Home › Washington › Auburn › Kenzodin Jiu Jitsu
Kenzodin Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Auburn, 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule kenzodinjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (253) 409-9968
Hours
| Monday | 8:30–9:30 AM, 4–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30–9:30 AM, 4–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30–9:30 AM, 4–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30–9:30 AM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Many gyms recycling stale and cookie-cutter curriculum, but Kenzodin keeps the training fresh and relevant to each student while still emphasizing strong fundamentals.”
“James has a unique ability to connect with children — meeting them where they are, encouraging their growth, and celebrating their progress in meaningful ways.”
“I’ve seen him work with brand-new white belts, patiently explaining fundamental positions, as well as advanced competitors preparing for high-level tournaments.”
“I joined kenzodin as a complete beginner and my experience has been everything I could hope for and more .”
What members say
“Coach James is incredibly knowledgeable and takes care to guide each of his students to become better version of themselves every day.”
“James has done a fantastic job cultivating a welcoming environment for everyone, from hobbyists to competitors, to train and be the best version of themselves.”
“James has done a fantastic job cultivating a welcoming environment for everyone, from hobbyists to competitors, to train and be the best version of themselves.”
“Many gyms recycling stale and cookie-cutter curriculum, but Kenzodin keeps the training fresh and relevant to each student while still emphasizing strong fundamentals.”
“I’ve seen him work with brand-new white belts, patiently explaining fundamental positions, as well as advanced competitors preparing for high-level tournaments.”
“From the very beginning, he has created a truly family-friendly environment where skill and discipline meet compassion and understanding.”
From the reviews
Be the First to attend and sign up for James’ Academy. I have trained with him since 2016. He layed the foundation for me teaching not only kids classes but adults as well.
Don’t let the tattoos fool you! James is an amazing teacher and wonderful human inside and outside the gym. He is really technical but good about breaking up complex sequences to help you learn. He’s also really motivating without coming across as a phony cheerleader. He’s one of the reasons I still train jiu jitsu.
A passionate and talented teacher for adults and kids. James cultivates a rich atmosphere of learning and camaraderie. Wherever your Jiu Jitsu journey takes you, a bright spot will be under his instruction. Don’t wait, join now.
James is a true student of Jiu Jitsu who loves teaching the sport. I started Jiu Jitsu as an adult and I was very fortunate to have James as a teacher. He is patient and thorough with kids and adults.
New to BJJ? Start at Kenzodin Jiu Jitsu
Kenzodin 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 Kenzodin 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.
More BJJ gyms near Auburn
Ring Demon MMA
4.6 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
MOTA Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Matrix BJJ Academy - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews