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Ballard Jiu Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Seattle, Washington
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- 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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ballardjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (206) 880-1239
Hours
| Monday | 12–1:30 PM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1:30 PM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 12–1:30 PM, 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:45 AM–2:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–1 PM |
The classes they run
“The technique by our many professors is as good as it gets and we range from kids of four year's old to our competition team that goes as hard as any team, anywhere.”
“The technique by our many professors is as good as it gets and we range from kids of four year's old to our competition team that goes as hard as any team, anywhere.”
“The professors have themselves competed and continue to compete, and they will give hands-on, group, and one-on-one instruction.”
“If you want to go hard and compete, you'll find awesome training partners at all levels and a wall of medals for inspiration.”
What members say
“The (many) excellent professors each have their own styles and approaches and all are dedicated to teaching clearly and thoroughly.”
“I was a little nervous going in, but that went away immediately—the instructors and students were all super friendly, helpful, and welcoming.”
“I was a little nervous going in, but that went away immediately—the instructors and students were all super friendly, helpful, and welcoming.”
“The technique by our many professors is as good as it gets and we range from kids of four year's old to our competition team that goes as hard as any team, anywhere.”
“The owners are all very welcoming and it’s a nice, clean and spacious gym.”
From the reviews
How do I give it 6 stars? The mats? Absolutely pristine—did they replace them just for me? The coaches? Lighthearted, caring, and absolutely empowering. They create a safe and fun environment where you’re pushed to grow, no matter your level. I dropped in for a takedown class with Philip, and it was phenomenal.
Amazing gym. I have been a part of a few different types of martial arts gyms, and this is by far the best I have experienced. The instructors are all incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and fantastic at breaking down complex topics.
My son start training here 10 years ago as a kid. I started training here 8 years ago after seeing how much fun my son was having. Ballard Jiu Jitsu has truly been apart of our extended family. There's 5 different black belts that teach classes. Ballard Jiu Jitsu is a safe and clean place to train too.
Ballard Jiu Jitsu is an incredible place and community. All of the professors are exceedingly welcoming and knowledgeable. My family of three loves to train with the Ballard crew!
New to BJJ? Start at Ballard Jiu Jitsu
Ballard Jiu Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Ballard Jiu Jitsu
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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