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Journey Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
3179 Muir Field Rd, Madison, WI 53719, United States
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Br
Review №1

I have been training at Journey for approximately 5 months, best investment I’ve made in a long time. At 37 years old I weighed 205 lbs in January and I now weigh 170 lbs. This gym has an amazing and diverse group of people: younger, older, men, women, college athletes, middle aged parents (like me), and everything in between. DO NOT be intimidated if you do not have grappling experience, everyone there is focused on making each other better. If you were a wrestler and want to push yourself there are some great training partners that can assist you with that at Journey. It is an amazing little community, and I have made several new friends. Coach Alex & Bill are incredibly welcoming. Just stepping foot in the door is the hardest part, once you’re there it’s addicting. If health and confidence is a priority, you should consider it.

To
Review №2

I just want to add one critical review since the others are so positive. The programs they offer are misleading. When doing the 6 week introductory program, I was told that I would be refunded my 600$ deposit after the 6 weeks. When I read the contract, I saw that it would be returned as a deposit, and not back into my bank account as was explained in person. Furthermore, when you sign the contract for the blue belt program, you surrender your rights to leave a negative review. I did not sign that contract, and want to leave this review as a result. The program itself deserves around 3 stars I believe. The instructions are fairly good, though there are other places that offer better instructions for cheaper prices. There are also an uncommon amount of injuries here, which isn’t good. Someone fractured their rib on their first lesson due to the instructor’s lack of emphasis on safety. I’ve also heard that the owner tries to steal customers from other BJJ studios in the area. I enjoyed this program, but I believe that the dishonesty, among other things, deserves to be called out.Edit (response to owner’s response): 1) Yes, the contract did specify that the deposit would be returned as a credit. However, when discussing it verbally, I was told that “99% of people just have it refunded,” and that “it’s just so people don’t quit halfway through.” I’m not saying I got scammed at all because I read and understood the contract, but the conversation we had was misleading. 2) The rib fracture was the only severe injury I witnessed, but I saw occasional minor ones as well. I have friends who have gone to other BJJ gyms for years, and say they’ve never seen any injuries. Other gym owners also say that Alex tries to call their customers to “steal” them. 3) Yes, I left a positive review because I did very much enjoy the program. I learned a lot, it has an amazing community, the classes were the perfect amount of rigorous, I didn’t have any severe injuries, and it improved my physical health. The purpose of this review is to call out some dishonest practices I noticed. I also find it extremely dishonest to force members to revoke their rights to leave negative reviews, so I suppose this review is also for any people that wanted to leave a negative review but found themselves unable to do so because of a contract they signed.

Br
Review №3

Love training with the other students and the excellent coaches at Journey. This is a very welcoming gym and incredibly inclusive to people new to the sport. There are some great upper belts that’s can really roll smooth and tough and also are willing to talk through situations or show additional skills after practice .

Be
Review №4

Ive been going to Journey BJJ for about 4 months now. I typically attend morning classes. The gym has a positive and safe atmosphere. I love the coaches - they genuinely care and offer great instruction, often staying after class to answer questions students may have, or to demonstrate some technical detail someone is asking about.

Ry
Review №5

I joined Journey in February 2021. It was one of the best decisions Ive made. Coaches are dedicated to their craft and are enthusiastic to teach their years of accumulated BJJ knowledge.

M
Review №6

Very clean, beginner-friendly atmosphere, solid coaching, focused curriculum… a great option for anyone near Madison looking to train BJJ… Start your journey today!

Jo
Review №7

Ive been attending Journey BJJ for about 3 months and am very glad I made the decision to give it a try. The coaches do a great job teaching someone with no experience and the members are friendly and helpful. Id recommend it if you have ever wanted to try BJJ.

Sa
Review №8

Friendly atmosphere and people are kind and do not try to hurt the new people. Do not be afraid of trying out a class because you think people will try to hurt you. New people are helped and not abused. Malicious people are not tolerated.

Ka
Review №9

Great gym! Super great coaches and friendly atmosphere and community! Safe and judgement free zone.

Ma
Review №10

A very well planned and professionally executed approach to instruction for both beginners and more experienced martial artists.

al
Review №11

Nice and safe educational environment. My kid has fun in every class. The coaches are nice and fun to work with. They focused well on the kids and the areas they need to improve into. Highly recommended.

Ad
Review №12

Its been a great experience for my 5 year old son. The place is clean, professional and the instructors are awesome with kids. Plus theyre learning invaluable strength, balance and self-defense moves. I wish my Dad signed me up for this when I was a kid.

Cl
Review №13

Journeys has been such a great experience for us and especially Emilee. Such a positive and great place for her we can’t thank you guys enough. Jujitsu is such a great sport in so many ways especially for young kids🤙🤙

Br
Review №14

I popped into journey BJJ at the start of the pandemic - classes were online and despite the fact it was virtual, there was still a supportive encouraging environment. Coach Alex was frequently checking in with us to gauge our satisfaction with the classes. As time went on, he made sure to inform us by email and in person about the COVID precautions they were taking as they transitioned to in person classes. They are checking temperatures at the door and thoroughly sanitizing the gym before each class.

Na
Review №15

I started taking Jiu-Jitsu classes to work on my cardio, lose some weight and build some natural strength, while hopefully doing something fun. I have a hard time with the monotonous routines of running and lifting weights. Let me tell you folks, this has ended up being one of the best choices Ive ever made. Not only has Journey Academy helped me take my fitness to the level I want, my overall strength has never been better. Even those pesky ab muscles have started to show! Not only that, but Ive met a lot of awesome people from all walks of life.I was very nervous my first day coming in but Coach Alex eased me into the process and Ill never look back.

Ju
Review №16

Ive been taking classes with Journey BJJ Academy for about 1.5 months now. Alex (the owner) and his team of coaches are extremely personable, knowledgeable, and effective. If youre looking for a new fitness experience, to learn some self-defense, or to devote yourself to a new craft, I would highly recommend this facility.

St
Review №17

Ive been going here for about 9 months and the owner / coaches have all been amazing. They are always pushing us to better ourselves but to do so safely. The environment has always been fun and friendly which was great especially as someone with zero wrestling or martial arts background before attending this gym. If you are interested in learning jiu jitsu I highly recommend coming here.

Ni
Review №18

Best place ever

Sa
Review №19

Alex is a great coach. His classes are structured and fun and he handles large groups of children of different ages well. He is supportive when you are just learning about Jiu Jitsu. (How many times has he tied my daughters belt? Who knows, Ive lost count even though the very useful app supporting classes here has a video on how to do it.) The place is joyful and well-taken care of as well.

Bi
Review №20

A fantastic gym!I’ve been to 2 classes so far, but everyone I’ve interacted with have been extremely welcoming and friendly. The coaches/instructors do a great job explaining new moves and ensure the students understand them.I recommend this gym to anyone that is considering trying BJJ - great culture, clean gym, and an amazing workout 💪🏼

Jo
Review №21

Great gym! Coaches are top notch. Other members are respectful and approachable. Facility is clean and well maintained. Cant wait to get back in.

Ma
Review №22

Fun place to learn and develop skills!

Ky
Review №23

I started here with a free workshop they had and instantly fell in love with Jiu-Jitsu and this place. The art is so dynamic and the teachers are world class in their knowledge and ability. The atmosphere is so welcoming and supportive you can’t help but make a few friends. Everyday I go to class I leave feeling better in my mind, body and spirit 🙂

Se
Review №24

So great with kids and respectful. Its a powerful workout for my young daughter and I love how the more experienced students help the others with tips, even when the experienced student is on their back being mounted - they just talk - amazing. Exceptional is another word Id use. Also, the coaches are phenomenal (one being a 3rd degree black belt that trained with the Gracies [look it up]) and fantastic with their class. I recommend this Academy 100%. Thanks Coaches Alex, and Cristiano!

Cm
Review №25

Amazing place to learn Jiu Jitsu, extremely clean and well maintained by the owner Alex. Coaching is fantastic and lots of time and energy is invested in you to get better. Good mix of students that are there to compete and excel fast as well as for self defense, to get in shape, etc. Would highly recommend this gym if you’ve never taken a Jiu jitsu class or want to compete at a high level.

Jo
Review №26

My 12 year old son and I joined Journey BJJ at the end of October, 2018 with the intent to help my son become physically active, learn to protect himself and teach him to be a more respectful and disciplined person. We were introduced to the art with the support of the superior instruction and friendship from both Prof. Cristiano and Coach Alex. Our learning adventure quickly became an addiction that my entire family is now a part of. Prof. Cristiano and Coach Alex have helped us all exceed even the greatest expectations we initially had set for ourselves and continue to push us to new levels of accomplishment and self confidence. Our little academy has quickly grown into a brother/sister hood and family where everyone is accepted and supported. This is a world class opportunity no one should miss! Come for the rolls and stay for the friends!

Mi
Review №27

The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and able to change their teaching style to do what is best for you. The patrons are friendly and relaxed. I looked at 4 different places before this one when I moved and this was by far the best I have seen in Madison.

Ra
Review №28

My very shy niece was being bullied at school. She has been going to Journey for 8 months now and she is so confident that she is not getting bullied anymore. She loves the classes and it keeps her mind focused. I cant say enough about the staff and how great they are with not only kids but with nervous parents as well!

Ka
Review №29

My son has been a student for several months. The study of BJJ has improved his physical health, his discipline, and his focus. He loves the classes. The leadership is kind, patient, and has high standards for the kids. I appreciate their calm style and their focus on personal integrity with the kids.

Ma
Review №30

You can tell - the owner lives and breaths Jiu Jitsu. He also take great pride in customer service and satisfaction. He has taken his myriad of skills and brought them to this focal point. Anyone who knows him will see that this arena is his pride and joy, and he will bend over backwards to those who choose to join him in this journey.

Sc
Review №31

Great place to check out BJJ if youre interested. Instructors are a good mix of helpful to newbies and experienced for veterans. Everyone there is friendly and helpful.

Ja
Review №32

Ive trained at multiple gyms and joining this gym has been so welcoming. Cristiano is a world class instructor and very helpful. Becoming a member at this gym was a great decision.

So
Review №33

Journey is a fantastic BJJ academy. Cristiano is the best instructor around. He teaches moves that use great control and not just force. His nuance is what makes his teaching especially effective. He explains the motivations and potential counters behind everything he does. The owner, Alex, is also incredibly friendly and super devoted to the study of BJJ. The facility itself is clean, welcoming, and just the right size. Pricing is competitive and you can get very good discounts for committing to a half year or more. I would (and do) recommend it to everyone

Ta
Review №34

Ive had children attend the Brazilian jujitsu classes. My kids, 6, 10, and 12, absolutely loved the classes, and they also learned so much. They progressed quickly and learned things I didnt expect like self confidence and discipline. My 6 year old would never speak in front of anyone outside the family but a few months into her classes and she would raise her hand to speak in front of the whole class with all the parents present. I really cant say enough about Journey, just a great experience over all.

Mi
Review №35

Amazing place! Super friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Nice facility and location. World class instruction!

Ts
Review №36

I started the 3 class trial and I’ve already signed up after my second class. Everyone here has been great so far and I’m excited to learn more from the coaches!

Sh
Review №37

When it comes to BJJ, this is the best the Madison Area has to offer. Really great atmosphere and the owner and instructor are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the art.

Am
Review №38

Awesome experience at Journey BJJ! Cristiano, Alex and the nogi class made me feel right at home. The instruction was superb and the facilities were clean and pristine! Check them out! #5stars

Jo
Review №39

Ive been training at Journey for about a month and have felt completely welcomed the whole time. Im new to BJJ, so the welcoming atmosphere has made training fun and challenging.

Sh
Review №40

Very experienced instruction, helpful students, great variety of classes and times. Also high quality mats in a clean well kept training Hall

Mo
Review №41

Journey BJJ Academy has the expertise of two phenomenal instructors that take pride in not only their knowledge of the art of Jiu Jitsu, but take pride in knowing that they get to teach their knowledge and demonstrate their love of the sport to students ranging from 4 year old white belts to second and third degree black belts. If you want to join a gym that challenges you in a fun and welcoming environment, Journey BJJ Academy is for you.

Ru
Review №42

I had been looking for a place to learn BJJ and get a good workout, and I couldnt be happier with my choice. Cristiano and Alex are great teachers, and other members are friendly and supportive.

Yo
Review №43

Cristiano is the best teacher youll get in BJJ and hes tremendous at what he does. Alex is also a good teacher and they both make it a great place to come and learn something new every time.

J
Review №44

Great place to train. Coaches are awesome!

Ni
Review №45

Professor Cristiano is a top-notch, high level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor who will work with students of all experience levels and help you grow. Whether you are considering trying BJJ as a new hobby to get more active, a former wrestler interested in expanding your skill set for competition, or an experienced BJJ practitioner seeking a new mat to call home, you will be in good hands at Journey BJJ. Alex, Co-owner, conducts himself and runs the academy in a very professional manner, which is truly reflected by the quality of people it attracts. Give the trial program a try and experience it for yourself!

Ke
Review №46

Great place to learn BJJ. Everyone if very friendly and helpful.

Information
100 Photos
46 Comments
5 Rating
  • Address:3179 Muir Field Rd, Madison, WI 53719, United States
  • Site:https://journeybjjacademy.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=gmb_listing
  • Phone:+1 608-416-1140
Categories
  • Martial arts school
  • Jujitsu school
  • Self defense school
Working hours
  • Monday:7–8AM
  • Tuesday:5–6:30PM
  • Wednesday:9AM–1PM
  • Thursday:Closed
  • Friday:5–7:30PM
  • Saturday:7–8AM
  • Sunday:5–7:30PM
Service options
  • Onsite services:Yes
  • Online classes:No
Health & safety
  • Appointment required:Yes
  • Mask required:Yes
  • Temperature check required:Yes
  • Staff wear masks:Yes
  • Staff get temperature checks:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:Yes
Amenities
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
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