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…
Why Madison Adults Choose Journey BJJ Academy
Real results from adults who've transformed their lives through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. See why we're Madison's most trusted academy for adult martial arts training.
181+
5-Star Reviews
From Madison area adults
53%
Adults Over 30
Average age is 35-45
500+
Calories Burned Per Class
Get fit while learning
92%
Feel More Confident
Within first 6 weeks
75%
Still Training After 6 mos
Long-term success rate
6+
Years Serving Madison
Proven track record
Not Your Typical Martial Arts School:
Journey is Built for Real Adults
Too late to start? Too out of shape? Too busy? We've heard it all before. Journey BJJ isn't a hardcore MMA gym filled with 20-something athletes trying to prove something. If you're wondering whether you need to get in shape before starting BJJ, the short answer is no — we meet you exactly where you are.
We're Madison professionals, parents, and everyday people in our 30s, 40s, and beyond who wanted to get in shape, learn real self-defense, and challenge ourselves in a supportive environment. BJJ is one of the most effective ways to transform your fitness — find out why jiu-jitsu burns fat better than cardio and why so many adults ditch the gym for the mats.
Here's what makes us different: No egos. No intimidation. No pressure to compete. Just skilled instruction, modified techniques for different fitness levels, and a community that has your back both on and off the mats.
Your first class will be with other beginners, taught by patient instructors who remember exactly what it felt like to walk through our doors for the first time.
Why Adults Choose
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training
Discover the life-changing benefits that make BJJ the perfect choice for busy adults who want real results, not empty promises.
Real-World Self-Defense
Most fights go to the ground within 30 seconds. Learn practical techniques that actually work when you need them most. No flashy moves that only work in movies.
Total Body Transformation
Burn 500+ calories per class while building functional strength, flexibility, and endurance. Get in the best shape of your life without boring gym routines.
Unshakeable Confidence
Walk through Madison's streets you can protect yourself and your family. BJJ builds mental toughness that carries into every area of your life.
Stress Relief & Focus
Leave work stress on the mat. BJJ demands complete mental focus, giving you a break from daily worries while building mental clarity.
Supportive Community
Train with like-minded adults who share your goals. No ego, no intimidation - just professionals and parents supporting each other.
Adult BJJ Class Schedule
Find the perfect time to start your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey. We offer multiple class times throughout the week to fit your busy schedule.
Mon
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Tue
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Wed
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Thu
Fri
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Sat
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Sun
Monday
2 classesAdult BJJ Fundamentals
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
Tuesday
1 classAdult BJJ Fundamentals
Wednesday
1 classAdult BJJ Fundamentals
Friday
2 classesAdult BJJ Fundamentals
Adult BJJ Fundamentals
Saturday
1 classAdult BJJ Fundamentals
Madison Adults Love Training Here
Real Reviews from Real Students
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what Madison adults say about their experience training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Journey 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 ;)
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…
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…
So good I became a life time member. Great community great coaches.
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Common Questions
Adult BJJ FAQ - Madison WI
Get answers to the most common questions adults have about starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training at Journey Academy in Madison.
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.
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 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.
Why should I pick your Academy over others for adult classes?
Here are just a few reasons: We have more classes than most academies in the area (morning, noon, multiple evening classes per night). We are focused 100% on one martial art: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. You're not paying for other styles you don't train in and there's more class times available for what you do want to train. Our instruction is adult-learning focused. We have a structured curriculum and a roadmap for you to progress through your training. We use behavior science to help you stick with your training. We are a family-friendly, beginner-friendly, zero-intimidation environment.
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.
Should I lose weight / get in better shape before I start?
Not at all! Many of our current submission grappling 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.
How does the 30 day satisfaction guarantee work?
If you're not satisfied for any reason after signing up for one of our trial programs or full memberships, within 30 days, just shoot me an e-mail with a request to cancel the program. We'll quickly refund your money so you can use it on something that better fits your needs.
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.
Why is jiu jitsu self defense better than other popular martial arts?
Most martial arts don't teach anything about ground grappling, yet most fights end up on the ground and stay there according to FBI statistics. Jiu Jitsu specializes on ground fighting, especially fighting from bottom position.
Meet Your
Expert BJJ Instructors in Madison
Learn from instructors who combine years of training experience with a passion for helping adults achieve their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goals.
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
Where Do We Teach Our Adult BJJ Madison Classes?
Visit our location or get directions using the interactive map below.
Journey Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
3214 Kingsley WayMadison, WI 53713
Getting Started is Simple
Your BJJ Journey Starts Here
Ready to transform your life with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Here's exactly how to get started at Journey Academy Adult BJJ Classes in Madison.
Book Your Meet & Greet
Click "Meet Your Coach" to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. Meet your instructor, tour our facility, and learn about our adult programs with zero pressure or obligation.
2
Start Your 2-Week Trial
Jump into beginner-friendly classes with other adults. Your first class includes a free loaner uniform, and we'll pair you with experienced training partners who remember their first day.
3
Join the Community
After experiencing the confidence, fitness, and stress relief that BJJ provides, choose the membership plan that fits your schedule and continue your transformation.
