Northwest Jiu Jitsu Academy

I’ve trained at other schools in the past and there are 2 things that stand out with NWJJA.
1: The instructor. Prof. Brian Johnson is not only an extremely talented martial artists, but also possesses an exceptional talent for teaching. Part of my occupation is to evaluate the effectiveness of various types of training and learning styles in the corporate world. I’ve observed Prof. Brian’s teaching style over the last few months and am very impressed with his inherent understanding of how people LEARN! He is able to engage on the individual level in a way that makes sense and is effective– as well as in a group setting. This is a quality I believe to be of utmost importance when choosing a school.
2: The facility. Most schools are clean, but NWJJA is immaculate! Plenty of mat room and an excellent collection of functional training equipment which is precisely organized around the perimeter of the facility. Upon entering, one gets an obvious indication that Prof. Johnson takes great pride and care in what he does, and I think that extends into the teaching and every other facet of this academy.
Lastly, I must mention the overall environment. In the few short months I have been training at this place I have met some of the nicest and interesting people. The students are diverse in background, age, gender, and physically. Everyone is incredibly respectful, friendly, and genuine.
Joining this academy was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

I have been training here for over a year now and wanted to write a thorough review.
I need to take time to commend Brian Johnson, Owner and Operator on a wonderful establishment. For anybody who wants to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or who has kids that want to take up this amazing martial art, you must try out Northwest Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Now, on to the review.
Facilities:
The mats are new and meticulously maintained. There are no hard spots, flat spots, or gaps in the mats. They are cleaned once a day (if not more) with a clean mop and cleaning solution. If you have ever wrestled or trained at other gyms, you would know how important this is. I wont name other gyms, but several that I have trained in even allow shoes on the mats. Not here. It doesn’t fly. There are two separate mats that allow different instructions to take place or to break out the sparring sessions by weight groups.
There is a workout area with free weights, TRX type bands, and even a couple of tractor tires used for circuit training on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You don’t have to be a super athlete to come in and get fit. The core group is both men and women ages 20 – 60. Training lasts for about 40 minutes and is designed to improved lean muscle mass and overall flexibility. No crazy bodybuilders here. It’s a team environment with support from your friends and coaches.
There is a changing area with wall shelves. There are two VERY clean bathrooms available. The only bad part is that there aren’t showers. But, it’s not a big deal because nobody really has time to shower in a small gym. If you want a workout facility with a shower, Gold’s Gym is a block and a half away. There is also a waiting room for kids and families who are hanging out during sessions.
Parking is easy. There is plenty of street parking and a lot on the back side of the building. No issues getting there and finding parking.
The Staff:
For those of you who don’t know. Brian Johnson is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion. With that being said, there are no egos in this gym. Whether you are a seasoned black belt or a first time white belt, everyone is welcome. If you want to come in, learn something, meet new people, and get in shape while learning a great form of martial arts, this place is the best.
Many BJJ gyms are chaotic and confusing. Brian has built a program around structured learning that cycles through positions, drills, and techniques that help build the foundation for skills needed to progress. His instructional ability is second to none and his passion and charisma shine with every class he teaches. Many instructors get to his position and become the face of the gym while he has his students teach. Brian is hands on and is in the gym every single day. On certain days however, he will ask his experienced students to teach their favorite moves and techniques. Denise, Jake, and Chris all have a ton of experience and add to learning at Northwest Jiu Jitsu Academy.
If you want to compete in tournaments, you also have that option. I have competed at several tournaments under Brian and have received a ton of support, encouragement and coaching throughout the process. Whatever your goals are, you can reach them and Northwest Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Overall: This is a great place to train. It’s big enough that you can find people to train with any time you are there and it’s not so big that you can’t get face time with the main instructor. There is time to ask questions, practice technique and learn everything about BJJ.
I strongly suggest this gym to anybody looking to martial arts as a hobby, fitness routine, competition, or self defense.

I started my training here in 2005 and I currently hold the rank of Brown Belt under Professor Brian Johnson. I was introduced to the academy through a neighbor and was looking for a way to get in shape, I was 38 and my doctor wanted to start me on blood pressure and cholesterol meds, I was about 50 pounds to heavy and my diet sucked. The club was small and Brian had a handful of dedicated students, he was meticulous in his instruction and he could apply the techniques in an instant. He was very passionate about the art and loyal to his instructors.
Over the last 8 years I have watched the academy grow and a culture form around the belief in the technique. The advanced students are friendly and willing to answer questions and help when Brian is not available. It is very important to have competent training partners that understand your limitations and check there ego’s at the door. I am now 46 and have to train smart. Its easy to over do it and my training partners are very understanding.
When I started I was 215 and in horrible shape. Now 180 lbs and the doctor said I am very fit and should continue the program I am following.
If you have never taken a class or have ever wondered what it might be like but afraid to try, this is a great place to start. Brian’s basic classes are structured for the novice, no wrestling required. Once you feel comfortable you can move into the advanced classes and start sparing at your own pace. He understands that people come with different desires and not all of us want to be a cage fighter. He reserves open mats for the more aggressive competitors and works with them on competition mind set and winning strategies for grapplers of all levels.
I can honestly say that Jiu Jitsu has changed my life and I have watched it have a positive impact on a lot of people. I have met some of the best people while training and attending seminars. I have competed a handful of times and learned so much from different people of all skill levels. Thanks Brian for all your help over the last 8 years, I can’t tell you how much its done for me.

I started training with Brian about 10 years ago when we were in a tiny little place in Shoreline. Fast forward to today and he’s got a great dojo with lot’s of open mat space with a garage door that opens up in the summer months just north of 85^th in N. Seattle.
Back in the day, we were all white belts (Brian was a purple) and since BJJ has a high drop out rate, people rarely stuck through it to get to the next level (some clubs have drop rates over 75%). Back then, nobody knew what BJJ was and it was easy to look for an excuse to quit. A coach/​teacher has a huge impact on your development and after many grueling training sessions, when you’re getting your ass handed to you, having a coach that can continue showing you better ways to do things is what it takes to stay on that path. It’s really great to see the same folks from that original dojo stick through it and now he has really great whites, blues, purples and browns.
Not only is Brian a great coach but also a great competitor. As a black belt, he’s a BJJ World Champion, Grappler’s Quest Champ, MMA veteran and great overall person. He is a tremendous teacher and extremely technical and can easily break down steps for both newbies and veterans. I’ve trained all over from some of the best and I still say that Brian is one of the best teachers I’ve ever trained with. If you’re new to BJJ then check your ego at the door (I really mean that) because you will be humbled really fast. Keep an open mind and your game will excel.

I have been training here for about 3 months now and here is my preliminary review.
1) Cleanliness — The mats are swept /​mopped after classes. I have yet to think about the mats or my partner as anything less than spotless. The other students take pride in their school and keep it as well as themselves clean.
2) Size — This could be my only complaint. The classes attract a lot of people and if it were possible to expand another couple hundred square feet, it would be perfect. As it is, we’ll bump into each other on an odd occasion — it’s nothing that happens all the time. Just everyonce in a while when sweeping someone.
3) Instruction — Incredible! Brian Johnson is a Machado Blackbelt under David Meyer & John Will. He has won multiple tournaments (including NAGA, ADCC & Grapplers Quest plus more) and he is the primary teacher for the basics & advanced classes.
— One of the reason I chose to train at NWJJA was Brian’s Curriculum and his willingness to show & explain it. Basic 24 (Which will soon be turning into the Basic 48) is a set curriculum that students must attend before going to the advanced classes — Giving everyone a base from which to build.
— With his new curriculum it is focused into 4 separate days a week. Example:
Mon = Guard Attacks I
Tue = Guard Attacks II
Wed = Guard Attacks III
Thu = Guard Attacks IV.
This way you are learning new things, but are drilling the same core concept for the whole week.
And this is just the GI classes. NWJJA also offers NoGi classes as well as open mats & competition classes.
NWJJA offers, what in my opinion, is a great way to learn. Consistantly building on the foundation in a progressive way.
4) Other Students — The atomosphere in NWJJA is relaxed and welcoming. Every single time I have made a mistake or had a question, they were there helping me and explaining how I should do things.
I’ve read that in other schools, some people don’t even try to remember names until someone has achieved their blue belt (About a year or 2). Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has a high drop out rate. It ain’t easy and belts aren’t handed out as often as some other styles. As such you see a pretty tight group of blue belts and up, because a lot of white belts quit for their own reasons.
This hasn’t been my experience so far with NWJJA. Blue, Purple & Brown belts train regularly in the basics class and I have never felt ignored.
That’s my review so far!
Also — beginning soon there will be a kids class as well.