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NAK2 Academy
5 ★★★★★ 101 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Issaquah, 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 (ages 5–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule nak2.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 425-295-7077
Hours
| Monday | 4:15–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–1 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:15–8 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–1 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Friday | 4:15–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–12 pm |
The classes they run
“I was able to watch them work with their kids class and they did a masterful job.”
“I recently began taking the women empowered classes to improve my skill and confidence in self-defense knowing I have a family to protect in any situation.”
“I think regardless of the true beginner or the most experienced player, this is the place to find inclusive, challenging and fun.”
Other martial arts here
“I’ve been taking Muay Thai classes for a little over a month at this point and have really enjoyed the experience.”
What members say
“I had no martial arts experience and was nervous coming into the gym for my first class, but everyone has been very kind and welcoming.”
“I recently began taking the women empowered classes to improve my skill and confidence in self-defense knowing I have a family to protect in any situation.”
“I learned and practiced several techniques, the process was intellectually stimulating, it was a solid physical exercise, and I learned more than I thought I would.”
“I started the Gracie Combatives course a few months ago, never having done it before, and have left every day smiling.”
“I’ve trained at several gyms prior to Nak2 and I can say Nak2 is the most professional, friendly, and clean gym in my experience.”
“I recently began taking the women empowered classes to improve my skill and confidence in self-defense knowing I have a family to protect in any situation.”
From the reviews
Found Barry's school while searching for a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Certified Training Center. A few days later attended a super seminar in Seattle facilitated by the Gracie brother's. Barry and his wife were so generous to take us under their wing at that event.
Never too old to start! I started training Jiu Jitsu at NAK2 Academy when I was 50 years old. 8+ years later I’m still rolling twice a week. The Gracie Certified Training Center curriculum will keep you safely learning and growing for years. Barry, Jen, and their family have built a family-friendly school for all ages.
Coach Barry and team are fantastic. Having started taking jiu jitsu with no martial arts experience, I was at first intimidated. Barry and the other coaches made me feel comfortable from the get go. They are both patient and challenging. I look forward to classes each week!
I had no martial arts experience and was nervous coming into the gym for my first class, but everyone has been very kind and welcoming. Barry and Jen are awesome coaches. It's been a wonderful experience.
New to BJJ? Start at NAK2 Academy
NAK2 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 NAK2 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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