Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu
46 N Bryan St, Madison, WI 53714, USA
Whether you are looking for self-defense, physical fitness, a new hobby, or new friends & community you'll find a home at Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu
46 N Bryan St, Madison, WI 53714, USA
Whether you are looking for self-defense, physical fitness, a new hobby, or new friends & community you'll find a home at Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu
Fantastic gym. Great instructors and students. Very clean. It's definitely the place to train in Madison
I highly recommend Sanctuary Jiu Jitsu to anyone local or visiting the Madison area. I drop-in when I am in town and they are the most welcoming academy of many I have visited. From the instructors to the students, everyone is kind, helpful and passionate about jiu jitsu. Jordan is knowledgeable and detail oriented when instructing and he is always happy to answer any questions. Karen is an amazing, caring instructor who will show you the best comp-tested techniques!
I struggle to say just exactly how important Sanctuary Jiu Jitsu is to me. When I started training, I was recovering from a life event that nearly destroyed me. Jordan and I know each other from earlier in our lives, and when he realized the state that I was in, he encouraged me to come train with him. When I expressed my fear, he told me that I would always be safe on his mats. So I began my jiu jitsu journey. I began in fits and starts as I slowly began to heal. Jordan provided compassionate encouragement balanced with no nonsense expectations that consistency is key to development. The other instructors Ryan and Karen were also patient and supportive. Even my teammates were encouraging. One member even told me to just keep coming. Jiu Jitsu is hard, but with the incredibly welcoming and supportive culture at Sanctuary the journey becomes a joyous one. I am now healthier than I’ve been in a very long time. And the academy feels like family. No matter who you are, you will find an ideal space and culture to push your boundaries and become the best version of yourself. I will be forever grateful to this gym. I’m 58 years old and hope to train till the day I die.
We've been to Sanctuary Jiu Jitsu a few times and it's always been a top notch experience. A beautiful, clean facility, with passionate and talented instructors and equally amazing students! We have always been welcomed with open arms and found tough, technical training. Jordan, the owner, puts his heart and soul into this place and it shows. I can't recommend it enough!
Love sanctuary, very inviting and positive atmosphere :)
Perfect in just about every way
I’ve spent my entire jiu jitsu career at sanctuary so I don’t have a very wide frame of reference, but I love this gym and all the people in it. The environment and community is a blessing to be a part of and the instruction is extremely technical. You are bound to leave the mats here better than you stepped on whether as an athlete or as an individual. Very thankful to be fortunate enough to train here
I returned to Madison after 9 years of being away. To my delight, I found my old friend who was a four stripe blue belt when I had met him as a white belt in 2009 teaching as a head instructor at Sanctuary Bjj. As a black belt from FightSports Miami HQ, I was very happy to train here during the summer. Jordan keeps up with modern techniques, invites highly qualified talent from Various teams for seminars, and his instruction is technically as proficient and on par with top teams in the country. The facility has multiple showers and changing rooms and is quite clean. My main training days were mon, wed, Friday at sanctuary.
We first visited Sanctuary to see if my son (9) would be interested in jiu jitsu. 12 months later, all three of my kids (11, 9, 7) are part of the kids program and I've joined as well. Our family had no martial arts or wrestling experience but the coaches are amazing, other kids were welcoming, and the content/classes were great... a really positive sport and place to be. I've loved seeing their progress. Adult classes are great. Incredibly welcoming community and an amazing workout. Such a challenge but also so much fun.
Sanctuary is the best possible gym you could ask for. The owners ask everyone in the gym what they can be doing to make it better for everyone. They care for people on and off the mats. I recommend everyone to at least come stop by for open mat or even a class. Jordan is an amazing instructor with the help of 2 of the nicest people I’ve come across (Karen and Ryan). You guys are the best!
Fantastic gym with a well thought out curriculum and welcoming people. Jordan and Co. are very knowledgeable and approachable people who will give you a great bjj experience. The gym actively seeks out instructors for seminars, bringing you high level jiu jitsu in your backyard. Love the community at this gym and the facilities are the cherry on top. Plenty of room to store your items, change, multiple showers, bathrooms, and are all kept clean.
High caliber rolls, great people, excellent instruction and facilities. I highly recommend this for instruction, drop ins, and they deserve extra for the kids and women’s classes they offer.
Had my first day and it was awesome. Everyone was super welcoming. Great vibe and really helpful instructors. Can’t wait to come back
This gym is the real deal. I dropped in while visiting Madison from out of state and had the best experience I could have asked for. I was warmly welcomed by Coach Jordan, who teaches top notch technique in his classes. Each training partner I had was kind, knowledgable and fun to roll with. As a female I would highly recommend this gym. Thank you for the warm welcome Sanctuary, I will definitely be back in the future!
Great gym with good diversity of body sizes and styles!
everything you need in a jiu-jitsu gym they have, big mat space, great coaches, high level training partners, showers, good variety of classes. 100% would recommend.
I have no experience with other gyms, but I love this place. If you're on the fence or nervous at all, don't be. It took me 20 seconds of courage to walk from my car to the front door and all I had to say was, "I've never been here before." Everyone is super welcoming, inclusive, and laid back. Jordan, Ryan, and Karen are fantastic instructors. I wish I would have started 20 years ago.
Beautiful (very clean) gym. A place where everyone will feel comfortable and safe to train, great women’s and kid’s program, very high-level instruction. I have been training for almost 20 years and travel for my job so I have trained all over the United States and feel very lucky that this is in my backyard.
If you walk through the doors of Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu Academy, you will embark on an unparalleled training experience. Coaches: The heart of Sanctuary is its knowledgeable and passionate coaches. Jordan, Karen, and Ryan use teaching methods that make jiu-jitsu approachable, ensuring that students not only understand the techniques but also grasp the underlying principles. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned practitioner, you'll benefit from their deep understanding of jiu-jitsu and their ability to break down complex concepts into manageable lessons. Community: The vibrant and supportive community at Sanctuary sets it apart. The atmosphere is welcoming and encouraging, creating a space where everyone—from kids to adults—feels valued and motivated. The academy fosters a culture of respect and mutual support. This environment of camaraderie helps members push through challenges and celebrate each other’s successes. Facilities: Excellent facilities enhance the overall training experience. The mat area is spacious and impeccably maintained, providing a safe and clean environment for practice. Additionally, the academy is equipped with well-maintained changing rooms and showers. The thoughtful design of the space contributes to an overall feeling of professionalism and care. Class Offerings: For children, the academy provides engaging and age-appropriate classes that teach fundamental skills while fostering discipline and confidence. For adults, there are a variety of classes that welcome all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. The schedule offers morning, lunch hour, and evening classes so that you can easily find a time that works for you. Whether you’re a parent looking for a great program for your child or an adult eager for the challenge of learning a new skill, Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu Academy is sure to exceed your expectations.
Sanctuary Jiu Jitsu is a very open and comfortable space to learn jiu jitsu for newcomers, veterans and visitors alike. I felt welcomed from day one and love training here. The coaches and owners are also patient and personable which makes for a great environment for learning!
Incredibly welcoming to a traveling blue belt. The atmosphere fosters a sense of comfort and safety necessary to get the most out of your training. I can't wait to visit again!
I have belonged to several gyms throughout my martial arts journey. Sanctuary by far is my favorite. The diversity of the people that train, the camaraderie, and the overall community support within the organization is unmatched. The instructors are always attentive, willing to provide feedback, and eager to help. Come train with us, this will be my home for years to come.
As someone who stepped away from Brazilian jiu jitsu for 4-5 years (as a blue belt) who wanted to return to the sport, I was apprehensive about returning. I was so elated to come across Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu. I was looking a gym that: was clean; coaches/instructors that had an infectious passion, positive attitude great knowledge of BJJ, but a humble learner as well; great gym environment that it's fun; and a month-to-month plan. After talking to Jordan and going the trial classes, it was an easy decision to join Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu as Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu is what I was looking for!
Dropping from Milwaukee. Great class and welcoming community. Would definitely recommend!!
This is an awesome gym that focuses on community and teaching. Very positive and fun for kids!
We just started at sanctuary and we must say it’s one heck of a great BJJ gym. The people are so welcoming and friendly. Karen and Ryan do great with the kids class. Thank you Sanctuary I think we found where we belong.
I can't recommend Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu enough. It is such an amazing place! When I decided to finally give BJJ a try after many years of admiring the sport/art from a far, I wasn't sure how it would go--especially as someone starting out late in life. I am so thankful I found Sanctuary. The instructors are top notch, extremely helpful, attentive, and encouraging. Moreover the community of people at Sanctuary is absolutely incredible. Come train with us and experience it for yourself!
Amazing, tough training room for Saturday open mat. I visited while in town with family and their team was very welcoming!
I was home for the holidays and decided to see if I could find a place to burn off some of the cookies I've been eating. I had Sanctuary recommended to me and am so happy I went. Everyone there was incredibly friendly and helpful and they have a great mat space. I've already gone 3 times in the week I've been visiting and can't wait to come back on my next trip.
I was traveling for work & reached out to the professor in advance to see if I could drop in. My first visit to Sanctuary, but I found it to be a great environment to train while away from home. Other jujitsukas were not just helpful to me, but I saw how encouraging they were to each other. Also noticed some diversity, which is always great. I agree with another comment about it being intense but safe! Would definitely go back when I'm in the area. Thank you for your hospitality & generosity, Jordan!
Jordan's passion for Jiu Jitsu is infectious, and his dedication to teaching and fostering a positive learning environment is truly commendable. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, he will take the time to shake your hand and meet you the moment you walk in, ensuring everyone feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Not to mention, the facility is world class and comes complete with mass amounts of mat space, kettlebells, and fresh towels so you can shower after your training session! If you are only in town for a few days like me, or you're living in the Madison area and looking for a new academy...I can not recommend this school enough. Thanks, Jordan! You're the man.
Very welcoming and skilled members, a clean facility, and a fantastic visitor policy. If you are in the area I highly recommend you check out Sanctuary JJ.
Absolutely love this gym. It is for everyone. Old people, young people, boys, girls, experienced jiu jitsu trainers, and new ones as well. Recommend this gym to all.
Excellent facility and even better people. I was on vacation in the Dells made the 45 minute drive based off the reviews and wasn’t disappointed. Everyone was extremely welcoming, and the classes were amazing. Thank you Jordan for the hospitality I’ll definitely be back next year!
Best jiu jitsu in Madison! They welcomed me with open arms. Professional, tactical, and the best group around. Much love guys!
Dropped in for just one class a few weeks ago. The instructor was incredibly outgoing, welcoming, and laid back, as well as a good teacher from what I saw. The the gym overall seemed like a great learning environment and community. Definitely recommended for drop ins!
I was in town for work and messaged Jordan about dropping in. When traveling, I only bring my no gi apparel, but I was able to borrow a loaner Gi and had a blast at their 0630 Drill to Win class. We went over three different entries into the baratoplata, followed by 30 minutes of drilling. Everyone was very welcoming and the mats were super clean. I had a great experience and will definitely come back if I’m ever back in the area.
I stoped in for an open mat on a Saturday morning and had the best time!! The mat was full of talented people! I got some great rolls on with awesome people and even made some new friends! Thank you for the friendly vibe and the amazing hospitality!!
Sanctuary is a perfect name for the place Jordan does an amazing job of making everyone feel at home and teaching high level jiu jitsu my love for the sport has grown exponentially because of the environment that’s been created there
Came up from Dubuque for a Seminar and I got to say this place is awesome! Great people and had a good time. If I’m ever back in the Madison area and looking to train, I know where to come! Thanks for hosting!
Sanctuary Jiu Jitsu is top notch. I’ve been training over 6 years and spent the last few months at Sanctuary and haven’t regretted a single day. Jordan is very detailed in how he instructs and can make the most complicated techniques into something everyone can do. The cherry on top is most definitely how welcoming everyone is as soon as you step foot inside. There’s a reason why Sanctuary is as successful as it is without binding everyone into a yearly contract or any “fine print”. 10/10 recommend!
If you are looking to get into Jiu Jitsu, I cannot recommend Sanctuary and Jordan enough. The academy atmosphere is great, everyone from the top down is very welcoming. Jordan is truly passionate and dedicated to growing each student according to their own individual goals. Come check it out!
I was visiting from out of town for a few days. Excellent classes with multiple black belts on the mats. I will be coming back when I am in the area.
Sanctuary is a great place to train whether you are just starting jiu jitsu or you are experienced. Jordan is an awesome coach who has great jiu jitsu knowledge and is always willing to help. If you are ever in the Madison area, definitely come train at Sanctuary!
I brought my daughters, 11 and 13, to the women's self-defense class and the experience exceeding all my expectations. The staff at Sanctuary made us feel so welcome and comfortable. The instructors, Jordan and Karen were wonderful, and I can't wait to go back. I look forward to trying other classes and highly recommend checking it out!!!
Beautiful, clean, and welcoming gym with excellent technique and friendly people. I dropped in from out of town and my whole experience was fantastic. Definitely would recommend for anyone checking out Jiu Jitsu in Madison.
I took a Women's self-defense class here and absolutely loved it! The teachers broke every move down and made the steps easy to follow. They covered multiple scenarios that you may be in and how to defend yourself in each. I was nervous going into it since I had not done anything like this before, but the staff quickly makes you feel comfortable! I thoroughly enjoyed learning from this establishment and feel more confident in myself if I am ever in a situation where I would need to use the moves I learned. Can't recommend Sanctuary enough!
Earlier this year, I visited Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu to attend their free Women’s Self-Defense Seminar. I have no background in jiu-jitsu (or any other martial art) and tend to feel out of place when visiting gyms I’m not a regular member of - but coaches Jordan and Karen made myself and the friends I attended with feel welcome and comfortable. They empowered each of us to use strengths we already possess and taught invaluable new skills. Their shared passion for their craft really shined during this two-day session, making jiu-jitsu feel un-intimidating and approachable. I would absolutely return here if they hold more of these kinds of classes in the future and have recommended this gym to many of my friends since!
Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu is an amazing place to learn and grow. My son and I joined the gym 10 months ago. Karen and Ryan are great with kids and they make it really fun for kids. Jordan is very knowledgeable and down to earth professor. I really appreciate Jordan and Karen's ability to break down complicated moves and presenting them in a way that is not overwhelming for beginners. Bonus point: I lost over 20lbs since I joined.
Sanctuary is the best. I don't have a lot of experience with other gyms, but I doubt it can be much better than Sanctuary. Everyone is really friendly, and the atmosphere at Sanctuary is very welcoming. Jordan is a phenomenal teacher. My only regret is that I didn't start training sooner.
Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu is an exceptional gym and an amazing place to train! The owners really care about their students and their experience. Clean facilities and a beautiful space. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu! I can't say enough good things about the business and the owners. :)))))) Don't pass this opportunity by.
Stopped in for an open mat on Saturday and everyone was extremely welcoming. The competition was high level but I felt safe rolling with everyone there. I love that they have showers and a garage door!
I really enjoy going to Sanctuary. They have great classes!
Sanctuary Jiu Jitsu is one of my favorite places to train. When I came into Madison for work, I heard about them from a friend and I keep making special trips back there even after my work in the area is done just to train because the people are so great, the Jiu Jitsu they teach is top level, and their facility is super clean with a great atmosphere. I highly recommend this place!
I needed a place to train while we were in town and this is the spot! Super nice crew and if you forgot something no worries, they have really nice, clean, and free house gis you can use. The instructor have a great class with a lot of details. When it was time to drill the people in class were chill and the rounds were challenging but no one was going like it was ADCC trials. I’ll be back whenever I pop into town
Clean and inviting. The instructor Jordan was top notch and everyone was a joy to train with.
I drive from the opposite side of town because I believe in this place. From the first time we stepped in the door, the staff and families have been warm and welcoming. My son has thrived in this environment. This is especially important to me as a parent of a neurodiverse kiddo who doesn’t always fit into group settings. Thanks to the awesome teachers and community! Five stars!
Love this place. Great vibe, hard rounds, tons and tons of learning. Best place I've trained in quite a while. Would recommend to beginners or experts alike. Come train with us!
Very reasonably priced. A great and inclusive community.
Jordan's nuanced instruction and attention to detail elevates everyone's Jiu Jitsu. The group he has brought together at Sanctuary and the relationships we've built with one another are well worth the time and money. The environment is both competitive and welcoming, and I couldn't imagine training anywhere else.
Great place to train. Friendly environment. Kids classes and Professors are amazing.
Sanctuary is my home! Over the last 15 years I have visited several other gyms and none of them felt like home as Sanctuary does. Jordan is a true leader who is passionate about growing his students and the art. I know he has my back both inside and outside the gym. The facilities are top notch always clean, safe and welcoming. I will be here for many years to come growing with this family.
Great instructors! Great techniques! Great people to share the mats with! Co-ed classes; women’s only classes; open mats; no gi open mats; women’s only open mat; kids classes; GI and Nogi classes; wrestling. There’s something for everyone! Friendly, fun, fantastic!
This is an amazing gym for kids and adults the kids class is so much fun to watch and my kids both love coming to class it's helped my shy niece come more out of her shell more and my son be more active and focused. The teachers are so good with all the kids very young to older kids and extremely patient and very fun! I can not recommend this g enough to people interested in jitsu!!
Awesome school. Our kids love the classes, and they have learned a ton. I highly recommend this school.
Great place. Very welcoming and great introduction.
I dropped in to the Sanctuary as I was visiting Madison for work. I'm a white belt and felt welcomed as well as part of the class. The instructors are awesome, and the location is good. The facilities are great and there are showers as well! Highly recommend. Picked up a few new things in the day I was there.
If you are in the Madison area you need to stop in and check this place out! The gym has an amazing atmosphere in which everybody is friendly and wants to help each other improve. The instruction given by the owner Jordan is top-tier. He doesn't show any technique that wouldn't work on the streets or in competition. I also love the way they format the live rolling. They put you in a situation that you have just drilled and it makes actually grasping the concept of the technique so much more realistic and you get so much more from it. This gym definitely earned its five star rating from me!
What a room full of the most welcoming killers you've ever met. Don't hesitate to drop in. Great spot!
If you’re looking for a place to training, this is the place in the Madison area. Amazing academy to train at. High level technique is being taught and it’s very friendly environment.
Wonderful Gym. Everyone here has been so welcoming to my girlfriend and I as we start Jiu-Jitsu. Jordan is a talented coach whose lessons are easy to apply and follow. Can't say enough good things about this place. Easy to make friends here.
What a great place to train. I came into town on business and wanted to get a little training in. Sanctuary was the only gym that responded about dropping in. Everyone in the gym was extremely welcoming and exactly how you want to want to be treated when coming into a new place. I honestly can't say enough good things about the gym and its members. I can't wait to come back.
Great community, excellent instruction, everyone is friendly and inviting. This is the place to start your journey!
My family is in year 3 of training at Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu. Such an excellent place to learn BJJ. My two kids are thriving in the 3-day per week kids program. I attend all of the womens only classes plus two additional training days per week. It’s a friendly culture that promotes respect and care of your training partner. There’s a good balance of concepts and technique. Take advantage of their generous free trial option. Come get on the mats and train!
Great school, no contracts, no gi requirements, detailed instruction from instructors. Good for hobbyists and competitors! Nicest bathroom and showers you can ask for. Strong sense of community. Grateful to continue learning here.
The instruction is great, class is fun, teammates are very welcoming of everyone, and the showers and mats are always clean!
Great gym! Everyone was very welcoming and professional. And the instructor was very detail oriented which was amazing! I definitely recommend checking them out!
I started training here about a year ago and my jiu jitsu has improved significantly. The technique taught here is high level with an emphasis on fundamentals. There is also a good community of people here with various skill levels and interests
Great atmosphere, great people, and super accommodating schedule! I came in as an absolute beginner and always felt welcomed and taken care of; I have nothing but glowing praise for this gym.
Great, clean gym. Lovely atmosphere and awesome people.
A great place to train in a super clean and friendly environment. The Jiujitsu tought here is very technical and of a high quality. I'd recommend this place to anyone interested in learning Jiujitsu whether it be for fitness or combat.
I cannot recommend this enough for everyone. This is an absolutely incredible place to train. I started in august of 2020 and everyone is so friendly and willing to help you learn and become better. Jordan is an incredible instructor, super knowledgeable and is willing to help out with any questions you have. Oh and if you’re looking to shed some weight this will help with that too. I was 245 when I started in august. After six months of training I was down to 210 and have stayed at that ever since.
Great place to train no matter what experience or competition level you are. Would recommend.
I’ve trained at large academies across l the country and around the world, and I can say without any doubt that Caio Terra Academy Madison uses higher quality bath and shower products than any of them. Over the period I’ve trained there, the toiletries purchaser has become partial to the “Olay” line of body wash products. It has taken my training, and my life, to a different, cleaner, fresher level, all without the added dryness and irritation that I think we’ve collectively come to expect from our Jiu Jitsu academies. Osss. There is also very high-level Jiu Jitsu instruction in a friendly and focused training atmosphere, which is just icing on the cake.
I had never taken a shower that made me feel both rich and beautiful at the same time before showering at Caio Terra Academy Madison. I plan on showering there again soon.
Not enough good can be said about the crew at CTA Madison. The instructors, the students, the vibe, all top notch. World class techniques and training, with an intimate setting where you’re not just another “number”
Super friendly, great instruction, nice and clean! Jordan is a magnificent Professor with well over a decade of experience and super detailed.
Awesome place to roll with super nice people! Dropped in while home for the holidays and couldn't be more pleased with the experience. Will definitely be stopping back!
Great facility and great instruction. Environment is relaxed and friendly, but the techniques are serious. If you are new to jiu-jitsu, or an experienced player from out of town, definitely check it out.
I love training here. Our team is so welcoming and fun to train with. Our coach Jordan is so knowledgeable and patient. I have grown so much as a woman and as a student here. My life would not be the same without Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! Everyone should come train here and take your BJJ to the next level. OSS!!!!
When I moved to the Madison area from Denver, I was looking for a gym that I could call home. The instruction by Jordan is top notch but even better is the sense of community among all the members. Moving here from out of state, I was very deliberative on choosing a gym, CTA has been amazing and I know I made the right decision.
Beautiful new gym with 2 regulation size IBJJF mats. Jordan, the head instructor is phenomenal, super informative and patient. Awesome teammates - highly recommend checking it out!
Great gym - outstanding, detailed instruction. Good vibe among the students who were friendly, very technically proficient and controlled. I travel frequently and visit a variety of gyms Jordan and his crew represent BJJ as it was intended to be.
Stopped in for an open mat while in town for work, everyone was hospitable and we got some great training in.
Instruction is top notch, open mat on saturdays with no mat fee, excellent teammates, could it get any better?
Very visitor-friendly gym. Welcoming atmosphere, technical instruction. Everyone trains hard but safe. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Madison!
Jiu Jitsu is an incredible journey -- one that is full of choices, including where to train. Jordan's passion as an athlete and an instructor shines through in everything he does. His teaching style, attention to detail, and genuine interest in the growth of his students are incredible assets that you won't find anywhere else. There is nobody around with more dedication or heart. Training partners at this gym are passionate about the art, sport, and lifestyle of Jiu Jitsu. Come see what sets Caio Terra Academy Madison apart from the rest!
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