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Foundations Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Madison, Wisconsin
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
- Membership memberships run around $25/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule foundationsbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (608) 561-3255
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:45–11:15 AM, 5:15–6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30–10 AM, 5:15–6:30 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9–10 AM, 11 AM–1:15 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–3 PM |
The classes they run
“Foundations has been an phenomenal place for a complete beginner with 0 martial arts experience like myself try something new.”
“My son and I have been attending Foundation Jiu Jitsu for the past three months, and our experience has been excellent.”
“I train both No-gi & Yes- Gi here and the instructors are all great.”
“You couldn't ask for a more welcoming, open gym to train BJJ at.”
“Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this gym offers top-notch instruction and a welcoming community that fosters growth and camaraderie.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“The facility boasts ample mat space, excellent instruction, changing rooms, and cubbies for storing personal belongings.”
“The instructors are empathetic and welcoming, the community is friendly, and the instruction is very detailed and reaches all levels.”
“Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this gym offers top-notch instruction and a welcoming community that fosters growth and camaraderie.”
“The instructors are empathetic and welcoming, the community is friendly, and the instruction is very detailed and reaches all levels.”
From the reviews
I knew I was at a good school when the instructor loaned me a Manto GI top (quality and good taste) and a The Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood Gi bottom (generous with sharing knowledge and inclusive organization). The instructor and the students were welcoming and had excellent mount control and transition to back attacks.
From the moment I walked in on my first day, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about the sport, making every class both technically challenging and enjoyable.
If you're looking for a gym here in Madison look no further. This establishment is by far the best place in town. Knowledgeable and friendly teachers make this place very comfortable and approachable for beginners like myself.
I decide to stop by to train while in town for work and Professor Mike was great. He was extremely attentive to everybody in class and the class was pretty crowded. He's explaination of techniques were also awesome and explained everything very thoroughly and in a way that was easy to understand.
New to BJJ? Start at Foundations Jiu Jitsu
Foundations Jiu Jitsu 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 Foundations 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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