Great environment and wonderful coaches who care. I'm grateful for the time I spent at Journey. If you're like me BJJ or any contact sport may come across intimidating at first but the coaches and fol…
Our Academy's Track Record
We believe results should speak for themselves. Here's what we've been doing since we opened our doors.
181+
5-Star Reviews
1,245+
Students Trained
75%
Still Training After 6 mos
193+
Advanced to Higher Belts
9,178+
Classes Taught
6+
Years Serving Madison Area
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Madison
Adult BJJ Classes
Join Madison's highest-rated BJJ academy with 6+ years serving the community. Whether you prefer gi or no-gi classes, we've got what you need.
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Learn the proven grappling system used by MMA champions right here in Madison, WI! Master Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and you'll develop unshakeable confidence, get in the best shape of your life, and learn real self-defense skills - even if you're starting from zero.
No Gi Jiu Jitsu
No uniform, no problem! Our Madison no-gi jiu-jitsu classes teach you the same elite grappling and submission systems used by UFC fighters. Perfect for self-defense and MMA preparation, you'll learn to control and submit opponents without the traditional gi uniform.
Combatives Self Defense
Don't waste time with martial arts that skip ground fighting! At Journey BJJ Madison, learn reality-based escapes and grappling techniques that other self-defense systems only imitate. Walk confidently through Madison knowing you can protect yourself and your family with proven techniques.
For Kids 6 years old and up
Kids Classes
Whether you're looking for a sport they can be active in, or teach them self defense
Self Defense Classes for Kids
1 in 5 kids are bullied sometime during the school year. We'll teach them the skills they need to be bully-proof and confident for life—without teaching them violent moves that could get them suspended.
Kids Jiu Jitsu
Confident, disciplined kids are made, not born. Our kids jiu jitsu classes will teach them the focus, social skills, and keep them in great shape so they can be successful in school and in life.
Madison Students Love Us
What Our Community Says
Real verified reviews from our Madison BJJ family - see why we're the area's highest-rated academy
Great place to learn BJJ! Awesome coaches, friendly practitioners, lots of mat space to comfortably sparring and roll. Everything is clean, new and the music is great too ;)
While looking for a gym to take my children, I decided to participate in Journey's 42 day challenge to experience the gym culture and instruction first hand, and now that I've completed the challenge,…
I started training here two years ago with no grappling or combat sports experience, and I love it. Great facility and great coaches. You'll find welcoming and fun training partners at all skill/exper…
I was looking for a fitness plan that offered more than the standard lift, pull and push approach seen in most gyms. I found so much more at Journey! The instructions are clear, the staff is world cla…
Excellent kids program - the coaches are great at encouraging discipline and commitment along with teaching fun and thorough jiu jitsu techniques through demonstration, games, and lots of supervised o…
Trying Jiu jitsu was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. Excellent environment, clean facility, and incredible coaches who are passionate about the art of Jiu Jitsu. Alex, Bill, and Col…
Journey is a great place to build community and a better version of yourself. I recommend their facility for anyone, regardless of age. The environment is family-friendly and is great for whichever st…
I've been coming here, along with my kids, for 7 months now. We all love it. The kids classes are fun for the kids, yet structured and disciplined enough to be a quality learning environment. Both of …
Why Choose
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Discover the many benefits that make BJJ more than just a martial art
Self-Defense Skills
Most fights go to the ground and stay there. Learn practical techniques to protect yourself and your loved ones in real-world situations.
Physical Fitness
BJJ is a mixed cardio workout that shreds calories (upwards of 500+ per session) - and it's FUN!
Mental Discipline
We use behavior science to help people identify their goals and succeed long term. No more broken promises to yourself!
Stress Relief
When you're rolling, you enter a kind of meditative state where you're only focused on solving the physical chess game before you.
Beginner Focused &
Family Friendly
Journey BJJ is NOT a macho MMA school of athletes trying to crush each other. We are community Moms, Dads, Professionals, and Tradesmen in the Madison Area who are trying to achieve their self-defense and fitness goals. Students will always be encouraged to go at your own pace and comfort level, with online videos and resources to compliment your training.
Check Out Our World Class Facility
2300+ square feet of clean mats with a subfloor means you have plent of space and safety when training. 4 HVAC units means you stay comfortable and cool.
Meet Your
Expert BJJ Instructors in Madison
Coach Alex
Head Instructor
As a corporate trainer and BJJ Brown Belt, Alex was quickly frustrated by how he saw Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu being taught in gyms and on the internet. Teaming up with some of the most technical Jiu-Jitsu players in the area, together they created an accelerated learning school that is getting rave …
Experience
9 yrs teaching
11 yrs training
Certifications
Brown Belt
Instructional Design Certification
Facilitator Certification
Coach Brian
Instructor
Brian is a purple belt under Coach Alex who started training in 2021. As a law enforcement officer, Jiu-Jitsu is his passion and he believes that every discipline has something to offer and draw from to make us all the best grapplers we can be. His real-world experience brings a practical …
Experience
4 yrs teaching
6 yrs training
Certifications
Purple Belt
Madison BJJ Questions
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu FAQ - Madison WI
Get answers to common questions about training BJJ in Madison, pricing, and what to expect at Journey BJJ Academy
What makes Journey BJJ Academy different?
Many MMA schools around Madison offer a "buffet" of martial arts like fitness kickboxing, self-defense, karate, etc. Not us. Our focus is teaching authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We also have a world-class facility, with clean mats. Our classes have strong focus on behavior science, and structured programming so that you maintain and continue to progress skills.
What makes Journey BJJ Academy different for kids?
Kids of all levels and athletic abilities thrive at Journey BJJ Academy. We've found the perfect balance of letting kids have fun, but be disciplined when it counts. We have a super clean facility, huge mat-space, and convenient class times M-F.
Who are Journey Jiu Jitsu Madison classes perfect for?
Our classes are perfect for business professionals looking to take things up a notch and CRUSH stress, those who want a FUN way to get back in shape or learn self-defense, Military or Law Enforcement officers looking to add new skills and go home safe, people looking to challenge themselves with competition, and people looking to find a positive community and improve mental health.
Who are Journey Kids Jiu Jitsu classes perfect for?
Our kids classes are perfect for kids who struggle to focus or need an outlet for excess energy, kids who are being bullied in school or lack the confidence to stand up for themselves, kids with limited physical activity or who need to get in shape, and shy kids who struggle with team sports.
Where is your schedule of classes?
You can find our complete class schedule in our navigation menu above under "Schedule" or on our schedule page
What if my child doesn't want to participate?
Some kids who come to us are resistant at first, but we know that kids need to have fun to stick with something. That's why we play mini-games at the end of many of our classes. After a few weeks of classes, our kids are usually pumped to come to classes regularly.
How much do your classes cost?
Our drop in fee is $25, however, we do not have a one size fits all program / membership. Pricing varies, based on the type of program you sign up for.
Let's figure out
Next Steps
Click "Get Started Now"
Fill in your info in the secure contact form! This is purely so we can organize a time to meet.
2
Schedule Informational Meeting
Mark your calendar and make sure you show up at our address at the right date and time. We'll remind you!
3
Find The Right Program
We'll meet to figure out the best program for you (experience level? schedule? frequency?) We have various Intro Programs and Progression Programs to work with your availability. No pushy sales stuff.