Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has become of the most popular sports in the world and much of this has to do with the increase in popularity for MMA. There are a lot of great BJJ gyms in the area with many great coaches. In a city like Denver there are plenty of options and if you are new to the BJJ scene, you will probably not have the easiest time in deciding a school to go to. Different coaches, teams and styles make the choice even harder than you might think. This is why we’ve compiled this list of some of the best BJJ schools in city of Denver. You should try multiple schools to see which one is the right fit for you. You will know when you train at a school if it is the one for you.
Check out our list of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the greater Denver area and if you get the chance, go check some of the schools out. The journey in Jiu-Jitsu is one that is exciting and fun. You won’t regret stepping foot on the mats. The friendships gained as well as how you will feel about yourself make it all worth it.
The Kompound Training Center
4434 Cherokee St
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 222-0039
kompoundtrainingcenter.com
Brad Nicolarsen is the founder of Kompound Training Centers. He was always an athlete and participated in many sports, but eventually ended up being drawn to boxing. As with anything Brad does, he threw himself into the sport of boxing and spend several hours a week training at Brotherhood Boxing in Denver.
He was eventually introduced to Muay Thai and Kickboxing and then moved right along to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where he spent time training under some of the best in the area.
Fast forward to 2012, Brad though it was time to open his own school and that is when Littleton Kompound was opened. As time went on, Brad noticed a growing interest in his students for competing at the highest levels of BJJ and realized he needed a registered black belt to be affiliated with the gym so they met IBJJF standards so he reached out the group under Rafael Lovato Jr who happens to be one of the most successful American born Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the world.
Since that time, the Kompound has been one of the most successful competitive Jiu-Jitsu gyms in the great Denver area. He has combined everything he has learned over the years from the old school ways and developed a new school spin on it. In 2015, Kompound was named Gym of the Year by the Lovato Association.
Brad is extremely passionate about his students. You will see this when you go in there as you will be treated like family right off the bat. It is up to you to decide if you are going to devote yourself to this thing we know as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you decide you want to give it a shot, there aren’t many places better than the Kompound.
Nova Mente Jiu Jitsu Academy
2761 W Oxford Ave Unit #7
Englewood, CO 80110
(303) 209-1830
novamentebjj.com
The team at Nova Mente Jiu-Jitsu is one big family where they love to help their students make a difference in their lives every day. The team at Nova Mente has BJJ classes for kids, teens and adults. They transform, educate and inspire people from everywhere and would love to be able to help you reach your goals. It is a great privilege for the team at Nova Mente to share their unique lifestyle with you and love seeing peoples’ lives change when they join and commit.
The goal is for every student that trains at Nova Mente to be the best versions of themselves while on the mat and off. They strive to teach you to have self-defense tools that will help you going forward as well as increasing your endurance, tone up and increasing your technique. All this can be accomplished when you train with this team. That being said, no matter your age, experience level or gender, Nova Mente Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a program for you.
The owner and head coach of Nova Mente BJJ is Coach Dylan Miller. Miller has been training for over 10 years and has learned under the Relson Gracie/Caique Elias tree. In addition to being a solid BJJ practitioner, Dylan is a member of the Army National Guard, he is an Olympic Lifter and a snowboarder. This just goes to show you the Dylan aims for a well balanced and healthy life for himself and his goal for you are going to be very similar.
Stop in and check these guys out and if you are unsure about going into a BJJ gym, rest assured that you will be welcomed with open arms.
Flo Life BJJ
9191 W Jewell Ave
Lakewood, CO 80232
(720) 665-4035
flolifebjj.com
You can find Flo Life BJJ & Kickboxing just outside of Denver’s city limits in Lakewood. This business takes a holistic approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and we have a feeling that if you are into that, you will love Flo Life BJJ.
At Flo Life, they recognize that every person is special, remarkable and unique. The desires and needs of each person might be different that the person standing next to them. It doesn’t matter if you are a more experienced athlete or someone that is just trying this out for the first time, there will be a perfect “flo” for you and your family. These classes benefit everyone from children to adults and beginners to veterans. At Flo Life BJJ and Fitness you learn effective and modern martial arts that are taught in a safe and clean atmosphere. And yes, within the “flo” you will learn all the lethal chokes, submissions and joint locks that make Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu one of the most effective martial arts on the planet. However, the team at Flo Life wants you to develop your whole person, inside and out, instead of just the physical aspects of your life.
Flow is also known as being in the zone in psychology. This is a mental state of operation where a person is involved in an activity where they are completely into the feeling of what they are doing. This is full involvement and truly enjoying what you’re doing. The goal here is to learn how to reach your flow state and realize the benefits that being able to reach this point will give you.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora
3054 S Laredo St
Aurora, CO 80013
(720) 541-3987
graciejiujitsuaurora.com
This is the only Gracie Jiu-Jitsu affiliate in the greater Denver/Aurora area. They are aligned with the Gracie Academy Headquarters in Torrance, CA and that was passed down directly from the creators of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to meet the needs and wants of people from all walks of life, gender, ages and skill levels.
The friendly, clean and progress oriented atmosphere allows each student to have an inspirational, warm and challenging learning experience that will keep them wanting to come back in. The family oriented atmosphere is the perfect spot to teach your kids to feel safe not only at school but every day of their lives. It will help them to develop confidence in themselves as well as learning discipline, respect and honor.
This is a BJJ school that values wellness, respect, self-defense and discipline. We’re sure that you will enjoy the environment as well as the other students that already train there so if you are ready to test yourself in a new way, give the team at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora a chance to earn your business.
Easton Training Center – Denver
1304 S Santa Fe Dr
Denver, CO 80223
(303) 623-1715
eastonbjj.com
If you want to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and you live in the greater Denver area, Easton Training Center is a great place to be. Their programs are known for their high quality coaching led by some of the most talented BJJ practitioners in the world. Between the coaches and the other students, you are bound to make some friends for life.
Easton Training Center offers BJJ classes for students of every age and level classes that will help you to reach your fitness and self-defense goals that you are aiming for. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or you are a seasoned competitor, you will find that training at Easton Training Center offers you all the challenges and fun that you have been looking for.
You will start in the fundamentals program and that will teach you the basics of offense as well as defense from positions that are fundamental. These techniques can be applied to real life situations in which you may get attacked. From there you will start to build your own style while training in live scenarios. Then you can move to the advanced classes where you will start to understand the finer points of sport Jiu-Jitsu from some of the finest coaches in Colorado.
Colorado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Stapleton
4605 Quebec St b5
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 520-0163
bjjstapleton.com
The founder of Colorado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is Professor David Ruiz. He is a 4th degree black belt and was one of the first people to bring authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Colorado. He opened his first Colorado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in 1997. Dave started his training under some of the originals of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Torrance, CA with guys like Rorion, Royce and the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Helio Gracie. Dave was one of the first Americans to be equipped to fight in the Gracie style by being one of the guys that would take on “Gracie Challenges”. These were no rules matches from long ago where people would step into a Gracie BJJ school to challenge one of the fighters.
Dave has taught BJJ to Military personal and Law Enforcement all around the United States including the LAPD, Special Forces Army Rangers, FBI, Navy Seals to name a few agencies.
Dave earned his black belt from the legendary Rigan Machado. It was with the Machado brothers that Dave really rounded into form and created his own teaching style that he is now passing on to students.
The basic route to progressing in BJJ consists of a purposeful training regimen that is focused on three main ideas. The first is to learn the strategy and techniques of BJJ. Next is the use of drills to work on those strategies and techniques until those techniques can be done perfectly on a partner that isn’t resisting. Finally, you should know how to apply those strategies and techniques on resisting opponents in a live sparring situation.
You will get all these foundations and more when you train at Colorado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Way of Jiu Jitsu Academy
7808 Cherry Creek S Dr #205
Denver, CO 80231
(303) 246-8855
wayofjiujitsu.com
Come train at Way of Jiu-Jitsu academy in Denver, CO. This academy is an official affiliate of Rigan Machado and you will be able to see the high quality instruction and curriculum when you show up to try out BJJ. Rigan Machado is Grand Master Carlo Gracie’s nephew and is one of the toughest members of the family. His style of Jiu-Jitsu is extremely relevant and great to use in self-defense situations.
Traditionally, the version of Jiu-Jitsu that was learned by Carlos and Helio Gracie was used for war purposes and this was the Japanese way. However, the Gracies changed these traditional techniques to be used in more of a sport fashion and in a way to help the smaller person defeat the bigger person.
Whether you are looking for a fun way to get into better shape or you are looking to advance your martial arts career, you will be sure to get some of the best coaching in all of Colorado. You can also count on gaining some positive benefits like getting in better shape, the ability to focus more, to adapt on the fly and a passion for life that will make you want to fight for what you want.
Morning Star Jiu Jitsu – Denver
4362 E Evans Ave
Denver, CO 80222
(720) 917-4014
morningstarjj.com
The philosophy at Morning Star Jiu-Jitsu revolves around dedicating time to the most efficient techniques out there. By the process of training and trying techniques, they will throw out the less effective techniques so you can focus on only the highest levels of BJJ.
The team at Morning Star Jiu-Jitsu believe that having an open mind and understanding that BJJ is always updating and changing will lead you to having a successful career on the mat. They are always working to stay in the loop and on top of the latest trends in Jiu-Jitsu while holding down the core concepts and fundamentals that are at the heart of the curriculum.
You will get all this from head instructor, Tim Gillette. Time began training in Combat Judo with is a blend of Sambo and Judo. After a couple years of training, he wanted to focus on nogi Jiu-Jitsu and ended up coming across the 10th Planet system derived from the mind of Eddie Bravo. Tim got his blue belt from Bravo but ended up helping another 10th Planet black belt to open up a school in St. Paul, MN.
Fast forward to 2017, Tim moved to Denver and started training under Mario “Busy” Correa and earned his brown belt. Now he has his own school and is ready to pass on his knowledge.
Mile High Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
1385 Carr St
Lakewood, CO 80214
(720) 635-9435
milehighgraciejiujitsu.com
Mile High Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was started in 2000. This is a place where you can feel comfortable training because of the professional and safe atmosphere that was created. It is here you can learn the art of Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu directly from the source as the instructors and school follow the lineage and curriculum of UFC veteran and Jiu-Jitsu master, Royce Gracie. Royce was the original winner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and was the spark that ignited the love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu all over the world.
With over 15 years of experience in training, the team at Mile High Gracie Jiu-Jitsu have dedicated themselves to offering specialized training and instruction in submission grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This discipline of self-defense is known to be one of the most efficient forms of martial arts and it will help you to improve physical health, build confidence, learn a self-defense and be more disciplined and stronger.
Busy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
8200 S Quebec St unit a10
Centennial, CO 80112
(720) 239-2879
busybjj.com
Busy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness is full of people how help and respect each other. They consider themselves a big happy family that is there to support and grow together to become better BJJ practitioners. If you want to give them a call today, you can find out about the facility, students and instructors.
The programs offered at Busy BJJ include Takedowns, Fitness and BJJ. BJJ isn’t just one part of the curriculum, it is the core specialty of this gym and other classes are offered to work around BJJ to help you and your game.
At Busy BJJ, they offer world class coaching in a supportive, clean and safe environment. Whether you are old or young, big or small, female or male, there is a program for you at Busy BJJ. The emphasis in on teaching the students a form of self-defense while instilling self-confidence, weight loss, fitness and discipline.
They understand the first step of joining any martial arts program is getting over the anxiety of just picking up the phone or going in. That being said, the team at Busy BJJ is there to answer any questions you have to make you feel as comfortable as possible when you decide to come in.
Katharo Training Center
10146 W San Juan Way
Littleton, CO 80127
(303) 932-1202
katharotrainingcenter.com
The team at Katharo Training Center is led by Professor Steve Hordinski, III. Professor Hordinski is always excited about sharing his knowledge of BJJ to the local community. He believes that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been truly transformational in his life and can’t wait to share those same things with the people that come into Katharo Training Center.
Hordinski is a 2nd degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie and specializes in self-defense based BJJ with an emphasis on striking and takedowns. He has taught seminars all over the country, has formed affiliations all over the states and promoted students to black belts as well. You could be the next one to get that promotion but you have to start somewhere and the team at Katharo is excited to see you start your journey.
Professor Hordinski is a committed leader and tries to always set a good example for his students. Hordinski and his team of qualified instructors will tailor your training to you and make sure you feel safe and respected.
Jubera Jiu Jitsu
6821 W 120th Ave Ste C
Broomfield, CO 80020
(720) 961-3704
juberajj.com
You can learn authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Jubera Jiu-Jitsu in Broomfield. The academy here is an affiliate of the world famous Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Association where they have some of the most successful coaches and athletes in the world. At Jubera BJJ, you will get some of the best coaching that Colorado has to offer. In addition to that, you will have a great deal of fun in a clean, safe and friendly environment that promotes creativity and friendship.
Matt Jubera is the head coach at Jubera BJJ. He has many accolades including being a World Champion, National Champion and Pan American Champion. He is only the 4th black belt that Saulo Ribeiro promoted and the first from Xande Ribeiro. This should give you an idea of the quality of instruction you will be getting when you train at Jubera Jiu-Jitsu. No matter the age, skill level or gender, the team at Jubera Jiu-Jitsu has a program that will work for you. Give them a chance and we promise you will be happy you did.