Transform Your Confidence
Women's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense in Madison
Discover why Madison women choose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for real self-defense skills, unshakeable confidence, and incredible fitness. You don't need women's-only classes to feel empowered - you need the right training environment where women thrive.
Why Madison Women Choose
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Empowerment
Real results from women who discovered their inner strength through BJJ. See why Journey Academy is where Madison women build confidence, learn real self-defense, and transform their lives.
Real Talk for Women Considering BJJ:
You Don't Need Women's-Only Classes to Feel Empowered
Here's what most women worry about: "Will I be the only woman?" "Will the guys go easy on me?" "Do I need to be in shape first?" Here's the reality at Journey Academy: You'll train alongside respectful, supportive training partners who want to see you succeed. Our women don't need separate classes because our culture creates an environment where everyone - regardless of gender - feels safe, challenged, and empowered. You'll discover what Madison women already know: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn't about being the strongest person in the room. It's about learning to use leverage, technique, and timing to handle larger, stronger opponents. These skills work whether you're defending yourself on the street or building confidence in every area of your life. The confidence you build on the mats transfers everywhere - from speaking up in meetings to walking alone at night without fear. You'll develop a quiet confidence that comes from knowing you can handle whatever life throws at you.
Designed for Real Life
Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is Perfect for Women's Self-Defense
BJJ was specifically designed to allow smaller, weaker people to defeat larger, stronger opponents. These aren't theoretical techniques - they're practical skills you can use in real situations.
Learn to use leverage and technique to control or submit opponents twice your size. BJJ teaches you to fight from your back - exactly where you'd end up in a real assault situation.
Unlike striking arts, BJJ teaches you to control distance, escape dangerous positions, and neutralize threats without escalating violence. Perfect for situations where you can't just "punch your way out."
Nothing builds confidence like knowing you can handle physical confrontation. You'll develop unshakeable composure under pressure and the mindset of a protector.
Full-body workout that builds functional strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. You'll get in the best shape of your life while learning life-saving skills.
BJJ is like meditation in motion. The focus required clears your mind of daily stress while the physical exertion releases endorphins and builds resilience.
Join a community of strong women and supportive training partners. You'll make lifelong friendships with people who understand the journey of personal growth through martial arts.
From Your First Class:
What to Expect as a Woman Starting BJJ
Your First Week: You'll learn basic positions, movements, and escapes. No sparring yet - just technique and getting comfortable with the fundamentals. You'll be paired with experienced, respectful training partners. Month One: Simple submission escapes, basic guards, and how to control distance. You'll start light positional sparring - practicing specific situations at a controlled pace with protective partners. Month Three: You'll notice dramatic improvements in confidence, fitness, and technique. You'll start regular sparring and realize you can handle yourself against larger, stronger training partners. Six Months: You're hooked. The confidence, fitness, and skills you've developed have transformed how you move through the world. You'll wonder why you waited so long to start. What You Don't Need to Worry About: Getting hurt, being too out of shape, not knowing anything, or being the only woman. Our culture prioritizes safety, learning, and mutual respect above everything else.
BJJ Class Schedule for Women
All our classes welcome women and create an inclusive environment. Here are the classes where women consistently train and thrive:
Monday10
Tuesday11
Wednesday12
Thursday13
Friday14
Saturday15
Common Questions
Women's BJJ FAQ - Madison WI
Get answers to the most common questions women ask about starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, safety concerns, and what to expect from training.
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.
Where is your schedule of classes?
You can find our complete class schedule in our navigation menu above under "Schedule"
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.
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.
Can I take ONLY no gi classes?
You can if you choose to, but we generally don't recommend it unless you're training purely for mma or no gi competitive jiu jitsu.
What's the difference between Gi and No-Gi BJJ?
No-Gi BJJ is practiced without the traditional kimono (gi), using shorts and rash guards instead. This creates faster-paced action, different grip strategies, and emphasizes body control over fabric manipulation. It's often considered more applicable to real-world situations and MMA.
Getting Started is Simple
Your Path to Confidence Through BJJ
Ready to transform your confidence and learn real self-defense skills? Here's how to start your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at Journey Academy.
Schedule Your Intro Meeting
Meet with Coach Alex to discuss your goals, tour our facility, and get all your questions answered. No pressure, no sales pitch - just honest conversation about whether BJJ is right for you.
Attend Your First Class
Start with fundamentals in a beginner-friendly environment. You'll learn basic movements, positions, and escapes while getting comfortable with the training style.
Build Your Confidence
Continue training consistently and watch your skills, fitness, and confidence grow. Join a community of strong women who support each other's growth and development.
Schedule Your Intro Meeting
Meet with Coach Alex to discuss your goals, tour our facility, and get all your questions answered. No pressure, no sales pitch - just honest conversation about whether BJJ is right for you.
Attend Your First Class
Start with fundamentals in a beginner-friendly environment. You'll learn basic movements, positions, and escapes while getting comfortable with the training style.
Build Your Confidence
Continue training consistently and watch your skills, fitness, and confidence grow. Join a community of strong women who support each other's growth and development.
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Ready to Transform Your Confidence?
Join Madison Women Who've Discovered Their Inner Strength
Stop wondering "what if" and start building the confidence, skills, and strength you've always wanted. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn't just self-defense - it's self-discovery.