A very experienced, knowledgeable, and professional staff. If youve been on the fence about getting into this, rest assured that this isnt a bully-academy or a meathead parade of people trying to prove how tough they are to more inexperienced players. I continue to learn and couldnt be more grateful.

I visit Ann Arbor from time to time and I called hoping to drop-in for a jiu-jitsu class for when I do visit. I live about an hour away and I called asking about the drop-in fee. However, the academy believed that an hour away distance is “too close” and would not let me drop-in for a class. I would have to become a member if I were interested. It’s frustrating that the gym seems exclusive and considers an hour distance to be too close.

Very nice gym and staff

Good instructor, good classes. Ridiculous pricing for the amount of classes. $145 is what I paid at an academy that had morning, noon, AND evening classes all week, plus free open mats on the weekends. Here I paid the same and they only have evening classes; I worked evenings so I could only come twice a week on my days off. Absolutely not worth it.

Finally took the plunge and started BJJ. As an older student I didn’t expect what came next. The coaches made sure each and every student was involved and pushed you not only physically but mentally. I have to say I felt welcomed and part of a family right after the first class. Two months in and covid hit. All the training on the mats stopped BUT all the coaches have stayed interactive to help with virtual learning along with video and audio lectures with great teachings. This by far has been a fantastic experience and know I will be here for many years to come. I would recommend this academy to anyone who asks.

I have been with URSA Academys FKB (fitness kickboxing) program for about 6 months now and I have loved every second of it. They have completely changed my life for the better. Its affordable and it works! The coaches and the other members are all so supportive and you really get that family feel. I love my URSA family and they have showed me how to love and better myself even outside of the academy. You wont regret giving them a chance, I know I didnt.P.S. - This is a great place for first timers too!

I’m the type of person who needs to work out with a group to be encouraged. I found the URSA kickboxing on Facebook and they had specials at that time, I came in and tried their work out and at that same day, I signed up for the classes! This place is amazing. It’s conducive, clean and kid friendly! Classes are challenging but fun! The trainers are awesome and supportive and they make you feel like you’re part of the family!

Awesome training partners and awesome instruction. I have been training for four years and my game got exponentially better when I started seriously training at Ursa. Kris is a phenomenal instructor and is a true competitor. He also has an obvious passion for teaching and puts his students above all else. There are great beginner courses so new comers are not thrown to the wolves but are groomed and steadily integrated into higher levels of training. And those who come with experience will find friendly and skilled training partners. Come check it out for yourself, .

Among the many spaces you can work-out in the area, this definitely is worth checking out! If you feel timid as I did when I went for my first kickboxing class, you will be warmly received and can take things at your own pace, whether its high-intensity or as a novice like me. Highly recommend. Clean, and welcoming space.

I have been attending the fitness kickboxing classes at URSA for about 3 months and love it. I was a total beginner at kickboxing but was able to quickly pick up on the essentials due to the awesome instructors who are fun and knowledgeable. Also after attending a few classes you feel like part of a community (its like Cheers - where everybody knows your name!). Finally there is nothing quite so stress relieving as getting to punch or kick the bag and going 2-3 days per week is a great way to mix up my normal fitness routine.

The people at the Academy are great and the instruction is top notch. I will say that as a beginner I felt looked over at times and more focus was on the veterans. It is probably just my lack of ability, but I could have used a bit more instruction. My one major issue is the fee structure. READ THE SMALL PRINT! One year agreements...fees to suspend your account..automatic charges to suspended accounts after a year or not participating. When I called and asked for a refund (I already lost a $100 deposit due when I suspended the account) they refused. So I was hit with another fee!?! Not customer friendly. The place is raking in cash (and they deserve it) but still not willing to work with a faithful customer. Be wary!

I have been taking kickboxing classes for the past 7 months and love it! The staff and the coaches are awesome! Classes are so much fun and the coaches take the time to work with everyone throughout the class. I highly recommend URSA if youre looking for something new to try.

I have been working out at URSA for over a year and I have really enjoyed it. I do the fitness kickboxing program and its an amazing workout. Even better, its never boring and always a lot of fun, which handily distracts you from how hard youre working. :) The instructors are knowledgeable and kind and the classes can be adapted for all fitness levels.

I love kickboxing here! The instructors are encouraging and personable. The classes are fun and I’ve lost 15 lbs so far. Love it

This school is an absolutely amazing place to train! The instructors are all very knowledgeable about the subjects they teach, and welcome questions to help you gain what you need to know all while making sure you get a great workout. Everyone who trains here is extremely helpful and supportive and will quickly welcome you into the family. Since starting here Ive lost quite a bit of fat while gaining some nice muscle, coupled with a confidence I didnt think Id ever have!

URSA Fitness Kickboxing program really has changed me for the better and imI beyond grateful. The staff is amazing and always helpful. The workouts are designed to meet people where they are and you have the freedom to push yourself. There is always something new in the routines and the coaches really pay attention to technique to ensure you are being safe and preventing injury.FKB has not only boosted my weight loss but its just fun to come in and workout with folks.

When I came to URSA Academy I already had a few years of martial arts experience but Professor Kris has helped me so much to focus on technique more so than in my past. The higher level belts are also very helpful when training and overall there is a family atmosphere when visiting. I recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn a martial art or even someone who wants to improve their overall health.

Super clean and organized. Before signing up, I took part in a small interview for the owners to see how and why I got into the sport. Because of this, Its easy to see why there are no super aggressive athletes with wrong intentions at this club; they are weeded out early. Coach Kris is a tremendous instructor and I always seem to get life lessons from his teaching. Every one is friendly, helpful, and they train hard.Clean shower on site, competition opportunities, and the promotions are earned.Overall, a really great place to be.

I take the fitness kickboxing classes here normally twice a week. I love these classes! They have tons of times so I can come when I have time and skip a day if I get busy. The instructors are great, super helpful and fun and the other girls are always super nice and fun as well. Its a great, welcoming environment, plus its an amazing butt kicking workout. Whats not to love!?

I joined the Fitness Kickboxing (FKB) program a month ago and absolutely love it. The instructors are very friendly and encouraging and teach in a variety of styles so you can mix it up and dont have to stick to one style. The classes are exciting and Ive gotten good results already and met some cool people. Best exercise Ive gotten in a while!

TO PARENTS LOOKING FOR A SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN.I took an introductory class and was very impressed with what I learned even in the first class. I am looking forward to attending myself, but the principle reason I was looking for a school was for my two young children. Ages 7 and 5. The instructors did an amazing job of creating games that are also very practical exercises to build critical skills of self defense for your children. There are many schools out there that teach kids or at least claim to and I researched many of them myself before deciding this was the school for my family. Grappling skills are the most practical way particularly for very young children to learn to defend themselves against bullies without hurting themselves or the bully in the process. While the children were playing at the class I could see practical applications to every one of the games. As a parent I highly recommend this school. Your child will learn valuable skills and have a blast while doing it.

Love URSA!! Both myself (Darcey) and my daughter have taken classes here. My daughter absolutely loves their kids BJJ class, not just the sport but the support she gets from her coaches. Just in her first week I saw her grow on skill and focus. As a parent I love to get to watch her classes and see her so happy!! I personally take the Fitness Kickboxing classes. They have three different coaches which is awesome!!! It doesnt get boring or stale, you are pushed and encouraged. I was extremely out of shape and have felt amazing after taking the classes. Being new to MI this place has helped us find a place to feel like home.

Ursa academy is an excellent place to kick box for beginners and conditioned athletes and everyone in between. Fun ,SAFE, addicting sweat fest workouts with super cool people. Dont wait- come work out with us!

Dropped in for a couple weeks. Very friendly team and excellent instruction. Ill be back whenever Im in town.

My friend talked me into coming to a class at the URSA academy in the fall of 2013, and I started attending seriously to start 2014. It was one of the best decisions Ive made. Professor Kris does a great job leading the class, and always helping me to feel like Im growing and building towards something. Working out in the gym can get boring with no landmarks, whereas with BJJ I am always mindful that Im on a long path towards something great. Classes are competitive and educational, and weve had some excellent seminars from world class athletes that Ive been able to attend. Id highly recommend URSA Academy.

Joining URSA Academy will be one of the best choices you make. You are welcomed as part of the team from day 1. Each and every team member is a great partner to help better your skills. Professor Kris is second to none.

I had the pleasure of visiting and training at this school while traveling for business. Everyone at this school is very welcoming plus the facility is extremely clean and spacious.The instruction here is fantastic and I really enjoy the way the lessons are taught.If you’re looking for a great place to start jiu jitsu or are traveling through this area you have to visit this school.Thank you again for your hospitality and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

My friend found an offer to try three classes for fitness kickboxing at a great deal. Her and I couldnt line up our schedules to try at the same time so I went alone. At the first class, it wasnt a bad experience but it definitely wasnt something that had me convinced. Then come on the high pressure sales tactics where their minimum packages were maybe 20 classes and if you buy tonight you can save $100. Im against those sales tactics so I didnt buy. Later I discussed with another friend and she goes to a place that has prices similar to the price with the $100 discount and lets you pay per class instead of agreeing to some $200+ package the first night. You dont even know yet how youll feel the next day! Needless to say - neither my friend or I ever came back for a second class, and whats probably the worst part is that they still send text messages over a year later asking if Im still interested. Nope.

Great place to train Brazilian jujitsu. Youll get both great instruction and training partners. Staff are friendly and the mats are kept clean.

I need some sort of structure to work out, or I’ll end up aimlessly flailing weights around and taking a casual stroll on a treadmill, if I happen to do anything at all. They give me a well-rounded work out, and make me forget how much I hate sweating, which is pretty great in my book.

Best place for those who are looking for a friendly and supportive environment. I have been there for several months and I have been helped a lot by so many people there! They are very good at working with the beginners (I was a beginner). They are very patient. I love this place!

Great place! Awesome classes! Wonderful coaches! Fitness for all ages and levels. I definitely recommend URSA!

I have been Going to Ursa Academy For a little over a year now and have had an amazing experience. Kris is a incredible instructor and a great person. All of the students are very kind and helpful, so if you are new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Ursa Academy is the place to be. If you are more competitive and want to get fit, their are classes that will push you to your limit. Every time you come to class you get better and grow as a person. Ursa Academy is a family and I would highly recommend trying it out. I promise you will not be disappointed.

They claim to have a 30 day no obligation trial. You come in and they are extremely nice at first, but then start pressuring you into a contract. The pressure never ends, and continues to compound until you are overwhelmed. Once you are overwhelmed and mentally exhausted they get you into a contract and then their entire demeanor changes. No more mister nice guy, no more politeness. and no more enjoyable experiences. Overall terrible time. I wouldnt recommend trying them out.

I have been a student at URSA for a year and absolutely love it. I have never been one to exercise, and was at a point where I needed to find something that motivated me to work. The Jiu Jitsu taught here makes one want to come back, improve, and continue in their personal journey. When I came to URSA Academy, I quickly realized that this was a place where every student was simply there to learn and to help their peers improve. Professor Kris is dedicated to always developing the schools curriculum, growing as a student of the art, and engaging as a professor. It is an honor to be a member of URSA Academy.

Love it here. World class Brazilian Jiu jitsu. Worlds best training partners. Great workout that also engages your mind. Professor Kris is an outstanding mentor and coach, Amy is very personable and knowledgeable, coach John is patient and knows his technique, coach Steve is great with kids and always energetic. Everyone here is like a second family. Blessed to be a part of something this good.

Very encouraging environment for physical fitness. The training methods and skill enhancing courses are awesome.

You should definitely check out URSA kickboxing. There is a variety of exercises to body-weight, abdominal, cardio etc. Definitely not boring and Im always pumped to attend and interact with the coaches and other members.

This is by far the best academy/school for bjj in Ann Arbor. Coming here is the greatest stress relief and the teaching is amazing.Amazing coaching, teaching, and a great environment.100% would recommend!

BEST BJJ school in SE Michigan!! Before finding URSA Academy I tried many different BJJ schools around SE Michigan but none can compare. URSA Academy provides great instruction and support for all levels of experience, athleticism, age, and gender. Part of the greatness of this school is the culture among students as everyone is excited to learn and teach from each other and all egos are checked at the door. Students attend URSA Academy with a wide array of goals: some just like to get into better shape, some like to compete, others find confidence in their ability to defend themselves, and the list goes on. If youre looking for a new place to train, or just dont know where to start, URSA Academy would be my first recommendation.

Amy and Kris Magers run a phenomenal gym. Ive trained BJJ for almost 4 years, and these guys offer the best training you could ask for. Kris is a patient and thorough teacher, and he taught me several techniques that are now bread-and-butter for me. They were also very understanding with a billing mistake on my end, and helped me fix it immediately.Train here, you wont regret it.

The staff at this facility are so welcoming and work hard to give people a good work out. Its great for anyone at any fitness level.

Ive been taking URSA kickboxing classes for almost a year now. This program has been the most cost friendly and effective workout program that I have tried in the last two years.

The coaches are great and the classes are really fun. It is also a great workout!

Great place to learn at any level. Very knowlegeble and friendly staff. I would definitly recomend this as a fun way to stay or get in shape.

Its so fabulous, all of the coaches are amazing and so incredibly helpful with whatever you need help with!

A great, fun way to do a cardio workout (without running). A super welcoming community of people!!!!

I love working here. Kris and Amy provide a very friendly and healthy environment for everyone to feel comfortable.

Their 30 day no obligation trial is a complete lie. They push you into deals and call it a favor and basically lied and put me into a contract when we had a lengthy conversation about paying on a month to month basis. Seems like a knowledgeable teacher but shady business tactics.

Amazing coaches. Ashlynne at the front does a great job too!

The staff and members their are wonderful. You are greated your first day as though have been there for years and as if you are part of a family. The instructors are highly knowledgeable and willing to become hands on to unsure you are taught properly. As someone who is out of shape, I did not last long in the exercises. I was surprised and greatful that they did not push more than I can handle and that when I had to step out, the instructors stepped in to keep the pace and training going. I would recommend Ribeiro to anyone who is looking to become knowledgeable and taught in the ways of Jui-Jitsu or to simple seek a matter of personal fitness.

The coaches are great, the curriculum is well regimented and designed to take you to the next level. The facility is clean and well laid out.

Welcoming attitude for beginners, great expertise for advanced players. The best combination of warm and rigorous atmosphere.

I only experienced one class, but for what its worth, the muay thai class by Ibrahim was great!More importantly, the 60 day money back guarantee is real. I hade a great experience despite not continuing through. Kris and Amy are really friendly. They will work with you, and keep their word.

Jiu-jitsu = peace of mind…The only thing better then the quality of training & exceptional instruction I have received at URSA, is the bond forged with training partners along the journey. From the first moments of stepping in the door you are warmly welcomed, YOU ARE FAMILY. Remember this… No matter your size, no matter your age, regardless of background or profession; when we step onto the mat we are all equals! Once your soul feels the balance jiu-jitsu brings, there is nothing like it… you just have to take the first step toward a new chapter, see you there.

When I joined URSA Academy, I was coming from a couple years of Jiu Jitsu experience at another gym. So I had some basis for comparison, which isn’t the case for a lot of people. It was clear after my first lesson with Professor Kris how invested he was in his gym and in himself as an instructor. Jiu Jitsu is an intangible product, which makes the brand that much more important. With his wife, Amy, Pr. Kris has combined his 10+ years of training under two of the most revered and celebrated athletes in the sport, with an advanced yet natural teaching method that is effective at every level. Their own brand of BJJ. They understand that selling Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not a transactional business, but rather a relationship-based one. The atmosphere at the gym is always positive, encouraging and genuine. While most places only teach the sport of Jiu Jitsu, Professor Kris and the staff at URSA Academy teach the lifestyle of Jiu Jitsu.

I have been training at URSA since July 2015. As a young woman signing up for her first Brazilian jiu-jitsu class, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was admittedly cautious at first, knowing I had three classes to decide if this was for me or not. My first experience with the coaches and other students was so incredibly welcoming and positive that I signed a permanent contract and have been with the academy ever since. In only a few short months, I have already learned more than I ever would have thought possible.At URSA, you will find the best instruction in Michigan from Professor Kris Magers. The academy envionrment is always family friendly and welcoming, as well as incredibly clean. Prof. Kris and Amy emphasize the importance of putting safety first on and off the mats, and the way they run the academy is a testament to how much they care for all of their students.On a personal note, I recently competed in my first tournament at the Chicago Open, taking home bronze. My training partners and coaches have become some of my closest friends and greatest supporters. I could not have done it without them. You will never feel pushed into competing though the option is available if you are interested-- at a local, state, or international level.I encourage anyone interested in jiu-jitsu to come to URSA and try it out. If you are looking for a sport, hobby, or self defense, no matter your age, race, or gender, you are sure to feel welcome.

I was looking for something different to keep me active and help me lose a few extra pounds. I found URSA online and decided to try the internet special for $20, I think you get 3 lessons and a jiu-jitsu Gi. I was hooked after the first lesson, we learned 2 chokeholds and immediately signed up.The staff is super friendly and make you feel welcome instantly. Everyone taking the classes are also great at helping you with technique and making sure youre performing it right. I would definitely recommend URSA to anyone who wants to get into jiu-jitsu and wants to belong to a great community of fellow martial arts students!

Great instructors and a really positive environment!

I trained with Professor Kris and team for about a year and it was an amazing experience. Both Kris and Amy are extremely professional and helpful and the academy has a very friendly atmosphere. The classes are really well structured and have flexible schedules. Professor Kris has a very sharp and helpful teaching style that makes you progress really quickly; I felt really motivated to go training even with extremely low temperatures of Michigan. I am Brazilian and trained in the famous Alliance academy in Sao Paulo with Fabio Gurgel, so I have some good references of what a good jiu-jitsu academy should be. Moreover, there were several workshops with the legend Xande Ribeiro (co-founder of the Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu academy) and current world champion. I just left the academy because I moved to California; otherwise I would keep training with them for sure. It is definitely a family-run academy: when I was missing classes because I was studying a lot (was attending MBA at U-Michigan) Professor Kris called me a couple of times and asked me why I was not going, if I needed to change my scheduled, etc.. That really motivated me to keep training and felt well regarded by the team. 5 stars!

Awesome people, awesome workout while you learn a martial art!

My son and I started jiu jitsu as way to get him out from behind the glow of the Xbox and me off my 50lbs. overweight ass. I had no idea it would transform not only our bodies but our mindset and even our relationship.In the 8 months I have been there I lost over 50 lbs. and learned to push myself harder than I had in many years. My son reached a level of self confidence and determination I never knew he was capable of. I never looked at him as a go getter or even someone who wanted to compete. Just before my move he begged to compete in a local BJJ tournament. I had no expectations and to be honest didnt have high hopes. He blew me away with his skills and took home a silver medal. More so than winning was his attitude in defeat. His first words after a hard fought loss were, I cant wait to compete again. Super proud jiu jitsu dad.I have recently moved to Portland and it was heart breaking to leave what have become lifelong friends and family I made it Ursa. I still keep in touch and plan on visiting as soon as I go back. Professor Kris is a great and easy to understand teacher who places a lot of emphasis on getting the fundamentals right. He even helped me find my new school out here in Portland.Great people. Courteous, friendly and no ego. Probably the cleanest school I have trained at. Professor Kris will teach you roots jiu jitsu that holds up anywhere.

I am proud and honored to have started my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey here at URSA Academy Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Ann Arbor.Professor Kris is an amazing instructor who always demonstrates a positive attitude toward teaching and life!His instruction is very detailed, clear, and concise. Yet, simple for anyone understand. Professor Kris is always looking to raise the standard in teaching innovative techniques that are helpful to anyone no matter what age or level they are.The mentorship URSA Academy provides is second to none. No matter what your goals are in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Professor Kris can help you accomplish it. Professor Kris recognizes the strengths and weaknesses each and everyone of his students have. He always takes the time to capitalizes the strengths and mitigate the weakness. That hands down, shows you how much he is devoted to his students. I can personally say myself.Many have the ability to teach and compete Jiu Jitsu however Professor Kris has the passion to live it and the compassion to teach it.

Me: 45 year old fan of mixed-martial arts that was looking for a way to incorporate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into my fitness goals.My Requirements: Had to be a clean, safe, friendly and PROFESSIONALLY run business that trained specifically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Was not interested in learning BJJ from a Judo or other hybrid type of school.Why I chose URSA Academy: I am a very thorough person. After spending a good amount of time researching the available options, I couldnt have made a better choice. Despite other comments here regarding their 30 day free trial, I found it to be a perfect and completely pressure-free way for me to evaluate their school. Within the first few weeks I made the decision to enroll and it was a no-brainer as their academy not only met, but exceeded every one of my admittedly strict requirements.Comments about URSA Academy: Professor Kris received his Black Belt from Saulo Ribeiro, a 5X world champion in the sport. The preparation of his training curriculum and teaching methodology is as world class as Saulos competition performances. The culture is friendly and supportive and I honestly feel honored to have the training partners that I do. It is a family-owned business and they work extremely hard to offer what I know is the best martial arts instruction you will find in Ann Arbor. After a year and a half of training here, I have lost 45 lbs., have never felt better and look forward to every day that I go there to train. If youre looking for this type of experience, save yourself a lot of time (and probably some broken bones) and look no further.

Jiu-Jitsu never felt so AWESOME!! If you are looking for one of the best BJJ schools in Michigan, you have found it. Personally, I have trained with a great deal of people over the past few years. And nothing can compare to the training and instruction you will receive under Kristan Magers [A Saulo Ribeiro Black Belt].The school is clean, spacious, and EGO-FREE!! The students are friendly, VERY respectful, and all share the same mindset of helping each other to achieve BJJ proficiency.BJJ is also an amazing way for getting in peak physical condition, while having great fun at the same time. Many of us have shed unwanted pounds while on the Journey of Jiu-Jitsu.No matter what skill level, or physical limitations, all comers are welcome with open arms, and smiles. I firmly believe that once you finally give it a shot, you will be hooked.

Very friendly and welcoming staff, great coaches, always a great work out.

I like working out here. Next new thing to try!

Great instruction with staff that care about anybody and everyone that walks in.

The membership is grossly overpriced, mat space is limited for how many students there are and the class I attended was taught by a white belt.

Helpful coaches, clean facility and great workouts!

Instructors really didnt seem to know what they were talking about. and I got attitude from then when I tried to contribute during class. welp, at least the trial was free.

So far so good!

Great!