best academies you can join. Everything about this place deserves the highest of praise!!!!
Posted 7 years ago
I have been very pleased and impressed by this wonderful gym for my sons. The owner and all of his instructors are patient, kind, and extremely skilled at working with children.
Posted 7 years ago
This place is awesome my child has been training for over 4 years the gym is always super clean and all of the coaches and professor are genuinely caring and wonderful people I recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a Jiu-Jitsu academy to call their home come in and try a free class you will be glad you did
Posted 7 years ago
This place is our second home my daughter has trained here for over 4 years now and the coaches have become our extended family if you are looking for a sugar coated snowflake gym with a bunch of sensitive people this is not the place they teach self discipline and have molded my daughter into a very amazing young woman I recommend this gym to anyone who wants to learn a new life long skill to add to their tool box thank you to all of the coaches #1 in tacoma
Posted 7 years ago
Great dojo! The owner and coaches are all about making sure the students understand, progress and succeed. The classes are incredible - interesting, challenging and applicable to the real world. If you're thinking about joining...stop thinking and come down and roll! It'll change your life and you'll love it!
Posted 7 years ago
We absolutely love 253BJJ. My son who is 13 has been training here for just about 3 years! We love it! The structure is exactly what you look for in a bjj academy. We recommend it every time we get asked. Its extremely clean. Every single program they offer is awesome!! The adults and the youth program! We are pcs’ing and my son is sad to leave his 253bjj family! Definitely go check them out!
Posted 7 years ago
Great Academy! Great structure and a detailed curriculum you can follow and learn from! Take advantage of the free lesson to see if it’s right for you! What do you have to lose?
Posted 7 years ago
Best gym I have ever been a part of by far. Every coach as well as the professor is always ready and willing to give a helping hand and explain things multiple times if necessary to teach technique the right way. Not a single bad thing to say about this academy
Posted 7 years ago
I’ve seen this academy GROW TREMENDOUSLY over the years!! Everything about it is amazing!! The owner, the coaches, the students, the structure and how clean it is!! Prices are by far the best in the area. Very IMPRESSED!!
Posted 7 years ago
I've been training here for 10 years and wouldn't want to train anywhere else! The team has always been very welcoming and treats everyone like family! I can't wait till my daughter turns four so that I can enroll her and watch her start training!
Posted 7 years ago
Visited from out of town for a no gi class and it was a great experience. The instructor was very welcoming and even rolled with me on the first round. The gym is very clean, the instruction was great, and students were very friendly and came in different sizes. P.s. I would recommend contacting them beforehand through their website.
Posted 7 years ago
I am so glad I joined! Brazilian jui jitsu is a blast and its incredible exercise. The owner and coaches are very attentaive. They explain and help students as needed. There is also real camaraderie among the students. I recommend 253 BJJ highly!
Posted 8 years ago
Fantastic gym, amazing coaches, great team. The owner is constantly improving. I've been a member here for 6 months or so and in that time he has added more bags, cage panels, new (and amazing) wrestling and striking coaches and more classes. Go in with an open mind, be humble and follow the rules and you'll love this place!
Posted 8 years ago
My 2 children and I started training BJJ at this gym over a year ago. This is by far the best gym I have ever been a member of. I love taking classes here and more importantly, my children love their classes. My son is in Pee Wees and my daughter is in Juniors. They both look forward to their classes and have gained a great deal of confidence from their training. All the coaches are amazing. They are patient and professional. They have excellent communication skills with the kids and do a great job teaching them and keeping them focused. I have also learned a ridiculous amount. Professor Micheal Proctor is an awesome instructor who truly cares about his students. He gives great encouragement and holds his students accountable for their training. It's his job to motivate us, and he actually tries to do that. He is definitely not in it for the money. If you are considering joining this gym, do it now. You won't regret it!!
Posted 8 years ago
Great place to train Brazilian jiu jitsu! Great curriculum!..great atmosphere! Very honest and fair practices my opinion the best in the area!
Posted 9 years ago
Great academy to learn jiujitsu and get in shape. The coaches are very helpful and they will work with you and help you regardless of your level of training. If you love jiujitsu,this is the spot for you
Posted 9 years ago
My child is 3, a peewee, and it's amazing to see how many kids they can have in a room at one time yet it is so organized, the kids are very self disciplined, and it's quiet. The coaches there really pay attention to each child and learns the their name day 1. Even if they are just there for a test drive. The professor also makes it his business to make sure everyone is being taught correctly and meets the families and the child. My 3 year old already can do moves after attending only a couple of months and is already more disciplined as a 3 year old can be. I definitely would recommend to any age thinking about starting Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Posted 9 years ago
High energy. Positive, helpful, and experienced members. Great place to get legitimate martial arts/bjj training. A very humbling establishment! Definitely worth a try.
Posted 9 years ago
This is a great environment for learning and training. The instructor is very respectful and patient with students, and students are respectful and friendly towards each other. Great experience!
Posted 9 years ago
Im skeptical of many things at first but have quickly realized this place provides very knowledgeable, polite and professional instructors. They know you by name and take a genuine interest in you as a person and student.
Posted 9 years ago
Absolutely outstanding gym and coaching!I have trained at places all over the world due to work and not felt at home as much as I did here! Very welcoming and a high class of caching and students,in my short time training there I learnt a lot of details to add to my game,at the end of my two weeks there I was lucky enough to get the chance to enter a big local competition in tacoma which professor and students of his helped me prepare for and also accompanied me to the competition which made me feel great and not out of my comfort zone. Much appreciated and will stay in touch with these guys in the future....if your in the area Definately check them out...Oss
Posted 9 years ago
My daughter and I both came in for a trial class. Nathan was very helpful and friendly. I met the owner, Michael, and he seemed genuinely friendly as well. Daughter had a good time, I got a real work out. I haven't decided yet if BJJ is for us, but I enjoyed the short experience. Lots of nice people.
Posted 9 years ago
My husband and two daughters have a;; trained here, they all love the people and environment.
Posted 10 years ago
I am a MMA promoter and 2 years ago I brought my daughter in to meet Michael Proctor and to try out some classes after the first couple times she fell in love with this gym it's her life she loves coming for EVERY CLASS POSSIBLE the coaches are amazing and she has boosted her confidence and is fearless because of this academy now my daughter is 10 years old and has dreams of being a mma fighter thank you Michael for providing such a great academy for my daughter to train at. Oss!!
Posted 10 years ago
very technical you should come and try it
Posted 11 years ago
I have been to multiple different martial arts schools and academys and this is by far the best academy i have ever been to. I trained for a year and some change and learned alot from this experience. It was great.
Posted 12 years ago
This is the first BJJ studio I have trained at, and I really enjoy it. The school is ran by Michael Proctor, who is a black Belt under Marcello Monteiro. Professor Proctor has the perfect disposition to head a studio; he is kind but firm, patient, supportive, and more than anything, extremely knowledgable. He gives clear instruction, and does well to get around the mats and give everyone attention during drilling. The other primary instructor is David Gines, who is similarly knowledgable, and extremely enthusiastic. Aside from the 2 instructors, there are many knowledgable upper belts who lend their time to assist you in progressing. I would say this is a studio that is great for anyone, regardless of experience. While my perspective is of a new student, I believe there is enough talent throughout the studio for a seasoned practitioner to grow as well. They do not push you to compete, but the students that do participate in competitions tend to do well.
Posted 12 years ago
Love it here. We have been welcomed and treated like family since day 1. My son is learning so much, the coaches are great!
Posted 8 years ago
Pricing is amazing at the academy. Additionally this is the only academy that I have been able to find that offers morning classes! Staff are all very personable and helpful. Also for new students, training partners here are very cool I have yet to meet an ego in the bunch.
Posted 9 years ago
Cool place cool people.. prices are a little to high tho
Posted 8 years ago
We were happy here for our first year. Then things changed. The owner is very childish and puts his students on blast on facebook and then gets mad at someone when they want to talk to him like an adult. He sees drama where there isn't any. He has horrible customer service and includes all of his students in any disaggreements he has with any of his other student's. When I tried to have an adult conversation with him he said it wasn't his problem. The owner personally attacks his students and teachers on social media. He has a history of it.
Posted 9 years ago
I really wish I listened to the other one star reviews before going to this place. I was only there for 2 weeks, and my experience as a new practioner of martial arts was ruined by the outright unprofessionalism of the owner. He became extremely hostile, sent me various threatening facebook messages, and cancelled all of my future classes after asking a single question about the programs. Don't make the same mistake.
Posted 1 year ago
Negative reviews are 100% accurate. This clown doesn't want to pay anyone to teach his students anything new. I came in a couple years back to teach a boxing class, instead of paying me for my time and lessons, he wanted me to teach the class for free until his students were comfortable with me. I never went back, but some of his guys that were doing MMA at the time hit me up privately, asking for more training. His true colors came out through a text rant on why he doesn't want to pay anyone for their time. You're unprofessional Mike, your reviews say it all. Grow up. If you're a bjj only gym, why do you have cheap heavy bags and begging me to teach your striking program lol…Clown. I’m not anonymous, you know who I am. Everyone says the same thing about you and your gym, yet your response is, you don’t know who they are, or have no record of anyone coming in. Your responses to legitimate reviews seem to justify everyone’s claims about you. You’re completely unstable, insecure, and an egotistical prick. Your wannabe MMA fighters get picked apart and suffer many losses from what I have heard and seen, probably from lack stand up/ striking because you’re only a jui jistu school lol. So many bad reviews he changed the name of the school 😂😂😂
Posted 2 years ago
Was looking for a good gym but will never go here. This space is not safe for the LGBTQ+ community. Have screen shots of the owners open hateful comments, they're very public on Facebook.
Posted 4 years ago
Just by reading your naive responses to your critics you are as unprofessional as it gets. BJJ is a tight community and bad gas travels fast.
Posted 5 years ago
I've never seen such embarrassing reactions to current/previous clients. I was looking to join a strong BJJ gym... well mental fortitude and patience won't be taught here.. clearly.
Posted 6 years ago
Micheal Proctor is an unprofessional baby. He conducts shady business practices, and seems to fly off the handle constantly. The rest of the instructors are great, but its ruined by the poor head instructor. Don't get burned like me.
Posted 6 years ago
I originally gave a 5-star rating here. The class was great and the kid's teacher there was very patient. Then I met the owner “Professor”. After a few times of being in this place, I noticed how he would talk down about anyone who disagreed with his political or personal thoughts, which have nothing to do with BJJ. He would spread rumors about former members and beg anyone to give him a 5-star rating anytime someone would post facts like this. I left the gym quietly and asked that the remainder of my membership ($300+) be donated to another member, which the “professor” graciously agreed to. I found out later that this never happened and the funds were pocketed. When other members couldn't attend for scheduling reasons, they were berated behind their backs to the class. The owner “Professor” mocked them and when they determined they wouldn't go back, he spread rumors about them to say they spread rumors or accused people of things they never did. One story is one thing, two is an issue, more than that in less than a month... I'll let you decide. A “Professor” of martial arts should have more self-control and discipline. This is why I will never go back.
Posted 7 years ago
The gym itself is great, love the people, the assistant coaches are wonderful, but the owner is a scam artist with one of the biggest egos I've ever seen. I tried it out and I don't plan on going back. There are plenty of gyms in the area with better prices (contrary to what Michael says) and actually decent human beings running them. He's probably going to call me a keyboard warrior and tell me to say it to his face like he said about some other people while I was checking the place out, because he can't handle criticism and has some serious little man syndrome going on. He is very cold in face to face communication unless you're giving him money and is hella misogynistic, which I could see pretty quickly from the few women who were there and how they were treated. It's constantly like walking on eggshells with this guy, because who knows what's going to set him off. And he does not shut up about politics, oh my god. I did not feel safe saying anything to disagree with him in my time there, because that's the environment he facilitates, conform or get out. I waited several months before posting this review, because the guy takes everything so personal, so that this wouldn't get back to me, since I'm sure he'll make some rant about it as soon as he reads this. All I can say is, grow up, Michael, and learn how to run your business. Idk who you think I am, but my membership was fine, not sure what there was to be angry about.
Posted 7 years ago
Went in asking questions about signing up and wasn't too happy. Very pushy and cryptic about the contract.
Posted 9 years ago
I didn't want to believe what I heard about the owner, but he is truly a terrible person. Where to begin? I was overcharged for two months after I quit the gym. This has happened to others as well. The owner also argues with parents/students and physically threatens them. He constantly tries to have students buy his line of soap products that no one is interested in. I'll finish off by saying that the gym is advertised to be under Marcello Monteiro, who is notorious for selling black belts. These people only care about money. BJJ is awesome and it is a shame that it is represented by people like this.
Posted 10 years ago
Worse customer service the owner has the worse attitude ever. If your looking for a real gym that respects you and trains you the right way. I recommend you walk away from this gym.
Posted 10 years ago
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