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Why Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense

5 ★★★★★ 9 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Bend, Oregon

BJJ gym No-gi

Plan your first class

  • 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 whyjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 541-299-9030

Hours

Monday 6–8 am
Tuesday 4–5:30 pm
Wednesday 6–8 am
Thursday 4–5:30 pm
Friday 6–8 am
Saturday 9:30 am–12 am
Sunday Closed

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 Why Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🩳 No-Gi 4 mentions

“Attention to detail , consistency, functionality and the Why of modern day Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu , Submission grappling.”

All gyms that run no-gi →

🥋 Gi

“Unparalleled in his focus to blend the details of practical self defense with the fun and exciting innovations of modern Gi and NoGi submission grappling.”

All gyms that run gi →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Unparalleled in his focus to blend the details of practical self defense with the fun and exciting innovations of modern Gi and NoGi submission grappling.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 9 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 7 mentions

“Ian is a knowledgeable instructor who is able to lead well, connect and engage with students students of all levels and ages.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Ian is a knowledgeable instructor who is able to lead well, connect and engage with students students of all levels and ages.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 4 mentions

“His style is very welcoming, patient, and he’s extremely skilled at coaching.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“One of the things that sets Coach Ian apart is his attention to detail and his ability to break down complex techniques, making them easy to understand for everyone.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“Unparalleled in his focus to blend the details of practical self defense with the fun and exciting innovations of modern Gi and NoGi submission grappling.”

From the reviews

Attention to detail , consistency, functionality and the Why of modern day Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu , Submission grappling. Black belt instructor Ian Lewis is a pilar of the local PNW martial arts community.

★★★★★ — Paul, Sep 2024

Ian is an excellent coach who always shows up well prepared. I have been training under him for a couple of years and my jiu jitsu has become much better in that time. He is great at recognizing the areas that you need to improve and communicating techniques thay will elevate your jiu jitsu.

★★★★★ — Evan, Sep 2024

I’ve been going to Coach Ian’s class for a little less than a year now and in the time I have grown to love jiu jitsu even more because of the way he conducts his classes. His classes are well thought out and articulated. He also creates an inviting space regardless of experience.

★★★★★ — Jenna, Sep 2024

I have done Jiu Jitsu for almost two years, I was nervous to try Gi but needless to say I gave it a whirl , It’s now a class I look forward to. Great coach and very knowledgeable, if you train Gi or no Gi , Ian is the man.

★★★★★ — Sean, Sep 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 9 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Why Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense

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 Why Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense

20370 Empire Ave Ste C6, Bend, OR97703

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.