I went routinely for several months, I liked going. It’s good vibes and everyone is super helpful. The coaches are very good at giving instructions, kind, and encouraging. You won’t be made to feel like an outsider and eventually have fun training with everyone. There’s so much you’ll learn about BJJ techniques and history. Very fun, definitely worth the visit! 🥋 I still appreciate having gone. I hope you go!
I’ve been attending the jiu-jitsu classes here, and I couldn't be happier with my experience. The training environment is incredibly welcoming and supportive, making it perfect for beginners and advanced practitioners.
Coach Winona is exceptional. She has a knack for breaking down complex techniques into easy-to-understand steps, and her attention to detail ensures that you progress at your own pace.
Coach John is equally impressive. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to each class, offering insightful tips and corrections that have significant improvements. His motivational approach keeps everyone engaged and striving for their best. Plus, he is super funny! 😄
This jiu-jitsu school provides top-notch training, a friendly community, and coaches who genuinely care about your development. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to start or advance their jiu-jitsu journey!
Very welcoming for beginners, but they also have a lot for those who are more advanced. Everyone I've interacted with has been great (and very patient 🙏 thank you!) They offer a free trial class which is a great way to see what a normal class looks like and get a feel for the environment.
Thank you @underground_rgjjmn for making me feel welcomed. I hope that everyone enjoyed class. If you are ever in Minneapolis / Shakopee, please be sure to visit John King's academy. You are made to feel like family.
My son and I have been training at Underground for over two and a half years now; we both enjoy it a lot and have a great time in class. John is a great instructor and is really good at simplifying the moves and explaining them well in a way you can easily understand the movements and the reasons why we do them the way we do. An amazing self defense school. My son has grown so confident and opened up more socially over the last few years and I feel that training here has really helped with that. Friendly people that help each other get better every class, great atmosphere. I highly recommend.
At Underground Jiu-Jitsu, John and Winona offer quality self-defense-based jiu-jitsu training in an environment that welcomes everyone, from beginners to advanced students of all ages. They will do their best to meet you where you are and help you train to reach the level you want to achieve. If you think you want to try jiu-jitsu, this is a great place to start!
This team is truly exceptional! Their extensive knowledge shines through as they provide excellent mentorship to the children. In addition to imparting self-defense skills, they instill in the kids the values of respect and compassion.
I cannot say enough good things about John and the studio! They have always been extremely welcoming and kind people, and always have the students best interests at heart. My son has always been very interested in martial arts, and meeting John has only amplified that interest and love for it ten fold! The dedication that the studio shows to its teachings and attitude is unparalleled in the area. If you are looking at getting into Jiu Jitsu I HIGHLY recommend visiting Underground Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you will not be disappointed.
I love watching my kids learn here. You can already tell the respect and discipline they got from being in class. They have learned a lot more than just athletics here, the coaches teaches them about everyday situations, to have respect for your self, parents, and family. They learn how to control themselves at school if ever to come across an altercation. My boys really like coming because it’s fun for them, the coaches make it enjoyable for the kids.
The leadership, knowledge, understanding, and overall kindness and patience excels in so many ways. They teach Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu-self-defense and truly care about each individual to make sure they are safe.
Great thing to do as a family! Or individualized. A dynamic duo that really does a great job at teaching self defense and technique. Fun personable people!
If you or your family are interested in learning Jiu Jitsu, or women’s self defense training definitely check out Underground Jiu Jitsu Academy/Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu, located in downtown Shakopee. Winona offers women’s private lessons, women’s seminars, and women’s only classes. Together John & Winona are extremely knowledgeable, & have over 20 years of experience. I encourage all women and girls to take their safety seriously and train, because you never know when it could save your life ❤️
Highly recommend this gym. The owners are passionate about their work and have classes to meet all ability levels. Our 4 year old is very excited to be starting the kid’s class and John did great with her warming up to the new environment. She loved it and can’t wait to go back! Love that they offer a variety of training and seminars including for women’s self defense.
One and done was my search for a BJJ gym - Couldn’t have gotten luckier to start at Underground Jui Jitsu! Coach John and Coach Winona are awesome, you can really tell they want their students to succeed and do so correctly! Truly a great atmosphere and everybody is extremely willing to help each other out!
Oh, and the GOAT does a seminar once a year…
Amazing coaches and facility. John and Winona are spectacular with the kids classes! If you want a gym where you and your kids can get martial arts training look no further. This place is the real deal! All costs and information are transparent.
Underground is truly a special place. Starting something new can be intimidating, but John and Winona are amazing and make you feel so comfortable. Highly recommend to anyone looking to start BJJ!! It will change your life for the better.
Beyond pleased with Jon & the facility he runs! Beautiful facility & WONDERFUL instructors. My son absolutely LOVES going to Ju-Jitsu. HIGHLY recommend checking them out!
Finally! I had the opportunity to train here today. I'm a brown belt and my journey has allowed me to train at a lot of gyms. John dropped some knowledge on me day one. New or seasoned students, you're going to learn here. Thanks for the lesson John!
Went to my second class tonight. Easy to start, friendly environment, great instruction. Not at all intimating.
Update: What a difference these classes have made to my life! I have been regularly attending since my original review and I won't be stopping anytime soon. John is an amazing instructor and person. I joined not only a club, but a community as well.
Update: One year in and going strong. I've found my people.
I’ve been coming to Underground Jiu Jitsu for almost 7 months and I could not ask for a better experience! I’ve tried MANY traditional gyms but never got into a routine or stuck with it so I thought I would try jiu jitsu. After trying a few other schools, I did a class at Underground and found my workout “home.” John and Winona make you feel welcome the instant you come in, always greeting you with a hello and a smile. I admit I was nervous the first few times I attended class but the other students were super calm and patient with me and never made me feel dumb because I wasn’t catching on to a move right away. After being here a few months and having the opportunity to spar (or roll), again the other students have been great, challenging me to use what I’ve been taught but never trying to smash me or prove how much better they are. I would highly recommend anyone who has been considering trying jiu jitsu to come join us for a class, as if nothing else, you will leave having learned at least one solid self defense skill.
My son loves his time at Jiu Jitsu! As parents we appreciate that they teach lessons beyond athletics - being a good person, being healthy, and being a good student. The coaches are super patient and great with kids! The classes are balanced well between content/learning and fun games so the kids don’t lose interest. The pricing is very affordable and the membership structure is perfect for busy families whose schedules change weekly. Overall Jiu Jitsu has been a really positive experience for our son—thank you!
My first encounter with John was via a phone conversation. Right away we clicked, very humble and down to earth guy. We spoke on our separate journeys in pursuit of knowledge and training in the world of martial arts and Jiu Jitsu. I had to meet the man in person he didn’t pressure me into joining his school or mention money or fees at all. He insisted that I try a few free classes to see if I liked the school and the way the curriculum was presented etc. I knew the school with John at the helm would be the perfect fit for me and I stopped by 30 min after our conversation on my way home and John greeted me with a big smile that is forever present and said Aketo that was quick. The rest has been excellent love the school and my new family of sisters and brothers here at Underground Jiu Jitsu.
Thank you, John appreciate your expertise and friendship.
Aketo Granberry
Man, John and Winona are exceptional at providing quality training. They are extremely accommodating. Nice gym space. Very sanitary conditions. I highly recommend this gym. I personally have trained at many gyms in different areas and they way these guys do it is top notch!
I started my Jiu Jitsu journey four lessons ago and can’t wait to continue. John does a great job of creating a safe and fun environment to learn in. So far, I’ve enjoyed the community aspect of training with one another, as well as, learning the Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu fundamentals by focusing on technique. I highly recommend that you join Underground Jiu Jitsu Academy!
