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Academy of Soo Do Thai
5 ★★★★★ 68 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Clinton Township, Michigan
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes (ages 3–10) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule academyofsoodothai.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 586-484-1488
Hours
| Monday | 3–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–8 pm |
| Thursday | 3–8 pm |
| Friday | 3–8 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Sensei Harris is phenomenal with the kids, and the other instructors I'm sure they're senses too I forget their names but I give them credit too!”
“From competing at a high level in tournaments, to earning a plethora of trophies and honors, the Academy of Soo Do Thai provided life changing moments for me and my son.”
“They also demonstrate how to use these techniques in real life self defense situations.”
Other martial arts here
“Whether it’s karate, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, MMA, etc.”
“I started learning karate from this school at around 14 years old.”
What members say
“I have not a single bad thing to say about my experiences or encounters so far but we are now members of this family for life!”
“The instructors are amazing, but stern in learning the correct technique.”
“It's a nice place that covers a lot of basis like positivity, discipline, respect and self-control all in a friendly family atmosphere.”
From the reviews
Academy of Soo is a GREAT place. Students will learn confidence, respect, discipline, and so much more. The instructors are professional, supportive, and knowledgeable. They want your child to succeed, and are dedicated to their craft.
We’ve had an amazing experience with the karate instructors here. They are incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and truly know how to connect with kids of all ages. The way they balance discipline, respect, and fun makes every class something the kids look forward to.
I have had the chance to travel across the United States and Canada with Grand Master Gathings. Lots of adventures fun and 1st place trophies. From training in Detroit to hrs in a car you will enjoy your journey to black belt at this school.
I would say this is one of the greatest training places you can find out there with an array of knowledge. I started learning karate from this school at around 14 years old. I didn’t just learn karate, I learned some valuable life lessons from different view points along with a lot of support.
New to BJJ? Start at Academy of Soo Do Thai
Academy of Soo Do Thai comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Academy of Soo Do Thai
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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