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Kraken Jiu Jitsu - BJJ & Self-Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 69 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Belmont, Michigan
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 krakenjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (616) 355-7733
Hours
| Monday | 6–7:30 AM, 5–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7 AM, 5–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–7:30 AM, 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“Professor Tony has been teaching my son for almost a year now and I see the results of Professor Tony.”
“There are some great competitors and high level people here so you guaranteed to learn quickly.”
“Professor Tony is great at what he does and explains and breaks it down for even beginners.”
Other martial arts here
“The academy is absolutely stunning with clean, white mats that have a nice bounce which helps when being an uke for judo throws.”
“The facility itself is very clean, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing, with plenty of open space for those who enjoy wrestling.”
What members say
“Professor Tony is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and respectful as can be, if I lived in the area I would not hesitate to make this my home gym.”
“The team was so friendly, welcoming, and the culture of acceptance at Kraken Jiu Jitsu is something very special and it made me feel right at home!”
“I reached out to Professor Tony about doing a drop-in class while visiting Holland for Tulip Time and he responded very quickly, was so friendly, and welcomed me with open arms!”
“He is extremely knowledgeable and demonstrated various techniques ranging from basic to advanced, which are essential which anyone can learn.”
“Both me and my daughter are taking classes. I really love the flexibility with the schedule, they have trainings in the morning, at noon, in the evenings.”
“There are some great competitors and high level people here so you guaranteed to learn quickly.”
From the reviews
Kraken Jiu Jitsu is not just a gym or Jiu Jitsu academy, it has become my home away from home. Professor Tony is an amazing teacher and mentor. He fosters an environment that is welcome to all and is more of a close family than anything else.
Kraken BJJ is truly a top-tier training academy! Professor Tony is an exceptional instructor who brings unmatched professionalism and deep expertise to every class. His passion for the art and dedication to each student’s growth are evident in the way he tailors his teaching to suit all experience levels.
I have had nothing but phenomenal experiences at Kraken Jiu Jitsu. Professor Tony is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and respectful as can be, if I lived in the area I would not hesitate to make this my home gym. If you live near or are just dropping in you will feel right at home!
Before coming here I tried literally every academy around. This is the best academy to train hands down. They have the best people highly skilled and respectful training partners, great coaches, and just an overall incredible vibe. I'd give it 50 stars if I could.
New to BJJ? Start at Kraken Jiu Jitsu - BJJ & Self-Defense
Kraken Jiu Jitsu - BJJ & Self-Defense 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 Kraken Jiu Jitsu - BJJ & Self-Defense
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