Dear Yelp... I love this place. If you are a beginner or a long time veteran you will find great…read morerolls here with some good beats bumping. Amazing gym!

Was in town for a few weeks visiting from New York. I train at the main New York Renzo Gracie…read moreHeadquarters so was excited to visit this location and roll with some new folks. I was graced with amazing instructors Fred and Josh who taught great classes with strong focus on fundamentals and lots of takedowns. Loved the balance and pace of the classes. We focused on grip fighting, level changing, and movement just to start off the class. It then went into takedown practice, move of the day, drilling, and finally rolling. A lot of information packed into 1.5 hours of class. The community is great and everyone is here to learn and to sweat while helping each other improve. Would definitely come by again when I'm in town

I am very grateful I started my bjj journey at Praxis. Larry runs a very chill and productive gym…read more He was patient with all of my questions and offered lots of solutions. Whether you're just trying to get in shape, learn self defense, or become a competitive practitioner, I would recommend you try Praxis out.

As someone who values clarity, transparency, and fairness, this was not the studio for me. I had an…read moreunprofessional and weird experience trying to start my BJJ journey here at Praxis with the owner, Alex. I visited the website and filled out a short form to view the schedule, followed by a longer form to register for a class. Shortly after, I received a message from Alex asking a question that I had already answered on the form, which led to some immediate confusion. He mentioned a required screening, but before we could go through any actual questions, he asked if I wanted my class canceled. Without waiting for my response, he canceled it within two minutes. After further discussion, he mentioned that any hostility (I'm assuming this was me asking for clarification) would be met with a similar response to protect those in his studio who have been victims of violent assault. As someone who has experienced violent assault myself, I was surprised that the owner of a martial arts studio, who is used to working with people in this situation, would be so unwilling to answer questions from someone simply trying to understand what they're getting into. I'm curious about what hostility I presented and the owner was unable to let me know. I can't speak to the overall culture or community here, but this was a very odd and discouraging way to welcome someone new to BJJ. I'd recommend going to other studios with clear communication and warm welcomes.

I had planned a work trip up to Seattle and I usually try to find a school nearby to counter all…read morethe sodium heavy company meals and drinks that I expect on work trips. Midnight Jiu-Jitsu was nowhere near the offices I needed to visit nor my hotel. Honestly, what intrigued me was the non-profit model that Midnight had and they allow you a free week's trial, again a week is usually very generous by most school standards and usually for absolute newbs; it's sometimes a nice surprise not to pay for a drop-in or mat fee but you shouldn't expect it, it's a business, respect that. The evening of class, I tried to get there early, evening fighting through rush hour traffic. What I didn't count on was how f'ing difficult it was to find parking. I grabbed my gear bag and ran into class about 15 minutes late. I knew from their website that they gave permission to come late or leave early. As background, depending on the school coming late is anywhere from a minor faux pas to an egregious trespass. Despite knowing this, I was expecting to just sit out and just watch or knock out burpees or push ups. Instead, someone came over when there was a break in the class. I got briefed on what to do and was allowed to change in the back and join the class. Tom and Aaron were there but they just said to call them by their names, again depending on the school titles are a big thing. The class was fun, the rolls were challenging and I learned a couple things. Moreover, I stuck around until closing and got to just sit and chat with Aaron and apologize for my lateness which was totally brushed off as not a big deal. If I'm ever visiting again, I'm going to head back up there-it was enjoyable physically, mentally and socially.

This is the place to train in Seattle! Great people with lots of knowledge and a welcoming…read moreenvironment. Perfect place to learn and develop yourself!

Been training here for sometime now and I can say its definitely worth the money. 10/10 would…read morerecommend for beginners but as well as more advanced people. The trainers really know their crafts will drill their technique profusely, take coach Marios class if you stop by!

I went here for three years while I lived in Seattle and went to just about every class at some…read morepoint whenever my work or school schedule changed. Every instructor has been welcoming, highly competent, and teaches you something new. I was able to quit all my other physical activities and stay in pretty great shape just coming here, despite my terrible dietary habits. Even the virtual workouts the team put together during the worst months of the COVID shutdown kept me fit, and probably kept me sane as well. Gym culture is key in a martial arts gym and I can tell you that everyone here is helpful, friendly, and willing to challenge you in a way that is respectful and builds you up without ever being uncomfortable or risky. There can also be some variation depending on who you work with for partner drills, especially when the class is full, but having been both a total rookie and a veteran I can tell you there is always something to work on - technique, speed, power, adjusting for reach etc. The key is coming back, working with someone new, and continuing to improve. Instructors will make extra time for you when you are new. Be aware that this is a gym and there is definitely seasonality - early spring it can get full, early fall there tends to be a lot of new members, many of whom are new to Seattle (I assume recent grads). That said, the instructors do a good job adjusting the class depending on average skill level and space available.

Been training here for a few months. Great instructor, great class members, and convenient…read morelocation. If you are looking for place with high-level instruction (most classes are taught by a black-belt) and has a super positive and laid back atmosphere this is the place.

From the owner: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / Self-Defense for Everyone!read more

Been doing BJJ for about 4 year. Was in the area visiting close friends. I dropped in and did a no…read moreGi class. The other student were very welcoming and helpful. The professor was very knowledgeable and lead the class well. if I lived in the area, I would definitely go to this gym. By the way, I am 65 years old.

Had a chance to take a drop in class over the 4th of July and had a great time. The instructor,…read moreCody, was methodical and precise, the academy was clean, open, and airy, and the studio was welcoming. I live in Stockton, but suggest VG to any locals looking to study BJJ. Looking forward to returning in November for a few open mats over Tday.

I do not recommend this facility at all! some news has come to light. they talk about you and…read morecriticize you when you are not their. Now it's either $180 or more to join at this facility per month. This facility, should have no right to play favoritism and criticize you when paying this much money towards a gym and trying better yourself mentally and physically. Its your money and you should treated FAIRLY when promotions arise. This used to be the BEST SCHOOL in Seattle. But, this is no longer the case. Look Elsewhere! I don't recommend stepping foot in this GYM ever!, for the amount money you pay. Here another reason that you shouldn't attend. These rules for 180 a month during the covid19 bring in your own dummy. - Seriously come on! This is outrageous. Here is the link to check out the other stupid things this gym is making you do. https://www.jiujitsutimes.com/gacie-barra-rolls-out-covid-19-exit-strategy/amp/ Thanks!

If you want a place with 100% legit black belt professors this is as good as it gets. I've trained…read morein other gyms where there might be a brown belt teaching the class or maybe a black belt or two if you are lucky. It's not uncommon to see 5+ black belts some days at GB and ALL of them have gone out of their way to teach me things and be helpful even when it was my first few weeks as a white belt. The best part, is while they train serious BJJ competitors, training is very safe and no one is trying to hurt you like some other places I've trained. Whether you are interested in BJJ just as a safe way to get in shape doing something fun, looking to make friends and meet new people, or you are a serious athlete training for competition, Gracie Barra is awesome. They really care about you and even if it's just your first day ever and want to try out a free day, they make sure to set you up with everything you need, walk you through the programs and not make you feel like the "new person" in the gym. Thank you GB and I hope anyone reading this review comes in to check it out like I did! P.S. I don't have kids but the kids class is often before the adults class and they always come running off with smiles on their face so it might be something fun to check out if you have kids also.

I've been training at Identity Jiu Jitsu for a bit now and it's been a really solid experience. The…read moregym has two showers and is always clean which I appreciate a lot. I'm a blue belt and mostly train no-gi, and I've gotten a lot out of Tuan's CLA classes. They focus more on problem solving and live situations instead of just drilling moves, which has helped my game quite a bit. The community is also great. Everyone is friendly, respectful, and there to improve. Overall, definitely recommend checking it out. Especially the community open mat.

Loving this community, love this place…read more They have a great set of coaches, clean showers bathrooms and changing rooms. Plus the strength gym is a plus!

Professor Joao is the best in the business. I moved from California and I loved my gym and my…read moreprofessor there. I didn't think I could find a better one. I did. If you are looking for a true master of his craft, a born teacher, and an inspirational jiu jitsu expert that cares as much about his student's progress as he does about their health and safety, you have found the best in the business. This dude is the real deal.

Bonnie and Joao are welcoming, enthusiastic, patient and caring. As are the other students…read moreyou'll meet. Expert instruction with an eye to helping you with your personal needs in both Jiu Jitsu and Yoga, no matter your condition, experience or age. There's also a strong sense of family here. Not just encouraging entire family units to participate and be involved but that individuals become part of the community too. In my time as a student, I've found that my only road blocks are the ones I keep placing in front of myself.

If you are a beginner to aikido or a longtime practitioner in the art, Seattle Aikikai is a safe,…read morefun and technical place to learn. As a young aikidoka, I deepened my ukemi, became more detail oriented and overall strengthened my practice here. When I finish an hour or two of training at Seattle Aikikai I feel joy. Pure and simple. Joy and relaxation. The instruction has a long complex lineage with roots to Japan and are accepting of members from different styles (me). Have fun and here's to some juicy training!

after i closed my dojo due to covid in 2020, i took a short break from aikido (i've been training…read moresince 1995). i resumed training with seattle aikikai in 2021 after an invitation from malory, and have been warmly welcomed into the community since. aikido practitioners have a joke: "how many aikidoka do you need to change a lightbulb? three. one to change the lightbulb, and two to say 'that is not how we do it in my dojo'." that is not the case at this dojo. while we are affiliated with hombu dojo, all aikido styles are welcome, and i appreciate being able to train with people of different ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. full disclosure: i am now a full dues paying member of the dojo, am one of the instructors, and am honored to teach classes here. we are a non-profit corp, and i have received no financial gain from making this review. i hope to see you on the mat!