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The Sword Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Eagle River, Alaska

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule theswordbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (907) 301-2337

Hours

Monday 6–7:30 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Tuesday 5:15–8 PM
Wednesday 6–7:30 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Thursday 5:15–8 PM
Friday 5:15–7:30 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM–1:15 PM
Sunday 12:15–1:30 PM

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at The Sword Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 12 mentions

“The coach is incredibly patient with kids, knows how to keep them engaged, and clearly cares deeply about teaching both jiu jitsu and promoting good character.”

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🏆 Competition Team 4 mentions

“If you're an adult that wants to get in shape, learn legit self defense, want to compete, or have been out and want to start back up, you won't regret coming here.”

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🔓 Open Mat

“(5 days of instruction and an open mat on Saturdays).”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“Other than the benefits my girls got from self-defense, self-esteem, and overall physical fitness, his prices are great, especially since I can take them 6 days a week!”

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🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“Professor Chris does an excellent job breaking down the technique for all levels.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 34 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 6 mentions

“Great instructor who truly cares about his students and teaches both real world self defense as well as competition BJJ.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 8 mentions

“Coach Chris is very welcoming to his students, he teaches basic fundamentals and technical moves all while keeping the class fun and exciting.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 12 mentions

“Coach Chris is very welcoming to his students, he teaches basic fundamentals and technical moves all while keeping the class fun and exciting.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

“Coach Chris is very welcoming to his students, he teaches basic fundamentals and technical moves all while keeping the class fun and exciting.”

active competition team 5 mentions

“If you're an adult that wants to get in shape, learn legit self defense, want to compete, or have been out and want to start back up, you won't regret coming here.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 14 mentions

“Speaking from experience, if you want your kids be able to work through adversity and learn resiliency, this is a fantastic discipline/sport to get involved in.”

From the reviews

Great experience training while vacationing in Alaska. Meet Coach Chris the owner and head instructor. He provides detailed analysis to level up your game and focus on the art while enjoying challenging yourself.

★★★★★ — Eric, Aug 2025

I visited multiple gyms trying to find a good fit for my boys and I and finally found it. Great instructor who truly cares about his students and teaches both real world self defense as well as competition BJJ. My 7 and 10 year have gained more fitness, discipline, and confidence.

★★★★★ — Bobby, May 2021

Definitely the best bjj gym I've ever been too. Professor Chris does an excellent job breaking down the technique for all levels. Highly recommend for any skill level to join this gym.

★★★★★ — Cn, May 2021

I have two boys who have trained with Sword under Coach Chris for coming up on 3 years. He strikes, in my opinion, a delicate and very important balance of the following: - All skill levels and appropriate age groups receive instruction and get solid reps in basic skills, while those with more advanced skills continue…

★★★★★ — Gabriel, Mar 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 34 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at The Sword Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The Sword Brazilian 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at The Sword Brazilian 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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find The Sword Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

10950 Mausel St B3, Eagle River, AK99577

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.