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Downriver Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 72 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Riverview, Michigan
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
- 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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule downriverbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (734) 552-0423
Hours
| Monday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My oldest son attends the childrens’ classes and I’m impressed with how the professor and other coaches walk a line between letting the kids have fun and keeping them on task.”
“This school is for you - regardless of your goals- be they self defense, fitness or competition- as Brent coached several world medalists.”
“This school is for you - regardless of your goals- be they self defense, fitness or competition- as Brent coached several world medalists.”
“Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you'll find a nurturing community that encourages personal growth and helps you reach your full potential.”
Other martial arts here
“Brent is also extremely well rounded in several martial arts holding Black Belts in Jiu Jitsu as well as Karate.”
What members say
“The instructor (Brent) is very knowledgeable and very patient when teaching the kids class.”
“Downriver Jujitsu goes above and beyond in providing a truly welcoming and accommodating experience for its students.”
“Downriver Jujitsu goes above and beyond in providing a truly welcoming and accommodating experience for its students.”
“A perfect balance between training technique and sparring, and a great group.”
“It’s brought my sons together, given them confidence, bravery, and a skill set that includes discipline and self-control.”
“This school is for you - regardless of your goals- be they self defense, fitness or competition- as Brent coached several world medalists.”
From the reviews
When my kids showed interest in jiu jitsu my husband and I did our research. We were looking for a place that not only had promise for kids but for adults as well. We wanted our kids to be able to develop and grow at a single academy— one they did not age out of or get lost in.
You will love training here!!!!! Both Adult and very Kid friendly!!!! I have trained in the martial arts for over 20 years, in Asia, the United States Marine Corps , and in the US Army-- I can say without any reservation that this studio is the best place I have ever trained in my life.
My kids and I have been under Brent’s tutelage for a handful of months now and we couldn’t be happier with our decision on this gym. The kids are not only learning a life skill but building quality relationships with the other kids in their class.
Great place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids and adults. My children have been a part of the kids class for almost 3 years under the direct instruction of Professor Brent Insco. He is the highest ranking black belt in the area with an extremely strong lineage close to the Ribiero and Gracie families.
New to BJJ? Start at Downriver Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
Downriver Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness 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 Downriver Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site