Restarting my journey back into martial arts, I couldn't have asked for a better…read moreinstructor/environment. Everybody at the gym is super welcoming. Bob (lead instructor) is exceptionally knowledgeable and provides a positive environment to learn. I highly recommend checking out the Zoo

From the owner: We specialize in teaching the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the West Seattle communityread more

My art studio is directly above this gym and let me tell you, the positivity, love,…read morerecognition/cheering and pure joy that comes from this place is something that needs to be talked about. I don't personally practice Jiu Jitsu, but I can literally feel the good energy through my floor, so I figured I should write a review. Hope this helps somebody make the decision to go to this gym! They also play pretty good music haha. - The fashion designer upstairs

I started training here as a know-nothing white belt in May, 2019 shortly after they opened. BJJ…read morehas quickly enveloped my life and it's due in large part to Professor Dave Stegman and the Seattle Jiu Jitsu Academy. I consistently look forward to the next lesson, the next roll, the next challenge. The place is welcoming and clean, open to all skill levels and body types. Others at SJJA rank from white belts to black belts and every skill level inbetween. It's super easy to get here and parking on 1st avenue south where the school is located is a breeze. If you're in the Seattle area and looking for a place to train, stop into SJJA first. It won't disappoint.

If you're in Seattle and want the best detailed instruction, look no further. Fred and Josh are…read moregreat instructors that will take your game to the next level. They also provide you with a well rounded curriculum of stand up including Judo and wrestling along with the experience to help you refine your technique. A lot of places separate out judo and wrestling, but I feel that they have found the best way to teach app aspects of the game without overwhelming you. I wish I didn't stop during Covid, but grateful for the gym that welcomed me back. Outside of family, Renzo Gracie Seattle gives me something to look forward to everyday. Thankful for this place everyday I step on the mat! Come join! -Kalani

Dear Yelp... I love this place. If you are a beginner or a long time veteran you will find great…read morerolls here with some good beats bumping. Amazing gym!

Good place with respectful small community. The coach makes sure to pay attention to everyone, work…read moreouts are amazing for conditioning!

Good people teaching legit technique. Very happy to have them here in the community.read more

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was very intimidating to me but attending a class at HEVA helped calm my…read morenerves. The coaches and members were so kind, patient, and supportive. I had a lot more fun than I expected. They had classes for kids and adults at all levels and their facility was nice and clean. No need to take my word for it, I'd recommend dropping by and experiencing it for yourself!

Unethical, they sandbags tournaments to boost their rank and appeal. Their students suffer from…read morelack of advancement because they are not being challenged.

I've been training at Gracie Barra Seattle for the last year and three months. Before that I…read moretrained at an SBG gym in West Seattle for over a year. In October I received my blue belt and in the last year + my jiu jitsu has grown tremendously. The level of detail in the instruction, the importance of drilling, and the logical progression of the techniques we're working on that class, in that week, for that month, all builds on top of the other. This is very effective and helpful in learning the basics of jiu jitsu and having it make sense as you develop your skills. The professors (of which there must be over 10 black belts) are not only great teachers, they are humble, helpful, and really patient. Professor Rodrigo and Carlos teach most of the adult classes and are just great guys. They are serious about their jiu jitsu, but have a great sense of humor and are super personable. This makes it easy to listen and learn. The facility is great. Large mat spaces. Super clean. After the first class, my son and I knew we found our BJJ home. I can't say enough about this place and the great students and training partners. I feel spoiled. When I travel to check out other schools, I'm reminded just how good I have it here. If you're considering a school, or wanting to start jiu jitsu, don't go anywhere else. Do yourself a favor and visit this place. You won't be disappointed.

I do not recommend this facility at all! some news has come to light. they talk about you and…read morecriticize you when you are not their. Now it's either $180 or more to join at this facility per month. This facility, should have no right to play favoritism and criticize you when paying this much money towards a gym and trying better yourself mentally and physically. Its your money and you should treated FAIRLY when promotions arise. This used to be the BEST SCHOOL in Seattle. But, this is no longer the case. Look Elsewhere! I don't recommend stepping foot in this GYM ever!, for the amount money you pay. Here another reason that you shouldn't attend. These rules for 180 a month during the covid19 bring in your own dummy. - Seriously come on! This is outrageous. Here is the link to check out the other stupid things this gym is making you do. https://www.jiujitsutimes.com/gacie-barra-rolls-out-covid-19-exit-strategy/amp/ Thanks!

This arts space is in industrial Georgetown. It is unassuming on the outside…read more Inside it is clean and professionally built out, with a hive of artists and two movement studios also going under the name of Base which can be used for performances. It is in the Factory Building of Equinox Studios. I saw my friends' dance performance here. Dance is a tough art endeavour. You need a large heated space with a good floor, which is expensive in artistic cities enmeshed in endless real estate speculation. In ballet and modern, with the experience of time, you gain expressive skills, while the same time wages a war of attrition on your bones and sinews. To maintain your skills, you have to be practicing several to seven days a week. Dance has a specialized audience and doesn't generate much revenue. It can take months of rehearsal to develop a piece that shows once or a few evenings. So with all those challenges, it is a pleasure to have a small, about 100 person audience performance and rehearsal space, in fact two, back to back. As a teaching and rehearsal space, it has mirrors, windows, and grey linoleum over a sprung floor. For performance it has very solid, carpeted movable risers, and folding chairs. There is a grey floor to ceiling curtain system on three sides which erases the windows and mirrors. The sound system is flown mackie SRMs on the four corners. The ceiling is 20 feet high. There is an elevated tech space and up to date theatrical lighting control. The bathrooms are clean and new, really sparkling. The building is wheelchair accessible, though it might be bumpy from the street parking to the main building entrance. The building is sprinklered and safe, with multiple exits, unlike many janky art warehouses we have known and loved. The building is home to art studios and creative businesses. Throughout, their work covers the walls. The building is in the Equinox Studios complex which has been a space for artists for 15 years. There is a blacksmith-welder who does architectural work there, perfect for an industrial area. There is not a huge amount of street parking, so it is best to arrive early for performance events. Yaw Theater is an up to date space for classes, rehearsals, and shows serving the Seattle metro from Georgetown.

A wonderful community theater experience! The staff is…read morequite friendly and kind, and the staging area is well lit and open. As an introvert, the tight, seating arrangement was a bit uncomfortable for me, so I probably won't return. However, I had an amazing experience, watching a performance by Master Shoko Zama.

Some places change your life, and this gym is one of them…read more I joined while recovering from injuries and slowly rebuilt my strength. Today, I'm in the best shape of my life. More importantly, I've gained something even greater: a sense of purpose, community, and well-being. My children have also benefited immensely from their time here. They've been surrounded by positive role models and a culture that encourages growth, discipline, and confidence. I can honestly say that without this place, my life would look very different. I would likely be battling poor health and depression instead of thriving. This gym has been instrumental in helping me become the healthiest version of myself, both physically and mentally. For that, I will always be grateful and thank God every day for leading me here.

My family loves this place. My two boys have been coming here since it opened and are always…read moreexcited for class. They go to one class and train in their Gi, another class they will train no Gi and Friday nights we come for wrestling. One thing I really like is I get to strength train with a professional coach while my kids are rolling on the mats. We all leave tired and feeling accomplished!

Framework BJJ is nestled in a corner on a fairly busy street on Interbay. Coming from northeast…read moreside of Seattle I would say the only tricky thing is pulling into their drive way where they have available parking. If that lot is filled you can also park up top where the recreational park is. As a jiu jitsu journey man I have found what I like and what I try to avoid when I visit a BJJ club. The culture and energy at frameworks is hands down one of the best vibes I've ever experienced. The best part about this school is there are a lot of high level practitioners so you are sure to gain a lot just from the rolls. As mentioned earlier, framework has one of the best welcoming all inclusive vibes that I look for when visiting. They don't have a bro-ey cult vibe that can be associated unfortunately with some schools. Overall, if you want to learn jiu jitsu, whether you've trained for years or have considered it but are hesitant because it can be intimidating, I can assure you that you will feel very welcomed if you visit and train at Framework. I've been doing jiu jitsu for a lil over a decade, visiting and training at many schools so I'm pretty confident with my take over at framework. Thanks for reading!

I've been with Framework BJJ Seattle for nearly 5 years. It truly is a family ("Frame-ily")…read moreatmosphere amongst the training partners. What an amazing vibe! There's no ego. There's no politics. There's just good-natured, intense-as-you-need-to-be, technique-focused, wholesome training. The flexible class schedule throughout the week is also a HUGE plus. Early morning classes? Check. Midday classes? Got you covered. Evening Classes? Absolutely! Weekend classes and open mats? Oss! Gi and No-gi? Definitely - both available multiple times per week, I should add. And, we also have a Women's & Non-Binary class! And if you are a beginner, the Foundations program devised by the seasoned instructors is the best that I've seen throughout my 8+ years of training in the US and in Asia. The curriculum covers what you need to know so that you can learn to handle live sparring at your own pace. Regardless of whether you are a newbie or a grizzled mat monster (or something in between), Framework is a professionally-operated, technically-sound, members-oriented, welcoming BJJ dojo that is sure to have what you are looking for! Come get some!

(Me: 29 yo woman, capoeira beginner)…read more I've been doing capoeira with Jen (Agua-Viva) in West Seattle for a little over a year now, and I love it. I had a lot of concerns when I first started that have been addressed above and beyond during my time here. So, I wanted to share this in case others want to try out these classes but are grappling with the same concerns that I had in the beginning. My hope is you find this reassuring, maybe even encouraging. My initial concerns: I was shy and skeptical at first. I just wanted a way to take care of my body without feeling super body conscious (I tend to feel that way in dance classes and gyms). I'd never done capoeira before. There are instruments; I suck at that and just wanted a workout. I've had a back surgery and am generally injury prone. I'm easily overwhelmed in large groups and new places. I'm a woman, and I was worried about it not only being male dominated but also a breeding ground for machismo. And, I never had exposure to much Brazilian culture or Portuguese language. How could I learn it in a way that respects its origins? I was super skeptical. The awesome reality of Jen and these capoeira classes: But, I'm kind of shocked by how capoeira with Jen continues to help me grow in unexpected ways. Jen is exceptional at meeting you where you're at and challenging you as you change. All of us in class look and are so different, so I don't feel body conscious in the ways I have in other fitness settings. I'm learning the instruments in baby steps, and I get shy about it (with all of it!), but it adds a richness to the movements that I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I do now. Jen is attentive to each student's unique physical needs, and personally I'm getting stronger in ways that help me feel more stable in my body. People are friendly, and the class is a good size for beginners. And re:machismo, there's never ill-spirited competition or flexing; it's always kind and (as much as I can say as a cis woman) it feels welcoming to people of all gender expressions. And, Jen talks about the history of capoeira without any sugarcoating or exoticizing while teaching us songs and the names of movements in Portuguese. Jen's always saying that anyone, *anyone*, can do capoeira, and with the way she teaches, that feels very true in this West Seattle group. I'm a big fan. If you're curious about capoeira, this is an awesome way to check it out.

My 7-year-old son and I both attend class here. The classes are great for kids and adults; the…read moreinstructor Jen does an excellent job working with kids of all ages, from toddlers all the way to teenagers. For kids, you can expect games and activities that both keep the kids engaged and teach them Capoeira movements at the same time. Jen often sets up an obstacle course so the kids can practice sequences of cartwheels, handstands, jumps, kicks, and stretches. At first it seems like just fun and games but as the kids get older and more experienced the focus shifts to partner work, sparring, and improving specific movements. The kids class is excellent for kids who need to get their energy out, and for improving their health and athleticism. My son is noticeably more muscular after a year of instruction, even at his young age. For adults, one does not need to have any previous martial arts or athletic experience to learn here. I can tell Jen sets an objective for students for each class session, such as conditioning, improving a specific movement, or working on how students conduct the Capoeira "dialogue" with each other. Jen makes sure to break down each technique into the essential parts to match each student's skill levels. A whole range of movements and techniques are taught that emphasize both the martial and the art of Capoeira; from compact defensive movements to impressive acrobatic movements. After some time here you will find that you can do movements that you never thought you could before. We also spend time learning about Brazilian culture, Capoeira history, and the specific musical instruments and songs for Capoeira. The atmosphere of the class is welcoming, friendly, and supportive. There is no toxic competitiveness that you sometimes find at martial arts schools. No one is made to feel inferior because of their skill or fitness level. The training room is enormous for the class; there's always plenty of room for everyone to move, and plenty of mirrors to help students check their form. Jen is clearly passionate about Capoeira and it's a huge part of her life. This group has solid connections to Capoeira groups and mestres in Brazil and around the world. By being part of this group you get the opportunity to be exposed to the Capoeira community as a whole.