Dropped in while on vacation, everyone was extremely welcoming. Great instruction and got some good rolls in at the end of class. Highly recommend stopping in here if you’re visiting the area. if you live in the area it would be a great gym to be a part of.
HUGE facility, great rolls, and great instruction? What more could you ask for?
Significant attention paid to newcomers here as well; both Jay and the members make sure people feel welcome. If you’re looking for a place to get started, you found it!
I dropped in unannounced while in town for a course (I wasn't sure if I'd get in early enough), and was greeted by a very affectionate rescue puppy. Jay was teaching the advanced no-gi class but came over during a break to introduce himself and invite me to stay for the gi class, even lending me a jacket. I trained with a relatively new girl in a class of about 8. The facility is big and looks well established. There were 3 puppies on site, something to keep in mind if you have opinions about dogs. The vibe was friendly and focused; the moves were a bit more vicious than what I've typically learned, but that's why we cross-train. :) Jay cheerfully answered all my silly questions (I'm a 41-yo new blue belt, about 2.5 years in) and happily nerded out on finishing mechanics till he had to run for an errand after class. He invited me back but I unfortunately wasn't able to return during my time in town. I've already recommended him to a few friends in town who are looking to get into BJJ!
The instructors are great and there is a big focus on being both good at the sport AND being practical for self defense. The culture here is incredible, everyone here is so helpful and supportive as I’ve progressed. Even in live classes people are always taking the time to help guide their classmates/lower belts, and it’s great to be able to train without ego and just enjoy it.
I have been training at The Academy for a few years now and will continue to as long as I can. The instructors are wicked knowledgeable and the people are super nice, despite all their attempts to smash you while rolling. I would definitely recommend this place if you are looking to learn how to fight, meet cool people and gain confidence.
The atmosphere is incredible. Everyone is very friendly and ready to work hard! My wife and I have only done one "On-Ramp" class and I felt well instructed. Using my body and mind to do new motions felt great.
Edit: We're still both going 3-5 times a week a year and a half later. Life Changing!
Edit: Almost three years into it. Some of the best folks I've ever met.
InstructorsFacilityClassesAtmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
KC Gemini
Great respectable dojo! Healthy & safe martial arts community; highly skilled and capable trainers. Dog friendly! Has gym equipment and shower.
I was in Portland for a week visiting family and friends. I stopped in to the Academy to see if I could drop in to a class or get in on open mat.
Coach Jay generously allowed me to train for free the whole week.
I went to 4 classes. GI and no GI.
Great people, big beautiful and clean gym and top tier Jiu Jitsu. I’ll be sending him a rash guard when I get home as a thank you.
One of the better places I have dropped in to.
For reference, I am a 50 year old purple belt who has been training for 13 years.
Dropped in for a class while in town for work and had a great experience.
Jay runs a professional and welcoming gym for all levels.
I will definitely drop by when I’m in town again.
Such a great place. I'm visiting Portland for a couple of weeks, and wanted somewhere to train a few times while I was here. Jay, the owner and coach is a really welcoming and knowledgeable guy. A true OG of BJJ. The brand of BJJ they practice here is really fun and useful and seems to be focused on how to apply BJJ in the streets as well as a sport. I learnt so much from my session there. I rolled with a few people and got absolutely smashed, but in the nicest way. One person I rolled with described it as a 'smooth prison roll'. Great group of people and definitely recommend. Looking forward to going back and getting smashed again.
Dropped in on a gi class on Monda . Awesome gym. Jay is an extraordinary teacher and was very welcoming. If anyone is in the area, this is definitely a great school to go to. I know I will be back next time I am in Portlan .
This place is top notch. I live on a really odd schedule and I’ve been trying to get into bjj for years now. Even though it was difficult Jay made it work, and I’m hooked. The Academy has online material for those who cannot visit as often as they’d like to, so good training is very accessible. Jay is real life, teaches real life seven days a week and will put you in your place when you need it. Would recommend to anyone looking to better themselves and face their fears.
Wonderful training with really high level people (mens and women)! I strongly recommand for each bjj traveler like me who desire to roll hard and and happily in Portland !!! Thanks to Jay for accepting me ! Osss
Completely blown away by the quality of training, instructors and students in this place, highly recommend after training at many different schools across the nation!
The academy is where I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA training. I’ve since moved across the country, but never forgot the lessons I learned plus I made lifelong friends and mentors. This place will change your life for the better!
