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Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Lotus Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
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I took a drop in class before flying out at the local airport. such a cool gym, a lot of upper belts and the instructor was awesome. I can't wait to get back to my home gym and use some new techniques.
As a female I feel that it's important to know self defense. After doing some research I felt that Brazilian jiu jitsu was the right fit for me. I checked out the other BJJ schools here in southern Oregon and saw they handed out belts like candy, which did not seem legit to me. They felt like McDojos.
I came across the Lotus Academy website and learned the instructor, Pistol Pete, has been practicing jiu jitsu for well over 3 decades. That sold me because I wanted to learn from the best. I'm grateful I gave Lotus Academy a shot. Pete, Peyton, and Josh are all excellent teachers. I love the energy here.
I highly recommend!
I trained here when I was a kid and now train here as an adult. The caliber of jiujitsu taught here is excellent, with a lot of time dedicated to sparring in order to give you the opportunity to actually test your skills and learn what works. It is also a very welcome environment, where everyone works to better each other which makes every session a positive experience and welcoming for newcomers and veterans alike
I started training at Lotus Academy in 2017 and can safely say it was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Pete is truly an exceptional coach and it's amazing that we have someone with his credentials/experience in the valley. He's cultivated an incredible learning environment where you get constant hands-on instruction. Whether you want to learn a new hobby, get into shape, sharpen your existing BJJ skills, or become a world champion you can't go wrong with Lotus academy!
Lotus Academy is where I started Jiu Jitsu eleven years ago, and I’m still training there today.
Over time I’ve trained in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, Palm Spings, Johannesburg SA, and even started a training program in Lesotho. Literally I’ve seen a world of Jiu Jitsu.
Every school offers its unique perspectives, and what Lotus Academy offers is the knowledge Pete brings to his students. Pete is an exceptional teacher capable of teaching anyone—tailored to each persons capability and capacity to learn. More importantly, Pete has the heart of a champion. It’s probably why he had more student wins at major IBJJF tournaments (Worlds and Pam Ams) than any other school in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve personally won gold medals at every belt (except black belt) in every major tournament. Without Pete’s perspective and teaching that would not have happened.
Pete has an “old school” mentality. In a world where even Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is becoming a watered-down version of what it was, Lotus Academy retains a self-defense focus. That has saved my life, and continues to serve me well. While I still train at another local gym in Grants Pass, Lotus will always be my home base.
If you are wanting to start Jiu Jitsu you will be well served at Lotus Academy. It’s a world class place hidden away in little Medford, OR.
February 2023, I hit rock bottom with depression. 38 years old and no real direction in life. I decided I HAVE to try Jiu Jitsu.
I sought out the best. I found Pete Loncarvich and Lotus and along with it, an amazing group of people.
I'm now 40 and feel physically and mentally healthier than ever. I feel more confident and self assured. I have even signed up my 10 year old son.
I'm an awkward guy, I know I am. I'm not inherently atheletic. But that does not matter here. If you're serious about learning Jiu Jitsu, come on. Bring it. You're welcome here. It's fun!
It's more than just a business or school.
I love Lotus and these people are my friends.
Training at Lotus Academy with Pete, the World Champion Black Belt, has been a total game-changer. I started in February, and in just six months, I've seen improvements in my life like no other.
Physically, I've discovered things about my body I never thought I could do. The transformation my physique went through has made me more confident than ever, my energy shooting up like drinking a perfect cup of coffee, and my overall health has ultimately made me feel better 24/7.
Mentally, my mind has cleared up from brain fog, which makes me way more on top of literally everything. This fuels me with enthusiasm and determination that has spilled over into my relationships, job, and personal goals. Seriously, my business is now close to hitting 7-figures!
The great thing about Jiu-Jitsu is that it isn’t just about being a complete badass and learning how to beat people up; it's a lifestyle that gives you a purpose to strive for, benefits you and the people around you, and improves every aspect of your life.
The community at Lotus Academy is what makes it unique and really the best place to learn Jiu-Jitsu. This isn't just a school to train; Pete and all the students make you feel at home. It's like having brothers and sisters who've got your back. Even when you fall, they pick you right back up so you can conquer life.
When I say Pete is the real deal, I really mean it. He's not doing this for the money—he genuinely cares about you, sharing his knowledge and power so you can be the best version of yourself regardless of your goals.
And if you want to compete, they'll train you hard and prepare you for any challenge life throws so you can earn your very own black belt. And who knows, you might become the next world champion.
Pete is the man, the myth, the legend of Jiu-Jitsu. If you're not training at Lotus Academy, whether you wanna compete, learn to fight, or improve your life, you're seriously missing out.
This place has changed my life, and it can change yours too!
This academy is awesome 😎. I have rolled in many academies in numerous countries and the instructor here is amazingly good. Also, the students here really care about each other. Looking to improve your game? This is the place!
Pistol Pete is the real deal. Unlike many other gyms in Southern Oregon, he can provide you his lineage in Jiu Jitsu. Unfortunately there are a lot of McDojo’s popping up in the area. If you want to learn from a real black belt, this is the gym to go to.
Great place to train!! Pete is a 6th degree Black Belt. His style, instruction and ability to teach has made many world champions. If you want to get tough rolls in, great technique, and advice on how to better your game, this is the place to go!!
I was in town for business a friend recommended lotus.
Very nice and welcoming gym. High level as well. I have been training Bjj for 3 years and love to check out new places when traveling. This gym is a great one also very clean.
I highly recommend lotus and definitely will go back next time I am in southern oregon.
Hagai.
This is first rate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy. Professor Paul is an excellent instructor who has a gift for sharing the virtues of this martial art form with students of all ages.
I've been training with professor Pete loncarvich for the last 9 months his attention to detail with all his students is highly commendable and his ability to bring a group of people from all walks of life together as single family like unit is unprecedented in my opinion.
If your looking for a gym with a friendly environment that makes it easy to learn and have fun while doing it.... well there is none better in the valley.
If your a seasoned competitor looking for a body and mind provoking game of physical chess with some talented athletes then you have also found the spot!
I encourage all to stop in and have a bit of fun!
Dropped in to train while visiting Medford from out of town. This place is awesome!! Everyone was super friendly and went out of their way to make me feel welcome. The instructor was super cool and if I didn’t live in California, I’d love to train full time here!
I’ve only been training for a few months, so gyms can be confusing and cliquey. This wasn’t like that at all. If you’re new and thinking about trying it, or need some really solid instruction- this is your go to spot!!
If you like Brazilian Jiu-jitsu go to this gym. The people are friendly, knowledgeable and tough as nails
Will definitely be going back asap to learn more of what they offer
Best jiu jitsu in the valley!
Professor pete is easy to learn from and has a deep understanding of technique.
The athletes here are the friendliest group of killers you’ll ever meet!
I Started out at lotus academy brand new to grappling, within 3 months I started competing regularly and winning gold medals. Within 8 months of pete helping me sharpen my skills I earned a blue belt. Trained here for about 2 years total then I had to move away. One things for sure, I’ll definitely be back!
I guarantee you won’t find anything quite like what pete offers anywhere else.
Stopped by for a drop in class and felt right at home great atmosphere Professor Pete is great guy with a lot of positive energy and high level knowledge that's spells over to the rest of his students I would highly recommend this school for anyone looking to train at any level, some good people at the Lotus Academy in Medford
Excellent Jitz academy. Professor is extremely knowledgeable and patient. Students from white to black belt are fun to roll with and eager to help each other improve their game.
I gave this school a shot with their intro class. The instructor was knowledgeable and felt like I could ask questions. It just wasn't the kind of instruction I was looking for to advance my skills, which isn't their fault since there was clear communication about the kind of instruction that is given. But it seemed like quality instruction I would consider in the future.
I've trained at a Wing Chun school and a Krav Maga school in El paso, TX. I visited a few schools in Medford and this one is my favorite of all. Instructors are the real deal, yet so humble. I feel learning the art is the focus, not being macho or losing weight lol
I first visited the lotus club after having been burned by an experience at another Medford Jiujitsu place. That other place was a very hostile and unwelcoming environment and I would recommend against going there. Their introductory period revolved around hitting me in the neck repeatedly to demonstrate its "standing blackout potential".
The lotus club however is the real deal. I'd previously trained for a little while in BJJ at my college and this program taught more techniques and gave us much more time to practice and roll, sparring for those new to BJJ. You can verify that the instructor was certified as a black belt by the people he lists on his website.
On my first day that I was there I had the chance to work with David and despite how much higher is skill level is he didn't use that against me. What I mean by that is he didn't try to just submit me the instant we started to roll but instead only worked on maintaining his position as I tried to build mine. Even though he was bigger and stronger than I was he didn't try and use that to his advantage he only worked on his position and I struggled to try and get into position. At the end of that session he told me I did a good job of trying to protect my neck and arms and was overall very encouraging.
That just seems to be the type of environment of the lotus club. You can grapple with people who are much better than you but then tend to encourage and even give tips as you go. The nicest part is that there are adult classes every week day so you can pick which days will be the best fit for your schedule and then pick a plan based around that. While the school does seem to be more focused on the competitive circuit of BJJ, the owner, Pete, is more than happy to work with you on your self defense techniques when you ask about them. I asked him about those techniques after I was at a party where fights were breaking out and we spent roughly an hour on defending against punches that Saturday.
My friend who I invited to come out also had a good time. They worked with him a bit differently since he'd never done any grappling before. Instead of showing him a technique and then moving to grappling they worked with him on how to defend against being choked while standing and basics of falling to avoid injury. They didn't require that he roll with anyone since he was completely new and that's a good thing since it would be easy for someone more experienced to just shut down and frustrate someone who has never grappled before. He told me afterwards that it had been different than he had expected but that it was enjoyable his only problem was that he didn't have enough allowance to start attending regularly.
I had a good time training there this past summer and really managed to improve in the short time I was there. I went from losing every sparring session with the regulars to not losing any the last day I was there. When I am back in town for a longer period of time I will make sure to come back and continue training. That's the best recommendation I can give. My only hope is that this time I'll be able to come by more often.
Instructor was rude and impatient not even getting up to introduce himself. I came from out of town not knowing details of how the Gym was run. The instructor talked condescendingly towards me about “open gym” only being for members. Guess not very open, especially if you charge $20 for a walk in.