Next challenge starts this Sunday
Adult training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Journey Academy Madison

Zero Experience Needed

The 42-Day Intro to Jiu-Jitsu Challenge

18 classes. Weekly coach check-ins. A free uniform. And a community of adults who started exactly where you are. All you have to do is show up for 42 days.

You Know Who You Want to Be. You Just Don't Have the System Yet.

How many times have you pictured a fitter, more confident you… and then pushed it off until 'things calm down'?

You've thought about it. Maybe you even googled gyms, saved an Instagram reel, or told a friend you were "seriously getting after it this time."

But without a structured plan, real coaching, and someone holding you accountable, motivation fades back into the same tired loop:

"Maybe after this work/life thing settles down..."

The real problem isn't desire or willpower. It's living stuck between who you are and who you know you could be — with no reliable bridge between the two.

607 Adults Have Made This Shift

The 42-Day Challenge Is That Bridge

I'm Coach Alex. I've watched 607 people go through this program — office workers, parents, people who hadn't worked out in years.

The ones who made it weren't the most athletic. They had the right structure, and people around them who gave a damn.

The 42-Day Challenge gives you 18 classes, weekly coach check-ins, a free uniform, and a community of adults who started exactly where you are. All you have to do is show up.

Coach Alex pointing at camera

607 Completions · 1,250+ Madison Adults Trained

Why Madison Adults Train Here

Self-Defense That Works on the Ground

Know exactly what to do if someone grabs you. Most fights hit the ground in seconds — you'll have the muscle memory to stay calm and take control.

A Workout You'll Actually Want to Do

Burn 500-800 calories per class building functional strength. No treadmills, no counting reps — just an engaging workout you'll look forward to.

The Hour Your Brain Shuts Off

When you're rolling, you're not thinking about deadlines or bills — you're solving problems under real pressure. Students call it the only hour of the day their mind actually goes quiet. That calm follows you home.

Built for Adult Learners

Half our students are 30+. Structured curriculum, certified instructors, behavior science-based accountability — and a community of professionals and parents invested in your progress. This isn't your typical BJJ gym.

What's Included

What's Inside the 42-Day Challenge

Adult Bjj Class In Progress Madison 02

Accountability Built In

3 classes per week for 6 weeks — the sweet spot for beginners:

  • Specific start and end date — no open-ended guesswork
  • YOU choose the fundamentals classes that fit your schedule
  • Weekly coach check-ins every Monday
  • Halfway in-person meeting at the gym with your coach
Adult gi student smiling at camera at Journey BJJ Madison

Everything You Need to Start — Included

  • Jiu-Jitsu Uniform ($120 value) — yours to keep
  • 20-Video Positional Compass Course — know what to do from every position
  • Behavior Science-Based Nutrition Program — designed by a certified nutritionist
  • Member App with Chat & Curriculum — stay connected between classes
Adult No Gi Class Lineup Post Training Madison 02

Your New Training Family

Meet like-minded adults who share your goals. The friendships people build here outlast every other benefit:

  • Group outings & social events
  • Private member community
  • Open mat sessions to practice together

Class Schedule

Morning and evening options — pick any 3 per week that fit your schedule.

Monday

3 classes
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM · Alex
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM · Alex, Brian
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM · Brian, Alex

Tuesday

2 classes
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM · Alex
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM · Brian

Wednesday

3 classes
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM · Alex
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM · Alex, Brian
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM · Brian, Alex

Thursday

2 classes
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM · Alex
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM · Brian

Friday

3 classes
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM · Alex
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM · Alex, Brian
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM · Brian, Alex

Saturday

1 class
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Gi
No-Gi

Madison Adults Love Training Here

Real Reviews from Real Students

Real Google reviews from Madison adults who started exactly where you are.

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…

Chahm Gahng
Google

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 ;)

Alan Borsato
Google

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…

Jordan Parker
Google

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…

Christopher Harkrader
Google

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…

Alexa Kellin
Google

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…

Dalton Miles
Google

So good I became a life time member. Great community great coaches.

James Raynor
Google

Really strong onboarding program to be sure everyone new to BJJ is up to the challenge. All coaches and members are helpful and patient in assisting newer people to improve their own form & technique,…

Adam Populorum
Google

I can't recommend Journey enough for giving me an opportunity to try something totally out of my comfort zone. I've always been interested in fitness, but wanted to mix up my stale exercise routine. I…

Dot Silverman
Facebook

I have been training at Journey for just under a year. For someone who hates cardio, running, biking, etc, I find jujitsu to be a great alternative. I would recommend Journey BJJ to anyone. Their coac…

shane sweeney
Google

I took the 6 week challenge and learned awesome skills, while having fun in the sport of Jiu Jitsu. I improved my stamina, was taught a healthier way to eat and lost weight. I didn't starve and lost 2…

John Masters
Facebook

I started taking Jiu-Jitsu classes to work on my cardio, lose some weight and build some natural strength, while hopefully doing something fun. I have a hard time with the monotonous routines of runni…

Ignatius Lokai
Facebook

Your 42-Day Roadmap

Your challenge, week by week

1

Week 1-2 | Your First Position

You'll start with one position — learning how to control from the top and how to escape from the bottom. By the end of week 2, you'll have real muscle memory for your first position and a 3-class-per-week habit forming. Monday coach check-ins start here.

2

Week 3-4 | A New Position, A New Lens

You rotate to a new position — mount, side control, rear mount — and the same top/bottom framework clicks faster this time. At the halfway point, you sit down with your coach one-on-one at the gym to talk about what's clicking, what's blocking you, and how to finish strong.

3

Week 5-6 | The Habit Is the Win

Another position rotation, live training scenarios, and your first real sparring. But the biggest shift isn't technical — it's that you've been showing up 3x a week for over a month. You've identified your blockers, built a routine that works, and proven to yourself that this sticks. Monday check-ins continue through the finish line.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Who are Journey Jiu Jitsu classes not right for?

Our classes may not be the best fit for non-Madison Area residents (commute > 30 minutes to the gym), college students with heavy class loads and changing priorities, professionals with heavy/frequent travel, or individuals unable to attend at least 2 classes per week (on average).

Do I need to be in shape or athletic? Do I need any prior experience?

Not at all! Many of our current students NEVER did any kind of sports or martial arts prior to joining. Now, they're in better shape than most of their friends. So if you're not in shape or athletic, don't worry – we'll get you there in no time.

Do I need any martial arts background in Judo, BJJ, or anything else?

No, you don't. There are beginner classes available and many of the people who study Brazilian Jiu Jitsu have ZERO prior martial arts training.

Will I get hurt?

Although any physical activity carries risk of injury…We almost NEVER see any injuries in our jiu jitsu classes. We guide you through the perfect way to do each technique and provide special instruction to help students avoid injury.

Plus, you go at your own pace. That way you don't force your body to do anything that promotes risk of injury.

What's your guarantee?

We guarantee we hold up our end — every Monday check-in happens, the halfway coach meeting happens, your uniform arrives before your first class, and the curriculum is there waiting. 607 Madison adults have completed this program. The structure works.

What we can't guarantee is that you'll show up. That part's on you.

Do I need experience to start No-Gi classes?

No, even though no gi has a reputation for being "more advanced" our no gi classes are fundamentals level and beginner friendly.

Is No-Gi training harder than gi training?

No-Gi is different, not necessarily harder. It requires different gripping strategies and relies less on robust grips. Some find it more intuitive without complex gi grips, while others miss the control that gi provides. Both have unique challenges.

What should I do if I'm nervous about starting jiu jitsu?

Feeling nervous is totally normal. I think literally everyone is nervous before they try it. You just have to experience the culture :)

What is the cancellation policy for memberships?

Our cancellation policy requires a 60-day notice. We also allow you to pause your membership from 2-4 weeks without being charged.

Do you have any older grapplers?

We have people as old as 63 who train here. :)

Can I visit the academy before signing up to observe a class?

Yes, we encourage potential students to visit and observe a class to get a feel for our teaching style and community.

Next Challenge Forming Now

The Next 42-Day Challenge Starts Soon

—
Days Away
18
Classes Included
42
Day Program
Adult BJJ training session at Journey Academy Madison

New Challenges Start Every Few Weeks

Join the 42-Day Intro Challenge

It starts with a 30-minute coach meeting — no commitment, no pressure, let's see if the structured program works for your schedule and time commitment.

Call (608) 416-1140