The best BJJ place in cda! We have previously been to another very popular studio and Sparta is superior in many ways. We love the “gym type” membership, allowing for daily flexibility in classes which is insanely nice when juggling two kids schedules and multiple sports!!! The coaches are also great with the kids! The self defense skills and self confidence gained is worth every penny.
I appreciate that the coaches take time to know each individual kid. They check in with the kids regularly asking about school and what they did over the weekend. I have watched both my kids' attitudes improve at home and on the matt. I have also seen their physical capabilitues grow and flourish. With little ones that are too small to go to class, I am so grateful for the family-friendly atmosphere that has been created. Getting my kids to leave after class is as hard as pulling teeth. I'm pretty sure my kids would live there if I let them.
Sparta Training Academy in Coeur d’Alene is hands-down the best jiu-jitsu gym we’ve ever experienced! From the moment we joined, it felt like family. The coaches are exceptional, each bringing unique expertise and a genuine passion for teaching. They care deeply about every student, tailoring their guidance to individual needs and skill levels. My kids absolutely love attending classes here, and it’s heartwarming to see how much they’ve grown in confidence, discipline, and skill.
What sets Sparta apart is the family-oriented atmosphere. The coaches foster an environment where everyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners, feels welcomed and supported. It’s clear they’re invested in building not just great martial artists but also strong character and community.
Another huge plus is their flexible schedule; they offer jiu-jitsu classes six days a week, with multiple opportunities to train each day, plus an open mat every Sunday! This makes it easy to fit training into our busy lives. Whether you’re looking for a fun, safe place for your kids to learn or want to take your own skills to the next level, Sparta Training Academy is the place to be. We couldn’t be happier with our experience here and highly recommend it to anyone looking to join an amazing jiu-jitsu family!
Coach Matt is the best!
My name is Isabel. Sparta has taught me physiology and anatomy as well as improve my physical life and ability . It prospers disciplinary action and helps us improve our focus. I have never been interested in sports until now. This is what a jui jiztu academy should be.
Good instructive training, friendly atmosphere, no drama, just jits. Kids love it. Where else will you learn anatomy while practicing your jui jitsu? Kids here are respectful and respond well to the training they receive. If you ever wanted to learn jui jitsu...I say, give them a try! First week is free just to check it out!
We’ve been part of Sparta Training Academy since April, and it’s been an amazing experience for our family. I wanted my kids to learn self-discipline and be surrounded by peers with goals to improve themselves, and this studio is exactly what we hoped for. The focus on values, integrity, and personal growth is obvious and a part of every class. The environment is so welcoming and family-friendly, and the instructors truly care about helping each student succeed both in jiu-jitsu and in life. We’re so grateful to be part of this incredible community!
Hands down, one of the best facilities around for both adults and kids. Our son started here with no experience and continues to improve each class, along with loving the sport. They’re great with kids and building their confidence, and no one gets left behind. We can’t recommend it enough.
I started at Sparta Training Academy in June of this year. I had been thinking of getting into BJJ on and off for about 4 years. A little background, I’m 56, a little overweight, and have bad knees as well as all the aches and such that come from 56 years on this planet and 30 years in LE. I finally decided to just do it and see how it went.
My first class I went in for the Monday evening class, which is an intermediate type class. I had no idea what I was doing. During the live training portion I did my first roll with Professor Devin, the two other more advanced students. All of them could have smashed me but tailored their resistance to what was appropriate for my skill level. They didn’t give me anything but as I have said to people, if you are learning to bench press it does no good to immediately try to bench 300 pounds. You work up to it and raise the resistance level as you improve.
It’s almost December now and I’m down about 30 pounds. I also notice that I get to my feet much quicker and easier than I did when I started. Professor Devin told me the other night that I move like a completely different human than I did when I first started. It’s true.
If you are thinking about trying BJJ I highly recommend STA. It’s really easy to say, “I’m just going to get in better shape first” or “I’m too old for that”. BJJ will get you in better shape both mind and body. Are you too old for it? If you are thinking about trying it then I doubt you are. You may be too old to fight MMA or go full speed with the youngsters but you are not too old to learn some skills, get in better shape, and practice with some like-minded people.
STA has an amazing kids program. One of the classes is from 5pm to 6pm just before the adult class and the kids have lots of fun. But while they are having fun they also learn some anatomy, some discipline, some teamwork, and of course lots of BJJ.
If you are thinking of BJJ the fundamentals class on Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm is the place to start.
“Love the discipline you know, and let it support you. Entrust everything willingly to the gods, and then make your way through life — no one’s master and no one’s slave.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.31
Update: It’s been almost a year and I’m hooked! Everyone at the academy has been great. The willingness to take the time to work with someone new is always there. I’ve found that everyone makes me work but also are often willing to tailor their effort yo what is appropriate for me. The bottom line is you don’t start bench pressing and put 350 lbs on the bar, you choose an appropriate weight for your strength and experience.
The attention to people sticks out as well. I almost always attend the Tue-Thu 6 pm class. Today I received a text from the Professor, no not the one from Gillian’s island, to let me know due to a power outage in the area they had to close for the evening. I KNOW I’m not the only one who was reached to.
If you’re not training at STC you’re making a mistake.
I’ve been with STA for about 2 years now. I can easily and happily say that along with their great technical training and amazing coaches they also build a good community with everyone that walks in their doors! So very welcoming and kind!
They work well with kids and have a wonderful balance of discipline and fun! And their adult classes parallel that as well! I’ll be a sta homie for life. 🤙
Hands down the best bjj gym in the area and the most well rounded gym I’ve ever been to. Top level instructors combined with a great balance of serious training and fun activities is what sold me on signing up my boys ages 7 and 10. Don’t hesitate to visit!
I have been training at several gyms now for going on 3 years. At Sparta for about 2. This gym has by far been the most positively influential for my game. Great training and great community. The only place I trust to teach my kids!
I went here for beginner adult jiu jitsu lessons and got quickly hooked. I was as impressed with the quality of instruction for adults as I was with overhearing the mentoring taking place in the kids classes. The staff is extremely friendly and the instructors are very knowledgeable, highly recommend this gym!
I occasionally travel for work and recently came to Coeur d'Alene for a few days. I was able to attend a gi fundamentals class as well as a standard gi class. Both classes were excellent. They have a unique approach to their fundamentals class from other gyms that I have been too, and I feel that a program like this would have significantly helped me improve skills quicker than I have.
The instructors are great to work with, the other students are very friendly and made me feel welcomed. If you are considering getting in to jiu-jitsu and in this area this would be a great place to learn the sport!
This is a great school! If you live in the area or are visiting, it’s the place to train.
Everybody was friendly and welcomed me in and the atmosphere was great.
The instructors taught great techniques and I had a great time rolling with everybody in the class.
I come to Coeur d'Alene once to twice a year for vacation. This time I dropped in on a 6am class at Sparta. Great group of guys. Super welcoming, made me feel like I had been training there for years. Seth and the other guys were super nice and spent time showing me several moves I didn't execute quite right.
Various belts were represented at the morning class so anyone at any level could come and learn. As a white belt I never know what a drop in at a new place will be like, but I was extremely happy and hope to train at Sparta again.
Sparta is my favorite place to be. I'm there nearly every day. The coaching is fantastic and detail-oriented. I never feel out of place asking questions or asking for help. Leadership really matters when you're running a gym, some are cult-like and dysfunctional, this one is exemplary. It's everything I want in a BJJ gym. It's an especially good place for families with kids. My kids are somewhat introverted and were so reluctant to try Jiu Jitsu, but they were made to feel right at home. In the last 6 months, all of us have grown leaps and bounds while training here. I can't recommend this gym highly enough.
Sparta Training Academy has amazing instructors who genuinely care about their students and the character that is built through jiu jitsu. The camaraderie within the gym is stellar and everyone looks out for one another and they are always willing to stay behind or give you a few pointers to improve your jiu jitsu. It is not an environment filled with aggression, or ego but humbling and overall good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Sparta is by far the best Jiu-Jitsu academy in CDA. The training, atmosphere, and pricing can't be beat. I would recommend this academy to anyone looking to improve their health, skills and confidence.
My son and I have been coming to this academy since the beginning. The Professors are extremely
Professional and care about the kids a lot, and make sure they train safe while learning respect and honor. I love this place, and the family atmosphere it provides.
Definitely the Best choice of Brazilian JiuJitsu Academy in North Idaho, I'm black belt and find here really amazing training and friendly environment. If you are visiting Coeur d'Alene or are living by the area should pass by for a class with skilled professors and coaches. Oss. Thank you all STA CDA Team. #jiujitsu #bjj #coeurdalene
Sparta has become a family to us and is a wonderful place to bring your kids to train. The instructors are all supportive, patient, and meet all of the students needs while training.
I cannot say enough about the character of the owners and instructors, they have been a wonderful influence on our family and the community. We love bringing our kids to train with people that we trust and KNOW care about the well being of our kids. Veteran owned and operated, we LOVE Sparta!
Grunk come for jits, grunk get subbed.. sad grunk.
Grunk train more and get better, grunk not get subbed as much.... grunk happy.
Grunk like coach and team.. grunk love sta.
I train at Sparta and my daughter is in the kids program, AM, lunch, and Evening adult classes always have a good amount of people, and the kids classes are PACKED. The mat culture is great, no one is trying to hurt anyone, everyone is there to make themselves and each other better. I also like that they have Gi and no Gi options.
This place is amazing. We moved here 3 years ago and searched for the right place. My son (10) and daughter (6) really enjoy going to class. This place feels like family, while pushing the kids daily to be the best they can be. They encourage the students to be their best on and off the mat.
Professor Devin is amazing with the kids. Coach Matt cares about these kids deeply. He thinks about them all the time and is constantly striving to make the gym the best place it can be.
The gym is clean, organized and professional.
We also homeschool and coming to the homeschool class provides community, physical activity, socialization and discipline.
We have been members since they opened. Awesome group of people. 3 of our 4 kids attend. Great technical instruction and focus on growing people. Healthy challenge, great place for women, no mat smashing a-holes.
I've gone to 5-7 adult Gi classes in the past two months here. The blue+ belts have been super informative and patient with me. Solid experience so far.
TL;DR - This place is great. Sign up for the trial week. You won't regret it.
I have nothing but great things to say about Sparta! Everyone there has been so welcoming and encouraging to my daughter; she'll beg me to let her train there for 3 hours a day, 6 days a week!
That gym in Post Falls might look nice, and I'm sure they spent a fortune on it, but everyone at Sparta makes you feel like family, not like a number. One of the owners, Matt, called to check on my kid TWICE when she was out sick for a few days. Not only that, but they give you a week to see how you like it. When you sign up, it's way more affordable.
Professor Devin and the other coaches do a great job of designing the curriculum, breaking it down into steps, and tailoring it to work for each age group. My daughter has learned more than I ever though possible in the last 3 months and we are seeing focus and drive that we haven't seen in her ever before... not even in other sports.
Lastly, I have to say, Anthony, who is the head instructor for the kid's class has knowledge and talent far beyond his blue belt. I'm not sure if it just comes from being a great student himself, or his passion for jiu-jitsu, or the vast wrestling experience he brought to the mat, but he is a really incredible coach. I've watched many hours of his instruction at this point and his ability to communicate with the kids, his patience, and his energy impress me week after week.
Welcoming, encouraging, and tough. This is an educational environment with a challenging physical curriculum. Human chess at it's finest, you will be challenged, encouraged and educated.
We were seriously considering this as a new academy to train at. After personally witnessing some very disgusting behaviors from their instructors at a tournament yesterday with some kids matches, I can say without a doubt, our family will never train again at this academy under the currently leadership. Any martial arts should be focusing on being a positive roll model and building good quality character in their students. A persons true character is best revealed when people think theres nobody watching. I was watching, and Im appalled!
