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Portage JiuJitsu - Lightning Kicks
4.9 ★★★★★ 153 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Portage, 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 (ages 4–15) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule lightningkicks.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 269-383-2610
Hours
| Monday | 6–9 am, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–9 am, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 7:30–9 am, 6–7 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 10 am–12 pm |
The classes they run
“I highly recommend Lightning Kicks to anyone who is seeking to provide discipline, confidence, and holistic development to their children and/or themselves.”
“lots of instructors helping each class so they receive a lot of one on one time.”
“My daughter and I had the best time at the self defense class taught by Paige and Ruth.”
“The atmosphere strikes a great balance—friendly and welcoming for beginners, while still competitive enough to push you to improve.”
Other martial arts here
“With a variety of classes in BJJ, MMA, and more, this gym is an excellent place for both beginners and advanced fighters looking to grow.”
What members say
“Coach Chris was very knowledgeable and helpful - showing key details for sweeps from various positions.”
“The environment is super friendly and welcoming—everyone, from the coaches to the other students, goes out of their way to make newcomers feel comfortable.”
“The environment is super friendly and welcoming—everyone, from the coaches to the other students, goes out of their way to make newcomers feel comfortable.”
“The class was very very helpful and I left with knowledge of practical techniques that have empowered me to believe I can get out of a difficult situation if needed.”
“The coaches are not only experienced in real competitions but also super helpful and approachable.”
“Amazing instruction, women friendly, and left feeling more confident in my ability to protect myself!”
From the reviews
Update! I have now been going to this school for almost nine years, and I love it more every class I go to. Come on in and join us. We take pride in walking each new or existing member through their own journey and making sure you are meeting your goals and feeling welcome. Come on in!
My son has been coming for several months now, we signed up because it’s difficult for him to sit still. The classes teach respect, responsible and self worth. I could not suggest the classes more. The teachers and owner are both on a league above others.
I just attended Break Free, the introductory Women's Self-Defense Seminar. This affordable seminar offers incredible value. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone without hesitation. The atmosphere was safe and welcoming. The instructors were respectful and their explanations were clear.
I recently attended the Self Defense class with my co-workers. Lightening Kicks is a very welcoming place. The class was very very helpful and I left with knowledge of practical techniques that have empowered me to believe I can get out of a difficult situation if needed.
New to BJJ? Start at Portage JiuJitsu - Lightning Kicks
Portage JiuJitsu - Lightning Kicks 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 Portage JiuJitsu - Lightning Kicks
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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