Detroit Jiu-Jitsu Academy

47.5 mi

Professor Deon Thompson was a most gracious host allowing me to visit his gym and train while I was…read morevisiting family in Toledo. Everyone in the gym was nice, gym was clean and in great condition! Prof. Deon made an emphasis on not only training hard but safe! This a great gym to train Jiu Jitsu! 10/10 highly recommend!

Bear's Den Grappling Center

8.1 mi•Downriver

Love this place! I really appreciate the team and family atmosphere. My boys love it.read more

From the owner: Bear's Den Grappling Center is a veteran owned non-profit dedicated to producing men, women, and…read morechildren of character through wrestling, jiu-jitsu, sportsmanship, and hard work to be champions on and off of the mat.

See all

10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Detroit

5.0(6 reviews)

10.7 mi

Tracy engaged our teens with an inspiring talk on entrepreneurship and an exciting Jiu-Jitsu class…read more He was incredibly accommodating, responsive, and connected effortlessly with the group. Our teens absolutely loved the experience and thought Tracy was amazing! I highly recommend reaching out to him for any event--he's a fantastic speaker and instructor.

One of the cleanest training facilities in Michigan. The…read moreinstructor is incredibly knowledgeable and has a unique, systematic way of teaching his students. If you're interested in training No-Gi jiujitsu, with high level technique and welcoming people, look no further!

Welcome!

See all

Metro Jiu-Jitsu

1.8(5 reviews)

7.7 mi•Downriver

I was a metro parent for a year. The year ended yesterday. I have not been there in the last month…read morebecause the current sole owner, David Fox, has made it a hostile environment for me to bring my grandson back there. I want to let all of you know that these good reviews that you are seeing here are not for David Fox. I told him I was going to leave a google review and that I was going to tell every other parent that I know that left that gym to also leave a review. These good reviews are for who used to be joint partners with David Fox. For years the other partner ran all the operations of the gym and Were the face of the gym, were the ones on the mats training And teaching our kids. David Fox was never on the mat training our kids until he maneuvered some shady business dealing against them a couple months ago and moved them all out. At least fifty kids left . I had to wait until my one year paid in full membership was up for my grandson. Today I was supposed to sign a 2 year contract I paid it during a Black Friday special. It was to begin today. I requested a refund because I do not want to be committed to David Fox for 2 more years. He is not what I paid for and committed to when I paid it on Dec 3rd. He refused to refund me even though other parents have been refunded, that actually signed contracts. He started refunding everyone until there were too many that wanted to leave. He told me a bunch of parents have come in requesting refunds and he has denied them also. So a lot of people do not want to be there, but he is holding them hostage. I have submitted my filing with the Michigan Stare Attorney Office. Then if necessary, he will see me in court. To all of you, just make sure that you read that contract very, very carefully and dont be fooled by these reviews. They are not for David Fox

This is a phenomenal BJJ Academy, you can just feel the culture and family they are building in…read morethis place through Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I've met multiple people from all walks of life looking to build confidence, and discipline, lose weight, learn self-defense skills, and other sorts just like me. Definitely going to keep coming to train consistently!

Bullies? No our kids don't have a problem with bullying?

Metro Jiu-Jitsu is coming in November to Southgate Shopping Center, right next to Planet Fitness.

See all

We build strong kids. Pushups are a regular part of our warmup.

Plymouth Canton Grappling Academy

14.0 mi

I have always wanted to do jiu jitsu and this was the perfect place to see what it's all about! I…read moretook the intro class and I think it was free. They have a gym and a cold plunge with a sauna. The locker rooms are nice and good amenities. The instructors and the community is close knit! Overall had a great time

18.1 mi•Downtown Saint Clair Shores

See all

Fresh Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

4.8(4 reviews)

The Sensei's here are amazing and the classes are well organized. Definitely recommend for any age.read more

absolutely phenomenal school, I recommended for anyone at any age this place turned me into an…read moreabsolute believer Of many avenues. You need a teacher, A mentor. I am so fortunate to call this place home. 6 stars

See all

Downriver Jiu-Jitsu

4.5(8 reviews)

10.8 mi•Downriver

this place is not where u want to go. The instructor Brent doesnt greet any new students. He just…read morestared at me the whole time i was there. The other instructors are very stand offish and could care lesss if u are there. The white belt class doesnt start on time because Brent has a training class that seems to takes priority over ours. We had to wait 15 mins later to start and then got our time cut short for the higher belt classes that starts after us. This isnt the first time our class didnt start on time. The higher belts bring their kids with them. So now you have to deal with running, screaming, laughing kids while you are trying to learn the lesson. Its nothing but a babby sitting service! On the positive side... It is very clean and the building is very nice. I dont recomend this place at all.

Great place to learn self defense and sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Great team and family environment…read more Awesome gym to train, make new friends, and get in shape.

Kids BJJ Class

Chicago BJJ Open

See all

Krav Maga Wolfpack

40.8 mi

Jaime is a top notch practitioner and instructor. Not only is he amazing at what he does but you…read morecan tell he does a great job of imparting that knowledge on to his students. 10/10 would recommend training here!!

From the owner: Our business specializes in giving you the tools, techniques and mindset to be a safe as possible…read moreand prepare you i case the worst case scenario happens. Our classes are designed to teach you to defend against all types of attacks from basic chokes, bearhugs, mounted attacks, weapons defenses and more. Developing an awareness of the surroundings while dealing with the threat, look for escape routes or other attackers or objects/weapons to defend or help attack.

Kids Classes ages 7-13. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm

Krav Maga Wolfpack - Looking for an ass kicking new workout?
Come in, get in a great workout and learn some valuable skills all the while having fun. FREE

Looking for an ass kicking new workout? Come in, get in a great workout and learn some valuable skills all the while having fun. FREE

See all

Our Winter 2021 Class Schedule. We have added BJJ classes on Saturdays!

Close Quarters Combat Academy

5.0(2 reviews)

28.3 mi

Taqqee is a really good teacher. We're trusting him with our teenage daughter, and he's been really…read morenice and made her totally comfortable. She's loving it, and she will definitely be able to kick butt! Highly recommend if you want to learn how to fight.

I trained with Taqqee for a few months and I learnt more than I thought I would. Taqqee is a calm…read moreand patient teacher who brings a wealth of knowledge of various martial arts, combines them in interesting ways to teach you. Whether it is for self-defense, recreation, discipline or fulfilling a desire to learn martial arts, CQC Academy is the place to learn in Ann Arbor. You not only have a great teacher but a very nice bunch of members.

Double Swords

CQC students posing with training weapons

See all

Women's Self-Defense lesson.

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

19 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Dominick C.

140

6 years ago

If you want to learn BJJ...or if you would like your kids to learn self defense, give them confidence or just overall help them in todays crazy world...DJJ is FOR YOU!! My kids were bullied, overweight and I tired everything. This is not just a "come on lose weight!!" Danny and Anthony teach LIFE LESSONS. They mentor these kids to becoming respectful preteens..or teens. This is coming from a single dad parent and he's made my boys..into proud, respectful kids that you would be proud to take out in public. ALL i have to say.."ohhh You wont clean room..I'm telling coach Danny...guess what..room CLEANED...NO BS!!. Like i said not only BJJ..but life lessons. MY KIDS LOVE THE COACHS. Anthony is someone that will take a whole class and MAKE SURE you learn. And not a lot of pressure (well maybe if you dont understand after him showing you 10 times he might choke you out..lol..just kiddn) He will stay after and work with you...even Danny will take his OWN TIME AND MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR KIDS ARE DOING WELL...YOU CANNOT put a price on what these kids and myself are learning. Now as an adult, EVERYONE there treats you like family. No color, religions or egos STOP this small family. When I walk in there, its really like going into somewhere where you feel good. From all the other students to the coaches. Ya I could go to 3 schools that are closer..but I wouldn't trade this for the world. Only thing I wish they would have is a juice bar...lol. But really if you are looking for somewhere to train..a no ego..I'm gonna smash you because you are a white belt you wont find it here. If your looking for a place to start OR CONTINUE your training and want no BS this is the place. The higher belts even give you a hand. Its awesome. And if you are more advanced..THIS is the place to make the move. You feel like you just got everything out of your last gym..give this a try. They will PUSH you to be YOUR BEST. DJJ prides themselves on work ethic and reputation. Look at the record. DJJ literally destroys other schools. Its something you will look back on and glad you made the move!! read more

Simon K.

Elite 21

8 years ago

I've trained at several gyms in the area (and beyond) and Detroit JiuJitsu Academy is simply THE BEST. Why? The Adult & Kids JiuJitsu programs are led by a team of highly qualified instructors who are more interested in a student's progress than tuition payments. Welcoming/friendly training environment for everyone (active competitor or weekend warrior). No drama, no politics period. Just good vibes and tough training. Extremely active & successful competition team (if you don't want to compete that's ok too). Large and diverse group of students (age, background and skill level). World-class training facility with HUGE mat space (no excuse not to train takedowns here!) Convenient location with loads of parking (Entrance is at rear of building). Numerous classes throughout the week to fit every schedule. Competitive pricing - discounts for military, first responders, students and multiple children (a steal compared to other schools). No hidden fees (belt tests, promotions etc). Promotions are based on skills/progress - everyone's timeline may be different but rank achievements are EARNED. I drive over half an hour (each way) to attend classes at this school (passing several on the way); I am in my early 40s and while every day is challenging, I am confident that the skills I've learned at Detroit JiuJitsu will/can transfer anywhere. JiuJitsu is a practical- unlike other Martial Arts, progress is directly dependent on quality of instructors/training partners and time spent. It is not easy - but try and remember something of value that was? IMO, if you're going to dedicate the time/money to learning something, why not strive to be the best you can be? Whether you're experienced or brand new, Detroit JiuJitsu Academy is the best place to help you achieve your goals. read more

David F.

106

8 years ago

It's known as "THE" Detroit Jiu-Jitsu, because there is no other school like it. Danny's goal is simple: teach pure, unadulterated, effective Jiu-Jitsu and make it simple enough for all levels to understand. Danny and his team do this flawlessly! If you have no grappling experience....Detroit is for you. If you want to get in INCREDIBLE shape...Detroit is for you. If you want to be a world champion....Detroit is for you. If you have ever once considered training....get off your phone and get to Detroit Jiu-Jitsu. I promise you won't regret it. read more

Michael V.

8 years ago

Excellent place to train! They are a very competitive school and train very hard. The instruction is top notch, where else has so many black belts and champion fighters? I like their no BS approach to running the place. I highly recommend trying it out. They are very welcoming to new students or people who just want to try a free class. They don't force you to compete or charge you for belts. read more

January E.

8 years ago

Detroit Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a warm and friendly environment, they treat visitors like family. Their Jiu-Jitsu is by far the best around, it is truly on another level! Professor Dan is very generous in sharing his knowledge, and helped me tremendously in adding details to my own game. This is definitely the best place to train in Michigan! read more

Quintin L.

8 years ago

Ironically, a buddy of mines that trains at a different jiu jitsu school referred me here. His exact words were," they're the best in Michigan. If I stayed closer I'd train there". I've been training here 2 years now and I still periodically reach out to him and say thank you for referring me to DETROIT JIU JITSU. I can't thank him enough. read more

Manny Z.

242

8 years ago

I moved to Michigan from California and have trained in both states. I travel quite often and without a doubt Detroit Jiu-jitsu is the premier gym to train at. Whether you are looking to train competitively, looking to learn self defense and or looking to lose weight, than this is the place for you. read more

Meadow P.

4 years ago

This Jiu-jitsu academy is amaaazing, I've been going here for around 6 or 7 months, all of the coaches are very welcoming. If I ever had to pick between martial art teams, this place will always my number one. Overall this place is the one of the best places you can even search on yelp. read more

Dakota B.

8 years ago

An amazing jiu jitsu gym with the best coaches, a fun atmosphere, and top of the line competitors. I've been coming here now for just over a year and it's one of the best decisions I've made. If you're looking to jump into jiu jitsu, this is the gym for you. read more

Richard A.

8 years ago

The absolute best training for Jiu Jitsu. The instructors are thorough and push students to perfection. Also, I lost 40 pounds in 6 months from hard work and motivation from the team. Detroit Jiu Jitsu is not just a gym, it is a family. read more

Ali C.

8 years ago

This is by far the most legit gym around. The environment is extremely welcoming and the comradery is a reflection of the coaches and leaders at DJJ. This is a great JJ Academy for kids and adults! Come check these guys out! - Ali Kassim read more

Moe G.

8 years ago

Best place for Brazilian jiu jitsu in the midwest! Love training here! Its a positive training environment with an competitive edge! If you want to train bjj with best instructors and the best training partners this is the place to be! read more

Dave Y.

8 years ago

I'm a black belt in jiu jitsu and have trained at high level gyms internationally. Detroit jiu jitsu has the best facility and most high level training partners in Michigan by far. If you're in Detroit check it out. read more

Zi Y.

8 years ago

Best BJJ academy I've been to around the tri-state area. A must-go place if you practice jiu-jitsu and live/commute nearby. Competitive pace, great technique and instruction, as well as safe and friendly environment read more

Katie B.

8 years ago

Great place learn whether you're a beginner or a black belt. Everyone is friendly, patient and very respectful. I started here a little over a year ago and would definitely recommend it. You won't find a better gym. read more

Ben S.

8 years ago

This place fundementally changed my jiu-jitsu game. The instructors are very knowledgeable and approachable. I would recommend this gym to anyone who was looking to start training or step their game up. read more

David G.

8 years ago

The most decorated bjj school in Michigan. A great training atmosphere and facility with top notch talent! Want to train with the absolute BEST in Michigan? Train at Detroit Jiu-jitsu! read more

Daniel M.

8 years ago

Best training in Michigan. Crazy talented bodies in the room, instructors are incredible, owners are always willing to offer advice and assistance. 10/10. read more

David G.

586

8 years ago

This is one of the best schools to train at in the country! I highly recommend anyone who trains or wants to train to check it out!

Detroit Jiu-Jitsu Academy - selfdefenseclasses - Updated September 2026

People who viewed Detroit Jiu-Jitsu Academy also viewed

Extreme Isshinryu Karate

(3 reviews)

I have known Shihan Vince Toia for nearly 20 years. He is always a student, and always giving to…read morehis students. I would highly recommend anyone looking for good martial arts instruction in this area to check out Extreme Isshinryu Karate.

Great place! Great Instructors! Vince Toia is amazing with his students. He is inspirational and…read morea wealth of knowledge in the art of self defense!

Ultimate Martial Arts Academy

Master Thomas has a good team and environment for young people to learn and grow at Ultimate…read moreMartial Arts. They teach an important skills set, self defense, in the martial arts discipline. And these young people work at it too. No participation awards, you put in the work to get the results! But it's the mentorship quality that any good teacher should have that makes a class special... This martial arts class has it! From my observation Master Thomas created a community that should have a good legacy. UMA will push your child to be their best on the mat with focus and discipline, and those skills are transferable to their school and home.

Red Effect Infrared Fitness for Women

I started here in December 2019. I take several classes a week and it has absolutely changed my…read morehealth and well-being. I mostly take the Spin Class (Cycling) and the Hit Fire Class (High-intensity training / Kick boxing). I really like the motivation from the instructors to push myself. There are options to workout on your own as well. I'm over 50. While most members are far younger, if I can do it then you can too. The staff and instructors are very friendly and helpful. Newcomers are always welcome. No reason to be shy. If you put in the effort your body will thank you for it.

Pksa Karate Livonia

If you've ever been interested in karate, you should stop by. Karate is great not just for Kids…read more but also adults. I joined just about 3 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I've made. Kids and adults will learn self defense, discipline, respect. Develop confidence, strength and self esteem.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club of Michigan

I have starting bringing my 4 year old to study Jiu Jitsu here. This is the perfect place- perfect…read morebalance between having enough personal attention and the kids actually getting to learn and do moves themselves. Lots of other places have a 30 minute time, but this class is between 45-60 minutes, depending on how long it takes to finish the lesson- not when the time is up. I really like and appreciate that. The instructor, Steve, is awesome and very patient with the kids. And I love how he always relates the Jiu Jitsu lesson to the real world. Can't wait to continue our journey here.

True Body Fitness

(10 reviews)

True Body is nestled at the famous corner of Michigan & Trumbull in Corktown, right next to…read moreMcShane's bar (formerly Hoot's). Blink and you'll miss it - the sign is small and in the window front. It's not a huge place, and most of their space extends the long way back through the building, leaving the actual storefront you see on the street rather narrow and small. When you walk inside, you see the super cool, urban loft style to the studio - one large room with gleaming hardwood floor, exposed brick wall, and Detroit artwork hung about. They offer group classes and personal training sessions only, so this is not your standard "drop in and work out on your own" gym. The schedule has regular spin, zumba, pilates, and yoga classes, and personal training sessions can be scheduled by appointment. Classes are reasonably priced, you must schedule and reserve ahead (no drop ins) because the place is small and they don't want to overbook. But, the scheduling system is online, very simple, and allows you to add in or cancel nearly right up until the class start time. Every class I've gone to was a hit - energetic and helpful instructors and good music! The clientele tends to be lots of young professionals who live nearby in Corktown, Midtown, downtown, etc. and everyone is very friendly. All levels of fitness welcome. I only wish True Body would add a few more varieties of classes to their schedule (kickboxing, please!!!) and maybe some more Saturday day times, so I could go more often. Check the website for a $5 class deal for first timers, and also their month unlimited packages.

This place has it all. A nice little boutique gym with tabatta, strength training, and cardio. I…read morewanted to find a spin class and this one popped right up. Located in a rather sparse looking part of town, there's ample street parking. They offer a TRUE AND FREE WEEK OF CLASSES. You know the drill with these gyms, they offer you a free week pass but you have to go in person, get the spiel from one of their sales reps, fill out tons of crap, and get hounded with ads and phone calls for the rest of your life until you join - not so here. Go online and sign up with their class scheduler, and if you've ever taken any class at one of these boutique gyms then you're already familiar with the Mind Body Connect platform. Add the "one week free" item to your cart and sign up for classes. DONE. I walked in that same day for a 90min spin class. No calls or questions when I stopped going. Some might prefer more attention, which I get, but I was thrilled with their hands off approach. Totally friendly, worth checking out. For you spinners out there, they have a series of classes that work towards riding a full century. I'm definitely going to check that out when it comes around again.

Kuk Sool Won of Madison Heights

(2 reviews)

As a complete martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won is a game-changer, but THIS dojahng is a…read morelife-changer! My son and I have trained here for over eight years, and my daughter for over two. In that time, I have watched them grow and develop into healthy, respectful, compassionate and confident young people. Based solidly in the traditional martial arts of Korea and sanctioned by the World Kuk Sool Association (with over a million practitioners worldwide), there is simply NO comparison between this school and numerous other martial arts schools in Metro Detroit. Each student gets highly individualized attention and uncompromising quality of instruction in a positive, "family" environment. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Kuk Sool Won of Madison Heights is one of four certified schools in Michigan that teach Kuk Sool…read moreWon, which is a system comprised of all of the traditional Korean martial arts, founded by Grandmaster Suh In Hyuk (look him up). I've been a student here for six years now, under the instruction of Gehrik Mohr, PSBN (third degree black belt). Our sister school is located about an hour away in the Flint, MI area and run by Kenneth Wright, PKJN (5th degree black belt & master), who trains regularly with my instructor. Each of them have decades of experience and instruction in martial arts and have trained numbers of competition award winning students to improve overall health, longevity, defend themselves and attain confidence to lead in today's demanding world. I've had the opportunity to try out other martial arts and decided that Kuk Sool Won was the best fit for me. The school here is family friendly, and offers classes to people of all ages in a nurturing environment. If you're looking for value and a life changing experience, I encourage you to visit and try out a class.

Mejishi Martial Arts