I'm a brown belt under Phil and Rick Migliarese at Balance Studios in Philadelphia. Drew was my first instructor in the Gracie basics class. I can't begin to estimate how much I've learned from him. Now, eight-plus years later, he moves away. Why Drew? Why? I'm not done learning from you! Drew has been a major influence in my development from white to brown belt. I trained with him at least a couple times a week for most of my years there, and apprenticed under him for almost two years as a kids' instructor. He is patient and kind, phenomenally talented in bjj, and has some of the best instructional skills I've seen. Yet he is incredibly humble. I know no other guy so talented and so modest. A little perspective: Balance is an extraordinary place, a huge collection of bjj talent, with something like 500 students. It's nothing to have 6 or 7 black belts in a class. Nevertheless, the place is diminished without Drew. Is one guy that big of a deal? Well, take a $2 fuse from my Harley and you have... a 600 lb doorstop! It's a big deal! Balance misses Drew like I miss that fuse. Yeah, I can go get another, but THAT one was perfect, and now I gotta walk down to the hardware store, and if they don't have the right amperage... Anyway, if you're fortunate enough to live near Drew and Chrissie's school, you'd be crazy not to sign up. Whatever they're charging, it's not enough. Drew's a genuine superhero, and he will teach you to be one too. read more

Impressive level of knowledge and skill with a welcoming chill atmosphere. I had a great experience at Framework. I live on the East coast and I was out in Seattle for 10 days. I trained at Framework three times. Chrissy taught the Gracie Basics class, great for people who are in the beginning stages of BJJ. I am a 4 stripe white belt, I've been training for about 2 years, and I found the class to be very useful. Chrissy seemed genuinely interested in her students' learning and clearly explained the techniques we were drilling (standing guillotine and arm bar). I also went to the Saturday gi-optional open mat. There were several black, brown and purple belts as well as a few blue and whites. They were all highly skilled practitioners and very cool. I tapped many times, but there were no big egos and none of the "let's smash the white belt from out-of-town" attitude that would have made the experience less fun. Drew taught the black belt training class on Tuesday which focussed on a series of standing guard breaks which again, was very useful; I've been taught this technique in the past but Drew's instruction was super clear and I picked up several details that I missed in the past. And again, training partners were friendly and enthusiastic. If I lived in Seattle I would definitely train at this school. read more

This school is the best if you're looking to start martial arts, transition into BJJ from other martial arts or just looking for a place to train and keep fit. Drew and Chrissie are amazing instructors and really charitable with their knowledge and time. Drew is a modern samurai master. I dunno if he feels it but he exemplifies the Bushido. And on top of that he's an awesome person. He's patient, makes jokes on the mat and is really easy to get along with. Not to forget Chrissie, who's an amazing person too. She's extremely knowledgeable, patient and highly articulate about the spiritual aspect of martial arts. I feel like it's a cliche to say this but the classes are really intimate and Framework feels like home. You can settle into your own pace of learning, drilling and rolling. If and when you want to seek out a different level of competition you have the freedom to. The students that are enrolled are diverse in their skill sets and backgrounds and you can feel each person's own personality shine through their jiu jitsu. Framework is tucked in a cozy corner of an awesome Capitol Hill neighborhood and it fits perfectly. Anyone in Seattle who wants to find a place to learn BJJ should definitely give it a try. read more

Drew was the first guy I met when I started training in philly this past July. I had the privilege of taking both beginner and advanced classes with this guy up until he moved out to Seattle, and he's absolutely amazing. He's great at breaking down all the little details that make a move work, and even if he's showing me a move that I kind of feel like I have down, he still manages to point out one or two details that make me that much better. It's like every class with him is a jiu-jitsu ah-ha moment. To make things even better, Chrissie (the other half of the Framework team) is an awesome teacher in her own right. She's super patient and more than happy to stop mid roll and show you some cool move. So when I had to take a work trip out here, I jumped on the chance to go to a class at their new studio. And since this spot is new, it's basically like private lessons with two amazing teachers. If you've never tried BJJ before, or you just want to up your game, def check out Framework. It's worth every penny! read more

I was out in Seattle with a friend last week touring the city. Initially what appealed to us about Framework was that we could come in early to train and still have the rest of the day free for exploring. That flexibility means everything when you're only in a city for a short period of time. The head instructor Drew and instructor Chrissie were so kind to allow us to train with them. Chrissie was generous to even offer us her own bottled water when she thought we had nothing with us to drink. That's just an example of the kindness we were greeted with. As far as the space goes, there is two separate changing rooms for women and and for men, a bathroom and even a kitchen. No showers available for use, however Chrissie handed me a body cleansing wipe after rolling so nonetheless I still had the opportunity to freshen up after randoori. Overall great place to roll with some of the kindest people. read more

I've been a martial artist my whole life, a coach for over a decade, and a practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu for about three years. I came to Framework with two years under my belt and having trained under world class coaches and competitors in Southern California. From every perspective I can provide - as a martial artist generally, as a BJJ player specifically, and as a coach professionally - Framework BJJ is a spectacular place to train. Drew possesses a tremendous understanding of the art of jiu-jitsu. But a lot of people have that. Drew's ability to communicate the art to so many different people is truly rare. The community at Framework is friendly and welcoming, without a hint of aggressiveness or overcompetitiveness. If you've been thinking about trying BJJ, don't hesitate - come to Framework. You'll learn with ease, you'll make new friends, you'll change your life. read more

I met Drew Vogal at a Todd Tanaka Seminar at my home gym GJJ Mukilteo. I was immediately stoked when I met him, for one he seemed stoked that I introduced myself to him after the seminar, for two we had a good rollview afterwards. I was first impressed that he was asked to participate in the showing of the Seminar and to see how well him and Todd did together. I got his story real quick and his Facebook info and have attended two of his classes so far and am definitely going to attend more far into the future. After knowing him a small time and meeting a few of his friends and his Wife who is a smart and skilled Purple Belt I feel hes a modest man who is highly skilled and spreads true Jiu Jitsu all the way around. The locations are in good places and easy to find and parking is not a problem. read more

I like to visit other bjj schools when I travel and recently stopped in at framework bjj in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle. Drew took the "leave your ego at the door" concept from Balance Studios in Philadelphia up a notch. Drew is both a yogi and a grappler and you get that vibe in his clean and simple studio, his simple but technical instruction and his smooth effortless rolling. The instruction was well planned, simple but detailed. The studios was pristine and welcoming. The students were very friendly and rolled like martial artists seeking to learn from each experience. I look forward to seeing this studio continue to grow over the years. This is a perfect place for both experienced grapplers looking for a home and new students who want to give this addictive art a try. 5 stars. read more

While I've trained in martial arts for most of my life, I simply didn't know what I was missing until I started working with Drew at Framework BJJ. I've always had a deep appreciation for jiu-jitsu, and have done several 6 month stints at various schools over the years, but it's just taken me a long time to find the right fit. Drew is patient, incredibly knowledgable, and an amazing coach - I'm doing things after 6 or 7 sessions that I have no right being able to do yet. And for the first time, I feel like I'm learning at the right pace and with the right level of resistance, but without the ego-driven environment of so many other BJJ schools. My game is getting better with each passing week and I couldn't be happier about it. I'm hooked! Framework BJJ is highly, highly recommended! read more

Drew and Christine are kind, and friendly, and just amazing instructors! They create an inviting environment for learning. Their sense of humor and easy going attitude makes it fun to come to class weekly. They are great at instructing the standard moves, and at the same time optimizing them to the different sizes of their students (ranging from 6'3" to 4'11") in ways that are practical. It seems at this day and age we could easily find things to do after work/school (tv, books, etc) but attending class with Drew and Chrissie is by far one of the best thing one could do to enrich the body and mind. I'm so glad we've found them and got to know them, as they have become family to us. Their passion to the martial arts have made it as our way of life! read more

I'm traveling from the Houston area and decided to try out this place. It is very welcoming the students did not make me feel like an outsider. The instructor Professor Drew was very knowledgeable and broke down each technique into the basic movements. The active rolling was a good level of intensity not "I'm going to rip your head off" but also not an easy walk in the park. The students at this academy are well trained. I will be back each time I am in the Seattle area. The class flow was nice walk into class professor Drew taught techniques that we then practiced after that we did positional sparing followed by active rolling. I would recommend this place to beginners and advanced practitioners. read more

I was a little nervous to go to a BJJ class without any experience but they make it really comfortable. The beginner classes are an awesome format that allows those without any idea what they are doing to learn the basics. The intermediate students still show up to some beginning classes as well so it's easy to be guided through everything the first few times you go. I really like the way Drew and Chrissie run their classes in a way that all levels of students seem to appreciate and it's amazing how friendly and helpful everyone is when someone new shows up. I had no clue what I was supposed to do so I literally just showed up in a pair of basketball shorts and they sorted everything out for me! read more

Drew, the instructor, and his wife, Christine, do a great job of making sure beginners and newcomers feel welcome and included. I had a fantastic time rolling with the team, and wish I could have spent more time there. It worked well for me because it was more casual than some of the other schools in the area, which were geared toward contests and events. I was more interested in getting a great work out and improving, and Framework was perfect for that. While Drew and the rest of the team were very encouraging about attending and competing at events, it wasn't required. Honestly, it's a great time, and if you're on the fence about it, there's a free trial you can go use to test the waters. read more

I cannot thank Drew enough for getting me into jiu jitsu. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable about his craft, but he has a teaching ability unrivaled by any of the other jiu jitsu coach I have trained with. Drew brings his love of jiu jitsu to his students and his ability to clearly show and explain techniques to all levels of jiu jitsu practitioner. His class is fun and collaborative as the goal is for everyone to improve their skills. He is well versed in both sport and street jiu jitsu techniques and is a great instructor for either. If you are at all interested in trying jiu jitsu or are someone who has been training for years, I recommend checking out Framework BJJ. read more

I own my own gym and teach martial arts for a living. I can say confidently that Drew Vogel of Framework BJJ has been one of the most influential instructors in my entire training career. I've yet to meet someone who can break down the intricacies of the art and tailor it so specifically to your needs (even in a group setting). I experienced tremendous growth while training with him. What's more, the environment he fosters in his classes is second to none. Students generally follow the attitudes of instructors. He has built a warm, welcoming, and intimidation-free vibe in his classes. I would highly recommend Framework BJJ for everyone from newcomers to professionals. read more

I had never practiced BJJ before coming to Framework. On the recommendation of my school's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club (during the summer when they weren't meeting) I decided to go check Framework out. I was anxious in the time leading up to my first class, but as soon as I arrived that feeling disappeared. Drew and Chrissie are very welcoming, and I soon felt at home in their school. The instruction in class is precise and technical, while at the time maintaining an atmosphere of kindness and patience, so it is always easy to ask a question or seek help. I always enjoy class and come away feeling as though I have made progress in my practice. Highly recommended. read more

What I like about this place. Instruction is top notch, coach Drew knows BJJ very well and is great at demonstrating and passing on both basic and advanced moves. What I like about his style is he teaches the art of grappling but also seamlessly ties in self defense. For example, he'll stop part way through and say something like "this is a great position for grappling but in a real fight I would rather be doing ....." I like that style. Also, the atmosphere is really great there, everyone is very supportive and you learn a ton from the other students because of it. Location is North Capitol Hill which is super convenient and easy to get to for me. read more

When I was on vacation last January I was looking for a place to train with a relaxed atmosphere. Being relatively new to the sport I was anxious about temporarily entering a new BJJ environment. Would it be awkward? Would anybody even want to roll with me? Fortunately for me I stumbled across Framework BJJ. Drew encouraged me to stop by for an open mat, and when I did I was immediately struck by the laid back, welcoming and fun attitude of the gym. I was able to roll with a wide variety of practitioners who taught me a lot (Drew was especially eager to share his insight). I hope to return during my next visit to Seattle! read more

Dropped by Framework today with a buddy of mine to check it out. Super impressed all around. The mats were super clean, the people super friendly... a bunch of kind killers. All of the rolls I had were fun and technical, even the white belts that I rolled with had technique and weren't "spazzy", which says a lot about overall culture and instruction. And Professor/Coach Drew is super nice, chill, and very good. His technique is both amazing to watch as well as experience in a roll. If you're in the Capitol Hill area visiting or live near the area and are looking for a good gym, look no further than Framework. read more