Forward BJJ

3224 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA

5.0 (41 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Self-Defense

Classes

Adults Classes Fundamentals Intermediate

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

Forward BJJ in Madison, WI offers top-tier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for all ages and skill levels, focusing on fitness, self-defense, sport and community. Join us to improve your skills in a supportive environment.

Reviews

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Sean Fischer

Allowed me to drop in and pay a small fee instead of locking me into a contract that’s hard to cancel. As a travel worker it’s hard to find gyms who work with me on that. I never know when I’ll have to move so it’s great to train somewhere so flexible. Very friendly, had great teaching techniques, and I felt safe when rolling with all the members.
Posted 1 year ago
Evan Wing

About Jiu-Jitsu, it’s hard not to get addicted but you can benefit a great deal and learn to protect yourself from the sports fundamentals. I like that time on the mat is the biggest factor in succeeding in the sport, it shows that thinking your way out of an uncomfortable situation is (usually) always possible. Two quotes I like: “A black belt is a white belt that never gave up,” and “The hardest belt to get in Jiu Jitsu is the white belt, because showing up is the hardest part.” Great book: Breathe by Rickson Gracie Last quote: “If you don’t do it now, you’ll be one year older when you do.” - Warren Miller

Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Paulo Ricardo

Forward Jiu Jitsu is the best gym I’ve ever attended. I’ve been training for a year and a half, and I had some previous experiences training in Brazil. I can confidently say that Brazilian hospitality is alive and well here. Professor Cristian, besides being extremely technical and knowledgeable, makes sure of treating everyone in a way that makes you feel like you belong. All the other coaches are just as impressive in terms of their expertise and welcoming nature. I started training to get in better shape, but more than the 30 pounds I’ve lost, I found a little piece of home here in Madison. Jiu-Jitsu is a powerful tool to work on your confidence, your body, your fears, your ability to act and find solutions under pressure, and, most importantly, it’s a great place to make friends!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jordan

great training environment and coach

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Henry Stonnington

Amazing gym with a great professor!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jackson Sabalones

This is a great place to learn jiu jitsu, no matter what level. What I love most about this particular gym is it has a great inclusive culture that welcomes all like a family.

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Nick Summers

Good jim

Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Megan Beyer

My jiujitsu skills increased exponentially in the first three months I trained here. Great instruction and greater people!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Tyler DeVito

Forward is the place to be for all your jits needs, professor Cristian is a true professional with the knowledge to improve anyone’s game on the mats and off!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Joshua Swartz

The Forward family is an incredible group of people. The space is always clean and inviting. Everyone is always up for helping new members get the basics down. My favorite part of this place is the diversity, there are so many kinds of people. It is truly a melting pot of culture and I love it! This is almost always the highlight of my day and I highly recommend joining.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Andrey Vega

Coach Cristian is an inspiration. The place and the people are so welcoming that you start to consider them family and the place home. Come join us and we’ll make sure you are safe and feel welcome.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Derrick KaLhoun

This gym has a great vibe any day of the week, gi or no gi. The content is always fresh and if it is a repeat, there’s a new spin on it. It’s lively, challenging and friendly. Plenty of experienced players to keep yourself growing. It only seems to get better the more you go.

Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Nate Haines

I started attending classes about 2 years ago. It has been phenomenal for my physical and mental health. The instructors are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. If you’re interested in any way I cannot stress enough it’s worth checking out.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Marissa Luna

Such an awesome place! The community is just everything!

Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Cauli Bedran

I’ve been doing jiu-jítsu here for a bit over a year. I have always felt safe training with the staff and other members. Cris and Japeth are amazing!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Brad Conn

Great place to learn BJJ with great people

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Hoang Giang Vu

A great place to learn BJJ! People are friendly and extremely good at the sport. Plus, the clean mat!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Stevens Rehen

Nice for the body and for the mind.

Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jackson Brereton

Great coaches and environment. I wouldn’t have started my journey anywhere else.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Aaron Dunajeski

Great room to train in for both new folks and experienced grapplers alike. Instructors are super friendly and knowledgeable.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Anne-Sophie Luna

The coach is really good

Instructors
Posted 1 year ago
Myles Polacek

I was nervous when I got there not knowing what to expect , but by the end of the day I was super sweaty, and I felt like I could hug everybody in my Class, Everybody is just really cool and welcoming. Super clean. Awesome class

Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
John Peterson

Coming from an outside academy, I was surprised at just how welcome and at home everyone made me feel at Gracie Barra. Trying something new can often be intimidating. But the coaches and students are always extremely friendly and helpful. Aside from the warm environment offered, the technique and instructors are all world class. A wide variety of class times and formats also make this school convenient for any schedule.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Paulie H

Such a great place to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at! Professor Evandro Campelo and Coach Marissa are awesome! My daughter and I both train here. The kids program is great. My daughter has loved the challenge of learning BJJ and looks forward to going to class every week. The kids class is a blast to watch! Everyone is very welcoming and always willing to help. If you are considering trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I cannot recommend a better place in Madison.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Kenzie Sanoy

Starting Jiu Jitsu once seemed like a far fetched dream but now is a huge part of my life all thanks to Gracie Barra. From day 1 I was greeted with a smile and a hug and two years later nothing has changed. The culture is unmatched and the friendships go way beyond the mats. Awesome place to try Jiu Jitsu if you’re a beginner or train safely if you’re advanced and getting ready for competition. They have a wide variety of class levels, times, locations and gi/no gi.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Tracy Thom

There is not a jiujitsu gym in the state that has the credibility that Gracie Barra Madison and Waunakee have. That’s not an exaggeration or hyperbole. That’s the truth. Professor Cristiano Ribero is a 5th degree black belt. You simply cannot find a more credible instructor to train under.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Tseun Han James Kong

Prof Cristiano is an excellent instructor and mentor. Classes are well organised and regular. I cannot recommend this place more.

Instructors Classes
Posted 5 years ago
Matt Regnier

As an out of shape mid 30's year old dad, I finally took the plunge and started BJJ at the end of 2019. My best friend has been doing it for years at another local gym, and he spoke highly of Cristiano Ribeiro in general. Even speaking so highly, I feel he undersold professor Cristiano. Cristiano's experience is world class, but its his ability to teach to any belt level, any age, any athletic background - that truly sets him apart. Now with Professor Campelo, a 2 stripe black belt and accomplished instructor, having joined a few months ago, I can say unequivocally there is not a better BJJ gym in the midwest for a guy like me.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Dan Goorsky

Outstanding training facility. Clean, great mats and friendly atmosphere. The instructor is a 5th degree blackbelt, and an unbelievable teacher! From young children to aspiring seniors, there is no one better than Cristiano to teach you the Gentle Art! If you have a chance to train here, don’t pass it up!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Thomas Peterson

Best Jujitsu Academy Ever!!!! Every Gracie Gym is a great place to learn top notch jujitsu. Bring your friends. You will have a great time and get really fit. Also, great community and we always do well at tournaments.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Julie Soenksen

The best place in Madison to learn Jiu Jitsu and self defense! No one makes you feel more ready for anything than the 5th Degree black belt, Cristiano!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Gabriel Zafino

Estou visitando Madison e não teria um lugar melhor para treinar Jiu-Jitsu. Pessoas muito carismáticas e receptivas, além de uma ótima aula. Recomendo. OSS!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago