The Sanctuary Brazilian JiuJitsu and Fitness

3355 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227, USA

(39 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Judo Self-Defense

Classes

Adults Classes All Levels Black Belt Instruction

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

https://www.thesanctuarybjjandfitness.com/

(720) 383-1617

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Reviews

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Michael Garrett H

Undoubtedly the best BJJ and CrossFit gym in the greater Lakewood area if not all of Colorado! Coach Charlie Minkin and her husband Coach Ben Lowry started this gym in 2012 and never looked back. They poured their heart and soul into their passion of Martial Arts and their hard work shows for it. They train mostly all age groups in BJJ and CrossFit! This gym treats you respect and ultimate level of professionalism. Willing to work with you and push you to levels you thought were unobtainable. Charlie Minkin has an extensive history in Martial Arts and training CrossFit. In 2004 Charlie was on the US Olympic team for Judo and shared the stage with Ronda Rousey! So if you are looking for tested leadership this is the spot. My wife has been going to CrossFit here for years and she has a blast! She loves her peers and loves her coaches. We are proud to call The Sanctuary home. Our daughter will be joining the BJJ side soon and we can’t wait!
Posted 1 year ago
Savage Gentlemen

Family ran business by a husband and wife black belt duo. Great vibes, instruction, and community. They treat everyone like family. You get lots of one on one attention and coaching. An instant recommend .
Posted 1 year ago
Shane Friese

My son and I started here in February and going to classes quickly became a highlight of our week. Ben and Charlee are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated to helping every student improve, whether you're a complete beginner or more experienced. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive. Everyone is friendly and encouraging. Highly recommend!
Posted 1 year ago
Jolene Curtis

My husband, myself and our children have been training CrossFit and BJJ at the sanctuary for a few years now. Ben and Charlie are not only amazing trainers but have become like family to us. The program for the children has boosted their confidence and strength immensely! I can personally say I have not been in this great of shape ever! If you are searching for extremely talented coaches who hold you accountable and a gym with a strong sense of family this is your place!
Posted 1 year ago
Michael Nestlehut

Great staff and coaches. Very organized and priced competitively. Highly recommended.

Instructors Pricing
Posted 1 year ago
Bin Hoang

Love this place to death, if I didn't have to leave CO I would train here for life.

Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Idania Gaucin

Training at The Sanctuary BJJ has been a great experience! Brazilian JiuJitsu is taught by Professor Ben Lowry and Judo is taught by Professor Charlee Minkin (2004 Olympic Athlete and the primary reason I decided to train at this academy!) Both professors are extremely knowledgeable, supportive and effective coaches. They are truly passionate about the development of their students and have created a culture that is unmatched! Great location, very clean, friendly and family vibes!!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Marissa Broyles

You will not find a better gym for yourself or your kids! Even though my boys could have started elsewhere before age 4, we waited until they turned 4 so they could train at The Sanctuary. The coaches at The Sanctuary are disciplined yet caring. We love them! I recently started working out at the gym, and I have found a great group of people who push me to do my best. Charlee and Ben are amazing, and we are lucky to be a part of this gym family!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Josh S

I've been doing BJJ for 15 years. I've trained at several academies throughout my journey and I can honestly say The Sanctuary is top notch. It is my home away from home. There is a reason why I've been with Ben & Charlee for 9 years and it was an absolute honor to receive my black belt from them.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Nara Monteiro

My husband and I joined the gym about eight months ago. We love being part of the Sanctuary! Ben and Charlee are excellent. The classes are well structured, and I feel like a coach always watches my moves and guides me. My husband enjoys competing, and the support everybody gives during tournaments is superb. We highly recommend The Sanctuary.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jenifer Tuangco

I have been training BJJ for ten years and have been on mats from coast to coast. The Sanctuary undoubtedly has one of the toughest mats I’ve ever been on. Their gym is an institution in the Southwest Lakewood area developing kids and adults with not only quality instruction, but a genuine investment in all of their students. My family and I have been apart of this gym for a long time and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to either start Jiu Jitsu for the first time, or to someone relocating.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Nicole Peschel

The Sanctuary: A Haven for BJJ Enthusiasts I’ve been training at the Sanctuary for the last five years; it exceeded all my expectations. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, making it a perfect place for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. The instructors, Ben Lowry and Charlee Minkin are top-notch, demonstrating not only technical expertise but also a remarkable ability to teach and inspire. They pay attention to each student's progress, ensuring everyone gets the guidance they need to improve. What sets this gym apart is the sense of community. Everyone is supportive and respectful, fostering a positive training environment. It's clear that this isn't just a gym - it's a family. The Sanctuary offers an exceptional training experience. Whether you're looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or compete at a high level, this gym has everything you need to achieve your goals. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in BJJ.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Mary Knox

I have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over a decade and the team at The Sanctuary is phenomenal. My son began training in their younger kids class when he turned 4 and has continued to be a student there for 3 years now. He has gained physical and mental skills and loves the structure, challenges and fun in every class. The coaches and owners are knowledgeable, patient, supportive and have developed an incredible gym and team. I highly recommend The Sanctuary to anyone considering joining or having their children train in a martial art.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Aleksandra Anderson

I have been training at the sanctuary for over a year now, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The coaches, Ben Lowry and Charlee Minkin are top tier and provide exceptional instruction. The gym culture is welcoming and competitive. If you want to compete or are only looking to improve your Jiu Jitsu, judo or conditioning this is the place for you.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Anthony Cox

I Have been training here for a few years now. One of the best decisions ive ever made. Ben and Charlee are top notch instructors in Jiu Jitsu and Judo. The sense of community in the gym is great! And there is no shortage of good competition. I also do Xfit here which has drastically improved my strength and agility. My daughter started training the day after she turned 4. It has improved her confidence and has even helped her regulate big emotions in preschool. This place is a second home to me and I cant encourage you enough to join.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Patrick Cooney

Very welcoming jiujitsu school for both beginners and experienced folk. Great judo instruction as well!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Kristen Carstensen

Personalized instruction that you will never find at a big box gym or McDojo. The instructors know each students’ abilities and path for growth. Whether you are there for fitness, jiu jitsu, or both, you will find a supportive community and top-level instruction.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Michelle Trujillo

Best gym in Lakewood and a fraction of the price of CrossFit with exactly the same workouts. I never really understood fitness until I joined this gym. Charlee is the best trainer and my body looks better at 50 then it did in my 20’s. The people that train here are the coolest group of people . I love my gym.

Instructors Facility Location Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Heidi McMacken

I've been training with Lucas and Charlie for 3 years now. Not only am I much stronger and fit than I have ever been in my life, but I am doing things I never thought I could. They really pay attention to individual needs and the community of the entire gym is so supportive, regardless of where you are on your fitness journey.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Chris DeNorch

Great place to train for kids and adults.

Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Eddie Mcrorie

TLDR: This is the best gym if you want accountability and results. After many years of working in an office and not being active, I decided that it was time to make a change and join a gym. I did the thing most people do and toured Vasa, Chuze, and 24 Hour Fitness. The facilities and amenities were great. However, once I got close to choosing a gym, I realized that without any accountability or guidance I wouldn't stick with this new fitness regimen, no matter how much I tried to convince myself or which app I downloaded. Fortunately, my wife was an existing member of The Sanctuary and convinced me to give the gym a try. I was reluctant because it was a group fitness class. I thought that it was going to be miserable, but much to my surprise I have found myself loving every workout and the community of members. The trainers Lucas and Charlee are incredible. They foster an environment that focuses on fitness, safety, and fun. They practice patience when teaching proper form and technique. If you can't do it, they modify the exercise so that you can participate. Lucas and Charlee are hands down the best trainers I have worked with. For those of you reading this review, I would encourage you to give it a try with a free introductory class. If you are feeling overwhelmed or intimidated at your current gym, or at the prospect of joining a gym. I highly recommend The Sanctuary.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Thu Le

I have been training at the Sanctuary BJJ and Fitness the past year and can honestly say this is prob the best martial arts gym westside of Denver. Ben Lowery runs the BJJ part and his wife, Charlee Minkin, teaches Olympic level Judo. A husband and wife combo makes this gym especially unique. They give some of the most thorough instruction alongside a relaxed adult atmosphere. We all support each other, crack jokes, but not at the expense of the training. There's even a crossfit gym that they run connected to the building, so there's every tool available to the competitor, the martial arts enthusiasts, or the individual seeking to exercise while learning a new skill. Join up! You won't regret it!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Mark

A great place to train if you want to get in shape, learn self defense, or compete. It’s a start from the feet BJJ school with great take down instruction. Thanks to Charlee being an instructor there are a lot of women who train here so new female students will always have other ladies to practice and roll with. My foundation was in MMA when I relocated here from the Springs I wanted a gym with a good atmosphere and tough training partners. I tried out three other schools all of them were great, but this one felt like home. My wife eventually joined the BJJ side after training on the fitness side for a year and she loves them both.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
L. J.

I chanced upon this gym five years ago, and it's changed my life for the better. Ben Lowry and Charlee Minkin, the owners, are superb instructors with a high level of knowledge and skill in both Brazilian jiujitsu and judo. Additionally, the folks that train here are not only great practitioners, but excellent training partners. Being female, I'm very sensitive to having folks I can trust when I'm in compromised fighting/defensive positions, and I have never had a problem with anybody at this gym. There is a kid's class, beginner and advanced adult classes, and cross-fit sessions offered. If you want to learn a functional martial art, get a great workout and meet new friends, I'd HIGHLY recommend this gym. Please stop by and check it out!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Santino Sandoval

My 6 year old son has attended for 1 year now and loves it. His confidence and level of mental discipline has boosted, which in turn has made him a better student at school and has excelled in his other sports... Can't wait for our 4yr old daughter to start next month!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Michael Gaffney

Hi Charlie, hi Ben, hey T

Instructors Facility Location Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Patrick Kuretich

This place came highly recommended from a good friend. I will pass on that recommendation. The BJJ instruction is great and so is the culture. Coming from someone starting at square one, they are helpful and make the experience fun and challenging. Great group of training partners here.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Thomas Verdugo

For the last month I have been calling around to check out new gyms in the city of Lakewood. Some were very sales pitchy and others weren't approachable. Not The Sanctuary though. The head instructor, Ben, answered the phone and was awesome taking the time to explain pricing, schedules and most importantly treating me like a respected equal. In this sport must gyms have the motto leave the ego at the door but most don't. The sheer nature of being able to assert your will on most other humans can sometimes create a huge ego. I didn't detect this from Ben at all. Choosing a new gym and your instructors can make or break you. I did a lot of research on the backgrounds of the head instructors in the area prior to calling and even before calling The Sanctuary it was on the to of my list. After the brief conversation my decision had been made. The Sanctuary will be my home away from home when I arrive in Colorado.

Instructors Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Faces by Sugar “Sugar” Natalie diNingrat

This gym has AMAZING family environment! Ben Lowry and Charlee Minkin teach beautiful technique!!! Very VERY technical gym!!!! if you ever have a chance to visit I highly recommend it! OSS!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
Lori Spencer

I've been training at The Sanctuary for about 9 months and have seen amazing results in that time. Professor Ben and Olympian Charlee Minkin are passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo and overall fitness; and it shows through the energy and enthusiasm they brings to every session. They are easy going, with a warm, spontaneous personality that make training fun. They makes each session challenging, creative and most importantly, exciting! They places a high value on correct form and technique. They motivate me to push past my perceived limits to get results. If you are serious about changing your life for the better, and in search of a lifelong commitment these two will lead you every step of the way. As for the facility, it is nothing like the big chains. It’s small in comparison but unlike those facilities, this gym offers a sense of family. You get to know the people you work out with and build a network of good friends.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
Karin S

I did not like the way the classes were set up. There’s no beginner, intermediate, advanced. It went by age group. So your child is in with others that have been doing it for years. This caused a lot of frustration and tears. I would not recommend for beginners.

Classes
Posted 1 year ago