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Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 126 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Madison, Wisconsin
Plan your first class
- 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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bjjmadison.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (608) 852-7405
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–12 PM, 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–12 PM, 4:45–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“We first visited Sanctuary to see if my son (9) would be interested in jiu jitsu.”
“Super clean environment, very good looking training space, welcoming environment (saying this as a woman), fun and safe rolls.”
“Out-of-towner here: visited Sanctuary for an early-morning no-gi open mat (beginning with situational rolling) and loved it.”
“Out-of-towner here: visited Sanctuary for an early-morning no-gi open mat (beginning with situational rolling) and loved it.”
“Earlier this year, I visited Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu to attend their free Women’s Self-Defense Seminar.”
Other martial arts here
“Our family had no martial arts or wrestling experience but the coaches are amazing, other kids were welcoming, and the content/classes were great.”
What members say
“Jordan is an amazing instructor with the help of 2 of the nicest people I’ve come across (Karen and Ryan).”
“The regulars were challenging yet welcoming––no attitudes and not overly aggressive (much appreciated when, like me, you're 5'8'', <150 lbs, and 57 years old).”
“The regulars were challenging yet welcoming––no attitudes and not overly aggressive (much appreciated when, like me, you're 5'8'', <150 lbs, and 57 years old).”
“The gym was clean, friendly and the coach was very passionate towards his technique and students.”
“Super clean environment, very good looking training space, welcoming environment (saying this as a woman), fun and safe rolls.”
“Super clean environment, very good looking training space, welcoming environment (saying this as a woman), fun and safe rolls.”
From the reviews
Sanctuary is the best possible gym you could ask for. The owners ask everyone in the gym what they can be doing to make it better for everyone. They care for people on and off the mats. I recommend everyone to at least come stop by for open mat or even a class.
Earlier this year, I visited Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu to attend their free Women’s Self-Defense Seminar. I have no background in jiu-jitsu (or any other martial art) and tend to feel out of place when visiting gyms I’m not a regular member of - but coaches Jordan and Karen made myself and the friends I attended with feel…
I was briefly in Wisconsin for work and after looking into some of the Bjj gyms in the area, I decided to drop in to Sanctuary. I am so glad I did, the owners, Jordan and Ryan, were super welcoming. Jordan answered all my questions about the type of class I should expect. Ryan led the class and was very knowledgeable.
We first visited Sanctuary to see if my son (9) would be interested in jiu jitsu. 12 months later, all three of my kids (11, 9, 7) are part of the kids program and I've joined as well.
New to BJJ? Start at Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu
Sanctuary 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 Sanctuary 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.
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