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Isla Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 95 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Federal Way, 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
- 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 islajiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 253-282-2906
Hours
| Monday | 11 am–12 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7–8 am, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–12 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–12 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“High level coach's showing great fundamentals of jiu jitsu which is great for beginners and those who have experience.”
“Whether it’s the kids’ classes or adult sessions, the environment is always supportive, respectful, and focused on growth, both on and off the mats.”
“I primarily train no gi and only had the opportunity to attend the all levels gi class.”
“I primarily train no gi and only had the opportunity to attend the all levels gi class.”
“He competed in his first tournament recently and did fairly well.”
“High level coach's showing great fundamentals of jiu jitsu which is great for beginners and those who have experience.”
What members say
“High level coach's showing great fundamentals of jiu jitsu which is great for beginners and those who have experience.”
“The atmosphere is friendly with Jeff and team of coaches helping kids with various techniques, sparring sessions and showing respect on/off the mat.”
“The atmosphere is friendly with Jeff and team of coaches helping kids with various techniques, sparring sessions and showing respect on/off the mat.”
“My child has gained so much confidence, discipline, and joy through his training, and as a parent and student myself, it’s been amazing to share this journey alongside him.”
“He competed in his first tournament recently and did fairly well.”
“The space itself is clean and welcoming with the friendly faces in the gym.”
From the reviews
I'm 40 and have just about completed my first year here. It's been wonderful. In fact, it's been life changing. I've never felt such satisfaction from doing anything. Training in BJJ has filled a hole in my life that has given me a renewed sense of purpose.
I was looking for a martial art for my son and chose GBFW. I signed him up for the 3 day trial but after the first day we knew this was it. I eventually signed up as well. The professors, coaches, students, and parents were so welcoming. We were treated like family from the beginning.
Was visiting the area on a work trip and dropped in. Extremely welcoming environment. I primarily train no gi and only had the opportunity to attend the all levels gi class. I was welcomed onto the mat by the large amount of upper belts attending class, even though I did not have a gi to train with.
The atmosphere is friendly with Jeff and team of coaches helping kids with various techniques, sparring sessions and showing respect on/off the mat. Our 6 year old has been learning and training from last couple of months and has made good progress.
New to BJJ? Start at Isla Jiu Jitsu Academy
Isla Jiu Jitsu Academy 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 Isla Jiu Jitsu Academy
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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