Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy

35744 Ford Rd, Westland, MI 48185, USA

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(106 reviews)

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Are you interested in learning Jiu-Jitsu? If so, look no further. A Caio Terra Affiliate, Westside Jiu-Jitsu Academy is in Westland, MI.

https://westsidejja.com/

(734) 895-3979

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Reviews

  • Samir Aldallal
    Samir Aldallal

    I have two kids training at Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy for about a year now, and it’s been an amazing experience. The coaches are professional, patient, and truly care about every student. I’ve noticed a big improvement in my kids’ confidence, discipline, and fitness. The atmosphere is positive and family-friendly, and everyone treats the parents and kids with great respect. I highly recommend this academy to any family looking for a great place to learn Jiu Jitsu and build strong character. 💪👏

    Posted 4 months ago
  • Danni Danielle
    Danni Danielle

    After cross training with Coach Tabatha Watkins during an all girls meetup my very first month of training in 2022, I instantly fell in love with her coaching style and her skill set in general. I was thoroughly impressed at how she could handle girls much larger than herself with little physical effort relying simply on technique and strategy. From that point I had been eyeballing this school in which she trains/teaches/manages alongside her husband/owner of Westside Jiujitsu [ Ken Short. During the last couple of months of 2024, I had been struggling to find the motivation and excitement to continue with my jiujitsu journey. I had been training for a little over two years already and I felt something was missing. My strong passion to compete had left and ultimately my willingness to come to class consistently soon followed. A much as I didn’t want to admit it then, I had hit a stale point in my training. Not to mention both of my daughters, who started training with me, didn’t want to continue with their journeys anymore. I knew then something had to change otherwise I would just be another statistic that stopped training at White Belt. In Jan of 2025, I hit some very pivotal moments in my life. One being my finally decision to switch schools in hopes to reignite my, as well as my daughters, interest in continuing our BJJ journeys. I figured a change of environment may do the trick…and I was right 100%! Not only did it spark me to want to compete again, BOTH of my daughters decided to train again. Four months later, of consistent hard work and dedication, I won my first ever IBJJF Gold Medal as a 40+ year old female White Belt. I am extremely grateful for both of my coaches Tabatha and Ken Short for taking me in with warm welcoming arms. Taking the time to learn/fine tune what I already knew, as well help close some of the holes in my BJJ basics, that ultimately resulted in me winning my first IBJJF gold medal. Key points that led to me making my final decision to become a permanent member of the Westside Jiujitsu Family: - The school has an amazing structured teaching style that I find makes it easier for lower ranking student to pick up/retain the lessons being taught. - Everyone is super friendly and welcoming. People of all walks of life train together with no judgement of any kind or for any reason. Family feel. - The gym is open 7 days a week with classes in the morning, afternoon and evening to accommodate everyone’s work/school schedule. I now find myself training more frequently than I did before because of this. - Jiujitsu is not the only martial art/self defense skill being taught there. They also teach Judo, which you can also rank up in. As well as Westling, MMA, Kick Boxing and so much more. - They have a fantastic youth and teens program, led by Tabatha herself, along with the help of many skilled students (Lily and Trisha are a couple of my favorites 💗💗) - They provide a Women’s Only Class for the ladies that prefer to roll with women only. - Super clean/disciplined training facility that accommodates the comfortability of both men and women. There are separate changing rooms and bathrooms located on opposite sides of the gym. I can go on and on for days but I am only allowed a limited amount of characters to type. I HIGHLY recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn jiujitsu. Especially for those who want to compete. Both Coaches Tabatha and Ken are active competitors themselves, who lead by example, and can prepare you with everything you need in order to succeed.

    Posted 10 months ago
  • Abdullah Alsuliman
    Abdullah Alsuliman

    Westside Jiu-Jitsu is a great place to learn. The environment is nice. The staff is very friendly. The instructors are the best in their field. They love their work and strive to help the team. I just started training in this beautiful place and now I really feel like I am part of this family.thank you westside jiu-jitsu

    Posted 5 months ago
  • David Fox
    David Fox

    Coach Ken is the man! We would routinely train together coming up and now I see him and his team doing amazing things! This gym is amazing for beginners and super friendly and welcoming! 10/10

    Posted 5 months ago
  • Austin Askew
    Austin Askew

    Westside has Amazing Coaches and staff dedicated to help you have growth in not just BJJ but as an overall person in general. At first I was a tiny bit anxious going in there for the first time but I quickly realized everyone in there was willing to lend a helping hand and made me feel welcome. I would definitely recommend WestsideBJJ to anyone looking to start BJJ or looking for a new gym. It’s definitely worth it!

    Posted 10 months ago