941 Ellery St, Esquimalt, BC V9A 4R3, Canada
Authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a safe environment. Martial arts for kids and adults! Voted the BEST in the city for martial arts 5 years in a running!
The facility is absolutely incredible — spotless showers, a relaxing sauna, spacious change rooms, and a huge training area that looks amazing. There are tons of class options for all levels, and the atmosphere is super welcoming. The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable, and the community here is full of great people who make every session enjoyable and motivating. Joe, who you’ll likely meet at the front, is hands-down the best — friendly, helpful, and always makes you feel at home. I’m so grateful this place exists. It completely exceeds expectations and sets the bar incredibly high for every other Jiu Jitsu academy out there.
Posted 3 months ago
Whether you are a competing athlete or a complete beginner, this is THE place to train jiujitsu. One of the most stand out things about Van Isle is the attention put into creating SUCH an aesthetic gym space. I’ve trained at many gyms around the world and never have I trained in such a clean and beautiful space. The facility is second to none. 2 large mat spaces, 2 weight lifting areas, big change rooms, many showers and a generous sized sauna. I’ve never been to a facility quite like this one. The coaches and staff at Van Isle are fantastic. Their curriculum well structured and relevant. They have classes at all times of the day and as a bonus they have coaches for practicing your wrestling and judo skills. The staff is always happy to lend a hand, show you around or give extra time to help you understand techniques. The other athletes and students make Van Isle a very welcoming community. I was welcomed quickly to their community and I’m happy just to show up there and get to see everyone! I could rave on about Van Isle. I’m very happy to call this gym my new home. 💜💪📈
Posted 5 months ago
Of the half dozen or so gyms I’ve trained at over many years, Van Isle BJJ is by far the best facility - clean, spacious, and a great schedule that would accommodate any lifestyle-limiting excuse to not train. Morning, noon and tons of night classes, with a great seating area and arcade for kids (not to mention room multiple bathrooms, two weight training areas, showers and a sauna!) But beyond the physical and logistical perks, both Jean Marc and Matt, as well as the other high level coaches, go above and beyond to ensure you not only get a great training experience, but also individual attention and instruction. As an example, I asked for a quick review of a technique done in class, and ended up with essentially a 30 minute private lesson on it. Although I have since moved off the island, I look forward to being able to drop in to train again.
Posted 3 months ago
Vanisle Jujitsu Academy has been a great experience for me starting out my Jujitsu journey. The coaches are patient and very knowledgeable. They're encouraging and theres attention to detail in your training which helps with progression. Coming from boxing and focusing on striking for a number of years was hard at first but the coaches really broke things down and helped me transition to something that was completely new to me. Im thankful for their patience, their knowledge, and im looking forward to the progression of learning Jujitsu to add it to my arsenal.
Posted 4 months ago
I’ve been going to this dojo since July 2025. It’s an excellent facility. Well run and super clean. They have modern showers, ample change rooms and even a sauna. Instructors are top notch and take their time and care with new students. I do the gi classes but there are no gi as well. I’ve been to morning classes, lunch classes, evening classes and some on the weekend. The variety of classes works well with my changing work schedule. Higher belts are generous with their knowledge and teaching you things they know. Highly recommend if you are looking to start jujitsu of if you are already a Practioner.
Posted 4 months ago
