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Lakewood Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Lakewood, Colorado
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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule lakewoodjiujitsuacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 720-774-9040
Hours
| Monday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7 PM |
| Friday | 6–7 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“He teaches in a very clear way, explaining and demonstrating how to execute proper technique, insuring his students build a strong understanding of Gracie fundamentals .”
“I’m able to use this at different locations if I go to different Jiu jitsu gyms where there is open mat.”
“Jim is thoughtful in his responses to questions, and is a lifelong learner in martial arts as well as in areas of judicial law, law enforcement, and self defense.”
“People are very welcoming of all levels, especially beginners.”
Other martial arts here
“Coming from an MMA background, Initially I was disappointed to learn that LJJA does not endorse grappling/rolling until combatives (the basics) are mastered.”
What members say
“Professor Medley is a great instructor and had lots of useful details to help make the moves we practiced intuitive.”
“He creates a welcoming and supportive environment where all students, regardless of experience, can thrive and have fun!”
“Lakewood Jiu-Jitsu Academy is an excellent choice for anyone who is interested in developing reliable, no-nonsense self defense skills.”
“I like the structured curriculum where techniques are taught in a logical order with online videos that can be used to prepare for class or go back and review afterwards.”
“I appreciate that Jim emphasizes self-defense & awareness (both in one’s mind & body), instead of just preparing us for competition/sport.”
“He teaches in a very clear way, explaining and demonstrating how to execute proper technique, insuring his students build a strong understanding of Gracie fundamentals .”
From the reviews
I went to Lakewood Jiu Jitsu Academy to improve my practice in self-defense however recently had to take a step back due to other obligations. Having started with no knowledge, I appreciated Jim's passion, expertise, and encouragement!
Jim is a legit Gracie blackbelt with a black belt in Japanese jiujitsu as well and years of experience in law enforcement. His authentic appreciation for the essential self-defense aspect of Gracie jiu-jitsu ensures you learn jiu-jitsu that is effective for survival in the real world, not just a sport competition.
Highly recommend Lakewood Jiu Jitsu for anyone looking to learn self defense in a fun, safe, training environment. I like the structured curriculum where techniques are taught in a logical order with online videos that can be used to prepare for class or go back and review afterwards.
I love training with Jim at the Lakewood Jiu Jitsu. It’s a great location. As a blue belt from another school, going through the Gracie Combatives program is helping me address gaps and also improve my Jiu Jitsu practice.
New to BJJ? Start at Lakewood Jiu Jitsu Academy
Lakewood Jiu Jitsu Academy 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 Lakewood 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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