Ive been training with Lucas and Charlie for 3 years now. Not only am I much stronger and fit than I have ever been in my life, but I am doing things I never thought I could. They really pay attention to individual needs and the community of the entire gym is so supportive, regardless of where you are on your fitness journey.

I chanced upon this gym five years ago, and its changed my life for the better. Ben Lowry and Charlee Minkin, the owners, are superb instructors with a high level of knowledge and skill in both Brazilian jiujitsu and judo. Additionally, the folks that train here are not only great practitioners, but excellent training partners. Being female, Im very sensitive to having folks I can trust when Im in compromised fighting/defensive positions, and I have never had a problem with anybody at this gym. There is a kids class, beginner and advanced adult classes, and cross-fit sessions offered. If you want to learn a functional martial art, get a great workout and meet new friends, Id HIGHLY recommend this gym. Please stop by and check it out!

The Sanctuary is a great place for the entire family. Ben, Charlee and Lucas make you feel like family. My kids have been doing jiu jitsu for about 2 years and they love it. My husband and I decided to join the cross-fit side of the gym about a year ago. It works great for our family because the kids jiu jitsu practice is at the same time as the cross-fit practice. Lucas and Charlee are awesome, they helped me lose 30lbs in just a year. I could not have done it without them.

My 6 year old son has attended for 1 year now and loves it. His confidence and level of mental discipline has boosted, which in turn has made him a better student at school and has excelled in his other sports... Cant wait for our 4yr old daughter to start next month!

TLDR: This is the best gym if you want accountability and results.After many years of working in an office and not being active, I decided that it was time to make a change and join a gym. I did the thing most people do and toured Vasa, Chuze, and 24 Hour Fitness. The facilities and amenities were great. However, once I got close to choosing a gym, I realized that without any accountability or guidance I wouldnt stick with this new fitness regimen, no matter how much I tried to convince myself or which app I downloaded. Fortunately, my wife was an existing member of The Sanctuary and convinced me to give the gym a try. I was reluctant because it was a group fitness class. I thought that it was going to be miserable, but much to my surprise I have found myself loving every workout and the community of members.The trainers Lucas and Charlee are incredible. They foster an environment that focuses on fitness, safety, and fun. They practice patience when teaching proper form and technique. If you cant do it, they modify the exercise so that you can participate. Lucas and Charlee are hands down the best trainers I have worked with.For those of you reading this review, I would encourage you to give it a try with a free introductory class. If you are feeling overwhelmed or intimidated at your current gym, or at the prospect of joining a gym. I highly recommend The Sanctuary.

I have been training at the Sanctuary BJJ and Fitness the past year and can honestly say this is prob the best martial arts gym westside of Denver.Ben Lowery runs the BJJ part and his wife, Charlee Minkin, teaches Olympic level Judo. A husband and wife combo makes this gym especially unique.They give some of the most thorough instruction alongside a relaxed adult atmosphere. We all support each other, crack jokes, but not at the expense of the training.Theres even a crossfit gym that they run connected to the building, so theres every tool available to the competitor, the martial arts enthusiasts, or the individual seeking to exercise while learning a new skill.Join up! You wont regret it!

Ive been going to Lucas and Charlees classes for almost a year and a half. I am hooked! The small class sizes give the trainers more time with each person. Lucas and Charlee make fitness fun but challenging, while maintaining safety at all times. The entire gym is welcoming, positive, and like a family. I couldnt imagine working out anywhere else.

This place came highly recommended from a good friend. I will pass on that recommendation. The BJJ instruction is great and so is the culture. Coming from someone starting at square one, they are helpful and make the experience fun and challenging. Great group of training partners here.

Great place to train for kids and adults.

A great place to train if you want to get in shape, learn self defense, or compete. It’s a start from the feet BJJ school with great take down instruction. Thanks to Charlee being an instructor there are a lot of women who train here so new female students will always have other ladies to practice and roll with. My foundation was in MMA when I relocated here from the Springs I wanted a gym with a good atmosphere and tough training partners. I tried out three other schools all of them were great, but this one felt like home. My wife eventually joined the BJJ side after training on the fitness side for a year and she loves them both.

For the last month I have been calling around to check out new gyms in the city of Lakewood. Some were very sales pitchy and others werent approachable. Not The Sanctuary though. The head instructor, Ben, answered the phone and was awesome taking the time to explain pricing, schedules and most importantly treating me like a respected equal. In this sport must gyms have the motto leave the ego at the door but most dont. The sheer nature of being able to assert your will on most other humans can sometimes create a huge ego. I didnt detect this from Ben at all.Choosing a new gym and your instructors can make or break you. I did a lot of research on the backgrounds of the head instructors in the area prior to calling and even before calling The Sanctuary it was on the to of my list. After the brief conversation my decision had been made. The Sanctuary will be my home away from home when I arrive in Colorado.

The past two years at the Sanctuary was definitely one of the best experiences I had during my time in Colorado. The BJJ was excellent, but there was so much more here than just jiu jitsu. If I didnt have to move I probably train here for life.

This gym has AMAZING family environment! Ben Lowry and Charlee Minkin teach beautiful technique!!! Very VERY technical gym!!!! if you ever have a chance to visit I highly recommend it! OSS!

Ive been training at The Sanctuary for about 9 months and have seen amazing results in that time. Professor Ben and Olympian Charlee Minkin are passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo and overall fitness; and it shows through the energy and enthusiasm they brings to every session. They are easy going, with a warm, spontaneous personality that make training fun. They makes each session challenging, creative and most importantly, exciting! They places a high value on correct form and technique. They motivate me to push past my perceived limits to get results. If you are serious about changing your life for the better, and in search of a lifelong commitment these two will lead you every step of the way.As for the facility, it is nothing like the big chains. It’s small in comparison but unlike those facilities, this gym offers a sense of family. You get to know the people you work out with and build a network of good friends.

Hi Charlie, hi Ben, hey T