V.O.W. BJJ

5555 N Lamar Blvd H115, Austin, TX 78751, USA

4.9 (63 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi MMA Muay Thai Self-Defense Striking

Classes

Adults Classes Black Belt Instruction Fundamentals Open Mat

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

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BJJ: V.O.W. Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas is home to a community of martial artists devoted to helping each other improve.

Reviews

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Chris Ward

"The chill atmosphere." "The vibe." "The community." "Everyone is so supportive of each other." "Great instruction." These are the kind of phrases you hear--usually almost the exact words--whenever people who have trained at VOW for a while discuss why they do. And they're the exact phrases that came to my mind when I first started training here almost 2 and a half years ago. (Well, the first four did--as a total newbie to Jiu-Jitsu, I didn't know enough to judge the quality of the instruction, but now I am able to really appreciate it.) I decided to try Jiu-Jitsu as a middle-aged guy with no prior martial arts experience, and the coaches and fellow students here instantly made me feel right at home. VOW was the first BJJ gym I tried, since it was among the ones closest to my house, and I needed to look no further. At first, I planned to just dip my toes in and train maybe once or twice a week. But Jiu-Jitsu itself and the vibe at VOW both just drew me in, and I found myself coming more and more, sometimes 4-5+ days/week as my schedule allows. One standout feature is the personalized attention each student gets from the coaches. Even in a jam-packed class, each coach takes care to give students individualized help as needed, and they will generously also give you individualized advice on areas of your game outside of class. Overall, I cannot recommend VOW highly enough!

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Posted 1 year ago
Justin Broughton

Clean and not cult-like, which can be a hard combo to find. Lots of newer students like myself but lots of black belts as well. The coaches are all friendly and super skilled. They also regularly roll with the students. I especially loved the wrestling classes with Matt and Andrew on Saturday, the defensive concepts class with Matt on Saturday, and the leg lock fundamentals with Randy. Now I sometimes try to wrestle instead of only pulling guard, get choked or submitted less, and grab other people’s legs instead of only getting my legs grabbed. Great gym and people

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Posted 1 year ago
Giovanni Gaito

Great gym! Culture is awesome, instruction is top notch. There are competitive rolls but I always feel safe! Definitely come check them out!

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Posted 1 year ago
Christina Woodworth

I like it enough that I’ve trained here for 3 years.

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Posted 1 year ago
Chris

My Jiu Jitsu has substantially improved since joining VOW a year ago. All the coaches are very approachable and the instruction has been top notch. There’s a wide range of skill levels but everyone is friendly and willing to pass on their knowledge, which creates a really positive training atmosphere. The pricing is also very reasonable compared to other places in town and the staff does a great job at keeping the gym/mats clean. VOW is just a great place to train, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grappler, come stop in for a class!

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Posted 1 year ago
Katie Emerson

I’ve been training at VOW since 2021 and I feel very lucky to have started at such a great gym. All of the coaches want you to be there and they support you with technique as well as mindset. As a girl, it can be difficult to find a safe gym, but I’ve definitely been spoiled by VOW. The men are very good at rolling with women and there is a huge female presence compared to other gyms. The people here have helped me improve my game, and more significantly have helped me build back my confidence through a really difficult time in my life.

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Posted 1 year ago
Jacob Ralph

VOW has a wonderful community and awesome coaches, outstanding gym and Ivan is a boss. Highly recommend!

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Posted 1 year ago
Michael Adkins

VOW is great. Over the last couple of months I've dropped in about half a dozen times catching classes with Ryan and Matt. Both run really great classes where I always come out feeling like my training time was very efficiently used. Everyone I've trained with there has been very cool, willing to share their knowledge, and all have been high quality training partners. While I have yet to experience all classes, I really like that they have a variety of focused class types like, takedowns, leg locks, fundamentals, etc. I feel like this will be a great vehicle for me in the future as I explore different aspects of the game. So far I've really resonated with the eco and defensive classes. Here the teaching style is such that they'll give you a position and some general guidance in terms goals. From there the students can explore, discuss, and discover what works and what doesn't. I haven't practiced jiujitsu for very long but I have discovered that Austin, in this moment, is a really special place. We have a shocking abundance of world class instruction and practitioners in this town. VOW is a uniquely approachable venue where you can get a taste of that magic and experience jiujitsu as the living, continuously evolving, martial art that it is.

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Posted 1 year ago
Tan

Room full of solid rolls and quality people. Grappling and striking classes available. A lot of good nogi classes and food space. Open mat is super sick here because of the variety of people who come through.

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Posted 1 year ago
Gabby V

A fave place to drop in when visiting Austin. Great people and vibes. Super clean space!

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Posted 1 year ago
Sattwik Roy

I can't say enough good things about VOW Jiu-Jitsu! As someone new to the sport, I was initially apprehensive, but the welcoming and friendly environment immediately put me at ease. The instructors are phenomenal—constantly researching and learning the latest techniques, which they eagerly pass on to us students. The gym fosters a chill and conducive learning atmosphere, making it beginner-friendly while also catering to more experienced practitioners. The sense of community here is strong; everyone, from coaches to fellow students, is supportive and encouraging. It's more than just a gym—it's a place where you can grow both physically and mentally. I've only been training for a few months, but I already feel stronger and more confident. The mental fortitude and life lessons I've learned through BJJ at VOW are invaluable. If you're in Austin and looking to start or continue your Jiu-Jitsu journey, I highly recommend VOW Jiu-Jitsu!

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Posted 2 years ago
Jeff F

I had the privilege of dropping in here for a class and cannot say enough great things. I was immediately greeted by Ivan who was very warm and welcoming. From then on I knew it would be a great experience. - Great coaching and atmosphere. Everybody was incredibly welcoming and friendly. - Awesome vibe - Fun classes I would whole hardheartedly recommend anybody to drop by and check them out.

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Posted 2 years ago
Artem G

Great school, awesome coaches, great jiujitsu community. Gym is spacious and clean. Highly recommend.

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Posted 2 years ago
Julie Nguyen

As someone who came into the world of BJJ with absolutely no experience/training/knowledge of martial arts - I feel incredibly and grateful that I lucked out with V.O.W. as my first gym and hope that I won't ever have to leave. I mainly had picked this gym to start for it's proximity to my home and the raving reviews about how laid-back, inclusive, and welcoming the community was here. This was exactly what I was looking for, being pretty intimidated and self-conscious of my amateur status. As someone who has a harder time than an average person grasping concepts (when it comes to any sort of sport) / doesn't feel super coordinated - I have been empowered and blown away by the progress I have made in my short time training here and can only imagine how much I'll improve with consistent practice over time. And that is no thanks to the passionate coaches/teachers here who really take the time to make sure and create an environment so that everyone feels good (no matter, shape, size, experience, etc.) and that all questions are answered. True to it's name, like any village or "wolf pack"...no one gets left behind. What started as pre-jittery anxiety and self-doubt before every class ... has just turned into hunger, dedication, and confidence and I look forward to coming now every single time for how on top of the world I feel afterwards. Everyone is so kind and willing to give up their own precious time to work with you and share their wealth of knowledge - it's made all the difference in the world to someone like me who can tend to give up easily for fear of "failure" or looking stupid. V.O.W. has redefined those things for me and their mantra could not say it better..."The obstacle is the way". Very greatful to everyone there and the practice that has changed my life already!

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Posted 2 years ago
Katie Rutten

Have been here twice for drop ins and both times were amazing! Great culture, very cool people and I really love that they do a women’s only open mat every month. Thanks for having me, V.O.W.! I’m moving back home but if I’m ever in Austin again, I’ll drop in!🤍

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Posted 2 years ago
Juan Gutiérrez

My jiujitsu gym since 2021. Ryan Villalobos is a great coach that fosters an amazing culture and gym.

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Posted 2 years ago
Vannak

Best jiu jitsu gym in Texas bar none. Ivan, Ryan, David and the rest of the crew are some of the most down to earth people I’ve ever met. Stop by if you’re interested at any level!

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Posted 2 years ago
Matt Lee

Did a drop in. Friendly and knowledgeable group. Andrew and Matt were great

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Posted 2 years ago
Americo Nepa

I dropped in while visiting Austin and I had a good time training. Everyone was friendly and there is a variety of skill levels.

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Posted 2 years ago
Christopher Hall

I trained here for several years. Outstanding gym. Kind, friendly people. Excellent technical coaching. Very welcoming to beginners. They've also recently added an MMA team and MMA classes, which are a blast. Great fun and safe environment - can't say enough good things about the gym and the coaches (Ryan, Jason, Jeremy, Ivan, and more). Also some great wrestling classes (my personal favorite!). Would strongly recommend this gym to anyone!

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Posted 2 years ago
Anthony Chen

Awesome gym. It is super laid back with very little formality. Some instructors focus on a traditional fundamental game and others focus on a more modern leg lock focused game. Ryan V. the owner constantly is researching and learning the latest techniques and passing them on. After the last class of the night there is open rolling so you can get a lot of extra rolls in. You can get light or hard rolls in. The best part for me is no warmups (except wed night). No shrimping, no jumping jacks, bear crawls etc. Just straight into technique. The vibe is laid back, if you are late, or want to sit out you arent going to get called out (except in fun). If you switch to another gym you wont be ostracized like at some gyms.

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Posted 3 years ago
Adrian Zeitner

Nice coach, nice people, nice open mat

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Posted 3 years ago
Jacob Chapa

VOW is one of most beginner-friendly jiu-jitsu gyms I know of. The environment is very much about fostering a chill environment conducive to learning. That said, the technique is very strong and modern and you won't be missing out on the latest and greatest in jiu-jitsu. I think the hallmark of VOW is that every coach teaches because they truly love teaching jiu-jitsu. They are not there to collect a paycheck. As a result, every time you step into a class you are getting to learn from someone who is truly passionate and if you've ever learned a skill from someone before you know that you can't put a price on that.

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Posted 3 years ago
David Sobin

Awesome gym, awesome owner and coach. Would recommend

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Posted 3 years ago
Phil Cardella

Great place to train with outstanding Jiu-Jitsu, solid people and the right energy for martial artists to grow / invest in themselves. Anyone in the area should drop in and enjoy the training / community that has been created!

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Posted 3 years ago
Matthew Brandal

Let me just say I trained multiple gyms in Texas since I've been here in the last 2 weeks. I came here from Mexico and this is by far the best place to train. Brian, Ivan and there while team just made the experience so solid there. Everybody was friendly, energy was amazing and I am new to this sport I've only been training for a couple months. I highly recommend you all go to this gym. _mexicomatt

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Posted 3 years ago
Carrie Beth Long

Wonderful BJJ gym! Great coaches and people. Definitely one of my favorite gyms I’ve trained at. Chill vibes and humble coaching. Ryan always has a great attitude and keeps it fun. They will take care of you here!

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Posted 4 years ago
Devansh

Amazing gym. Coaches and people are very nice, tons of variety in classes. A lot of people come in to cross train as well. Absolutely would recommend.

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Posted 4 years ago
Jeremy Landry

V.O.W. BJJ is a great training facility! They have a little bit of everything for everyone. It's got an all inclusive vibe and everyone I've trained with here is very friendly and welcoming. They even have dedicated women's sessions as well as a veterans session. If you're in the area and looking g for a place to train I highly recommend checking this place out!

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Posted 4 years ago
Ken Morton

Amazing place to learn instructors are great with great facilities

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Posted 4 years ago
Collin Johnston

Great place to train, tons of knowledge people willing to help you out Edit: After 6 months my opinion of this gym has only improved. Every instructor has their own style, but all extremely knowledgeable and totally focused on making members game better.

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Posted 5 years ago
Carol KD

From day one, I always feel welcomed here. Owner Ryan and his each of his crew are friendly, safe, positive, and expert leaders. Wow to VOW!

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Posted 5 years ago
Andrew Elefanio

Best gym I've ever joined. The instructors are patient and passionate about teaching BJJ. There are plenty of classes to jump into like No-Gi fundamentals, Flow Mobility, Boxing, and Leg Locks. My kids are also in the Kids Jiu-Jitsu class. Jiu-Jitsu is both mentally and physically challenging for children, and it's fun. The best thing about this gym is the culture. The students are very accommodating in helping each other. There's plenty of training partners. The gym is also very welcoming to visitors both locally and out-of-towners. V.O.W. BJJ's built a nice community.

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Posted 5 years ago
Jessica Henry

I came to visit from Cleveland OH and reached out to the gym owner Ryan Villalobos ahead of time. He was very kind and communicative and welcomed myself and my boyfriend in for a drop-in class. We came early and got to watch the kids class beforehand which was well-taught and an absolute joy to watch! Mylo and Chapa taught the kids class and were very knowledgeable and professional instructors. We joined for leglock fundamentals right into advanced nogi leg locks. Andrew and another instructor who I never caught the name of did an outstanding job of going over the basics and helping the class through the techniques. The owner Ryan taught advanced and did a great job of delivering several techniques in a succinct way. He also was very kind and professional and helpful with all students through the techniques. The gym culture was very kind and welcoming and I felt very safe and included at all times. There was also a solid number of women on the mats compared to what I am used to, there was 5 the day I went. 5/5 will be back next time we are in Austin TX! Thank you for having us Professor !

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Posted 5 years ago
Eliot Cotton

Trained with Ryan and his students last week. He's a great instructor and the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming. Would highly recommend to beginners as well as more advanced players.

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Posted 5 years ago
Krzysztof Piekarski

Excellence in teaching matters more than anything, and VOW has truly exceptional teachers. Ryan, the head teacher, sweeter than sugar itself, is not only a master of the craft, but he makes training a pure joy and delight. There's Alex and Andrew who want you to learn and share in their enthusiasm and won't beat you up most of the time. And there's even a little handsome fella who runs around knowing things and sweeping you silly. Just a purely delightful training space with cats from all walks of life. Do yourself the favor.

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Posted 5 years ago
Mission Mike (Michael Kilmartin)

Incredible academy!! I've trained at 100+ academies due to traveling for missionary work, and this academy stands out beyond words. I worked with Professor David, and I cannot speak highly enough of this academy. He has such a passion for teaching, and took the time to really break down the academy and meet me where I'm at in my journey. Teachers like him are very rare. And the talent level here is off the charts. It's an academy full of gentle beasts. I cannot recommend this place enough. It has everything: unbelievable teaching, humility, family vibes, and skill levels. Check it out and don't hesitate!

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Posted 5 years ago
Jack Shields

I feel very lucky that I chose VOW as my gym to start training in BJJ. The coaches are professional and knowledgable but classes are still easy going. The atmosphere is relaxed and very welcoming of newcomers. I’ve been going for about two years now and can’t imagine switching. There’s also plenty of high level players for more advanced grapplers looking for a new place to train.

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Posted 5 years ago
Lin Chang

Great vibe, instructors are professional, facility is clean, and everyone is very welcoming. Highly recommend!!!

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Posted 5 years ago
George Newman

Vow is a great place to train BJJ for any level. They have a very friendly atmosphere, clean mats, and great instructors. I couldn't recommend it more.

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Posted 5 years ago
Jimmy P

I was wrist locked multiple times by some short dude here. Highly recommend. 5 stars.

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Posted 5 years ago
Kevin Myirski

Drop by for open mat. Very friendly, no ego. Impressed by their guys!

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Posted 6 years ago
m v

The environment at VOW BJJ is so helpful to my new found practice of jui-jitsu. It’s non-intimidating and relaxed yet supportive for focus and practice. The teachers treat each person with respect and give their students clear instruction on how to safely roll. For a beginner, I am grateful to have found a place where I can effectively learn.

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Posted 7 years ago
Clay S

Great atmosphere and coaches. everyone is welcoming, encouraging, patient, and helpful. This is a great place whether your an experienced practitioner or a new student of BJJ with no martial arts experience (as I am).

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Posted 7 years ago
Rudy Rexx Canales III

Ryan Villalobos is a great training partner and coach. Great location for a school! Nice and clean. Great instruction. Family friendly.

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Posted 7 years ago
Bryn Stilson

Instruction is top notch. Ryan is extremely knowledgeable and welcoming. This is not my home gym (definitely a close second!), but I have always felt welcomed and encouraged regardless. You cannot go wrong at V.O.W.

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Posted 7 years ago
Ivan Rodriguez

I've been training with Ryan for 4 years. His understanding of jiu-jitsu is world class! The atmosphere at the gym is welcoming, clean and open. If you're looking to get in shape(I've lost 50lbs), learn jiu-jitsu or improve your game, look no further. Try it out!

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Posted 8 years ago
t r

Very clean and neat school. Ryan is a fantastic instructor and teacher. He is genuine, patient and respectful as well as extremely knowledgable about all things Jiu Jitsu! Location is central and convenient.

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Posted 8 years ago
A. G.

Ryan is the real deal! Humble, knowledgeable, perpetual student and teacher. I have trained with him for years, but his new gym is very clean and great mats. The atmosphere and the students are welcoming, so I don't have to worry about getting injured and not being able to go to work in the morning. I feel comfortable that my kids can train here when they are old enough.

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Posted 8 years ago
Norma Varela

Ryan is simply the best black belt in Austin. He is super knowledgeable, friendly and patient. His facility is very nice, clean, spacious and centrally located. You dont have to worry about parking there's plenty to go around! If you're seriously considering learning about jiujitsu theres no one else I'd recommend!

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Posted 8 years ago