I have no clue why SKBJJ has a 4.9, but they’re a 6/5 in my books. Every class I grow closer to my team and the teachers all in addition too gaining valuable life skills in the process. Technics are taught in a slow understandable manner. Before we drill each movement the class is asked if we want to see it again or if we have questions. My teachers have never shown frustration and are always watching to make sure you’re doing it correctly and safely. I’ve learned a ton from just 6 months here and I wouldn’t trade the time I spend with my team for anything (don’t tell my girlfriend I said that)

Our family loves SKBJJ! My oldest has been attending classes the last 2 and a half years and my youngest just started. When my oldest first started I wanted him to simply increase his general confidence and coordination and he has grown in so many more areas than anticipated. He now has the skills to give appropriate boundaries and talk through hard situations and his fine and gross motor skills have grown leaps and bounds!! He also LOVES his friends here and his instructors!! The instructors are great role models! My youngest is all smiles every class and when instructors can keep a class of 4 and 5 year olds engaged and on task they are definitely doing something right! We are so thankful to be a part of the SKBJJ family and look forward to many more years here.

Really a shame that Guy Dudeman ruined a 5 star rating for what for everyone else is a 5 star program. Thank you to the team at SKBJJ. Nothing bad to say about these folks.

Ive been training here for a little over two years now and I love it here. Top notch training from very dedicated and enthusiastic instructors. A very big mat space, that is consistently cleaned. Everyone is very friendly, and the atmosphere here is inviting.

Great people, great vibes and you cant beat the world class instruction that SKBJJ has to offer! Ive been a student at the academy for a little over a year and I still look forward to training and seeing all of my mat buddies. If you want to get a workout and get in shape, become a fierce competitor, or just be a part of the community, I highly recommend that you come down and try it out.

Great instructors. Great professor. The people you train with are super nice. Great environment. I loved it after the first class, and would definitely recommend it to anyone if they are looking to do any martial arts.

My 7 year old son has been at SKBJJ for 10 months and he loves it! Professor James is so good with the kids. They emphasize different skills/character traits which have helped him grow so much. He loves it!

This program is well suited for children with learning disabilities! It provides routine, focused, individualized, explicit instruction and allows for lots of social engagement with peers in a safe and predictable environment. I highly recommend this academy to anyone looking to include their child in team-based sports. The school is part of a regional team which competes regularly at BJJ events here in the valley, but competition is never mandatory. The instructor is one of the best Black Belts in the world (see IBJJF Rankings), and has years of experience as a teacher in the public schools, which improves the quality of instruction for everyone.

SKBJJ is fantastic. In the past year I have learned an incredible amount, made friends, grown stronger and more confident, and had a ton of fun. The instructors are incredibly nice. This isnt some drill sergeant-type class. The class is relaxed in tone, but strenuous in pace. Its a great workout.

We love SKBJJ! My Son has been going here at least twice a week for almost 2 years. Such a positive and upbeat program going well beyond just Jiu-Jitsu. My Son has became more focused in school and other areas of his life since being introduced to this program. They have several class times and options to fit family needs. Very genuine and kind people!

I cant say enough good things about SKBJJ! I began taking classes with them when I bid on a package they donated for the Governors Food Drive last year, and got it. I had many trepidations prior to my first lesson because I am in my 30s, I am a female, and I am not particularly athletic. All of those concerns fell to the wayside after my first lesson. Michelle and Professor James made me feel so welcomed! The instructors and the other students made me feel welcomed. Even the gym is welcoming! I have gained life long friendships, athleticism I didnt think I was cable of, and an overall sense of motivation and support. I am stronger, more confident, and feel that I have gained skills I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I highly recommend SKBJJ to anyone looking to add some positivity to their lives. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain!

Great instructors, great atmosphere. Clean, well-lit, ample mat space, very professional. They also frequently have great guest instructors to add to the fun and variety.

My 9 year old son and I have been going to SKBJJ for a few years now and I recommend it to everyone who might ever want to try Jiu Jitsu. They are amazing with the Kids/Teens and have great classes for Adults too!

My Son has been attending lessons for the last 3 months and loves it. James and Michelle Puopolo are a great team and have created a family oriented environment which makes for an Awesome experience.

I had interest in learning a martial art for quite some time, and kept hearing about the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I finally signed up at the beginning of the year, and now I wish I had sooner. It has been awesome! Great challenge, learning and practicing every week. I signed my son (7) up a little over a month ago, and he is loving it too. On Jiu Jitsu days, he is always excited to go to school, and be able to go to class after school. Absolutely great experience, and great people to learn with.

Ive been training at SKBJJ for a couple of years now. Excellent place to train BJJ. Instructors are very knowledgeable and always ready to help you. Its a great atmosphere. Heck, prof. James even gave me a free pair of headgear last night! Score! :)

Solid BJJ academy! Great instruction, Professor James Puopolo is awesome to work with and is one of the top black belts competing today! If youre in the area, definitely check it out!

Super neat instructors that are very knowledgeable and kind! I wish they still had their ladies class though!

I have been with Salem Keizer Jiuitsu from the beginning. I have met wonderful people there and they have become my closest friends. Professor James Puopolo is a world champion and offers awesome training sessions. There is nothing else like it.

I have been there once, Dylan Yarnell introduced it to me. Someday I want to train there. and i hope to meat porf. James himself. Im so excited!

I started training at SKBJJ a couple of years ago and what a great place it it! There are any testosterone filled UFC wannabes trying to be the baddest guy around. The school is run by James Puopolo, a 2013 No Girls world champion who is great source of technical knowledge. I get to train with a great bunch of men and women who are always willing to share their knowledge and help each other. Whether you are a young athletic guy looking to compete or an older person having fun and trying to get in shape, check out SKBJJ.

I stated jiu jitsu over a year ago. Wanted to to lose weight and i sure did. Professor James is not only a world champion but a great teacher to learn under. There are no egos at SKBJJ. There is awesome people to train with that are friendly. At skbjj it feels like one big family. OSS!!

Great training and great people. If youve thought about training in jiu-jitsu or martial arts in general, definitely give SKBJJ a try.

I was going to SKBJJ off and on for about a year and a half. I had never trained any bjj before and once I walked in the doors I knew this place was going to be a great fit. After walking in, one of the instructors came over and introduced himself even though he was helping other students before the next class started. I was able to meet James and Michelle and they immediately made me feel welcome and were able to answer any questions and concerns that I had about getting started. I had no idea that there was this kind of top level training in Salem-Keizer. Even though I was only there for a few short stints over the year and a half, my bjj progressed faster than I ever thought it could. James in an amazing teacher and all of the other instructors broke the skills down in a way that made it easy to learn. The environment in the gym is great! Everyone is super friendly and very personable. There are no egos anywhere and everyone is very respectful. If/When my work schedule changes, I will for sure be going back to SKBJJ without hesitation. I would highly recommend SKBJJ to anybody and everybody who wants to develop a top notch jiu-jitsu game. Once you start, you will never want to leave this place!

Our family has been doing BJJ for over 5 years now. Our youngest who is 6 has been doing it for over a year and loves every min he gets to be in class learning self discipline and the games that come with it. Our 10 year old daughter has been in it 3 years it has boosted her self confidence and enjoys the comroderie she has with the kids in her class.Now my wife who said she would never do Jiu- jitsu it taking the beginner classes. She likes the aspect that she is learning ways to defend herself and getting a great workout at the same time. After being apprehensive to start because of the unknown, she now looks forward to each class she can be challenged both mentally and physically from great instructors who help step by step.I started at 40 - now at 45 I train with these top level instructors. Ive had a lot of success at sport Jiu-jitsu and a lot of fun along the way. The instructors at SKBJJ are top notch! James Puopolo is one of the best Bjj competitors in the world and we have him right here as head instructor at SKBJJ!

What youll find here is a high level of dedication from the students, world class technique, and great people from all different walks of life, ages, and body types, who all love and learn jiu jitsu. oss!

I have trained marshal arts in the Salem Keizer area for over ten years and never gotten the level of training that I do at Salem Keizer Jiu-Jitsu. I really enjoy the people I train with, seeing my training partners win world titles is a huge sign to me that the techniques that we are training in the school work. Best program for kids and young adults in the area. JIU-JITSU CHANGES LIVES

OMG Im so glad we found Salem-Keizer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Professor James Puopolo, not only is he AWESOME but so is his gym, his significant other, the classes, and the parents who bring their kids consecutively. My 12 year old is always working up a sweat and is so proud of all of his moves he learns. Im so happy we found this gem especially in Salem this is especailly awesome in the rain because my son gets a workout when he cant go outside.I encourage you to come check out it out, bring your young kiddos or old ones- there is a rather large adult program as well. I havent braved getting in to a ghee yet, but im getting closee to it.

Salem-Keizer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is quickly becoming our home away from home. My husband and two kids started training here a couple months ago with great enthusiasm that has only increased with time. Our son, 13, and daughter, 11, were welcomed immediately by a great group of instructors and kids who were not only focused and passionate but also very encouraging. Over the few months they’ve trained, they’ve increased their physical strength, flexibility, and stamina. But even more importantly, the confidence and self-esteem they’ve developed is amazing. The kids program follows the adult program in teaching great Jiu-Jitsu skills. My husband had wanted to train in BJJ for many years before finding SKBJJ. He really appreciates the depth of knowledge being shared by all the fantastic instructors, and of course, Black Belt World Champion, Professor James Puopolo. As a former schoolteacher, Professor James has the experience and ability to relate to students. Focus and passion are also clearly evident in the adult program. Lessons are challenging and a great workout. All students and staff share a camaraderie that makes going to the gym fun and inclusive. Prof. James and Michelle have created a great environment, with a large mat area and clean facility, for kids and adults alike. Even as a spectator you feel included as they acknowledge everyone is the gym by name, with a smile and handshake. We have highly recommended SKBJJ Academy to friends and family.

There are many reasons to join Salem-Keizer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (SKBJJ). If you are looking for a great workout, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best full-body workouts around. I have years of experience in other martial arts and nothing compares to the intensity found in Jiu-Jitsu. Jiu-Jitsu is also a great mental workout. Two people of a different gender/size/age can spar, and it is the one who has the better technique and the one who maintains their mental focus who will often come out on top, even if they are not the bigger, stronger or younger of the two.SKBJJ offers a variety of class levels and times to suit your needs. Children’s classes, beginner, intermediate and advanced adult classes are all available. At almost 46 years old, I am probably one of the oldest regular students at SKBJJ and while I may not be as athletic as some of the “20 something’s” training alongside me, with the various classes and the assortment of training partners, I am able to tailor my training to accommodate my “limitations” and my full time work schedule.I believe the best reason to join SKBJJ is for the opportunity to train with one of the best competitors in the world. Not only has Professor James Puopolo dedicated himself to the study of Jiu-Jitsu, he has competed in and won numerous tournaments. Professor Puopolo‘s dedication to his students is evident by the accomplishments and successes that they have had, both on and off the mat. To train with Professor Puopolo is to be a part of something special. Everybody at SKBJJ is very friendly and always willing to help. I was there the day Professor Puopolo opened the doors to SKBJJ and I have watched the academy evolve from a small group of students to the “family” that it is today. Please, do yourself a favor and drop by, watch a class and talk with Professor Puopolo and/or his lovely wife Michelle and see for yourself.

Been going here for just over a year, and love it. I started with no marital arts experience and found the atmosphere to be welcoming and friendly. Over the last year, Ive made great friends and learned a lot. Jiu-Jitsu challenges the body and the mind. The instructors are professional and passionate about what they teach. Id recommend Salem-Keizer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to anyone!

I love how Professor James and Instructor Dave make it a point to know everyones name from the first time you step on the mat and how they use your name routinely throughout class; it really makes you feel welcomed. Since starting jiu-jitsu I have made some great friends and have met some amazing people. On top of all that, Ive also learned some pretty awesome jiu-jitsu skills! :)I highly recommend SKBJJ to anyone thinking of getting into jiu-jitsu!!

I originally joined SKBJJ on the basis of getting in shape and just trying to be healthy. Many people will often be intimidated and skeptical about diving into any type of sport when their only real motivation/goal is weight loss and/or overall better health. I was genuinely impressed with the tiered structure that they put in place for Beginner, Intermediates, and Advanced classes. It is really well thought out and accommodates folks that are coming in with very little athletic training at all. One of the greatest things about Jiu-Jitsu is that it can be practice and so many different paces and the technical details scale so well with time and effort. If you are feeling reserved about trying out SKBJJ because of your current health status, whether its just being out of shape, never having participated in sports, or doubts about your athleticism, dont let those doubts deter you from trying out this gym. Its designed for people of all walks of life and with time, it will help you reach whatever goals you have set.If you are coming in with a sports pedigree, you couldnt find a better place to train in all of Oregon. Professor James is one of the most decorated top competitors in the sport of BJJ today. Not only that, but he has a fantastic ability to teach and to help you improve your game! He was originally a teacher, before deciding to make the transition to a full-time gym instructor/competitor. All the formal training and skills he learned as a teacher has translated extremely well into his methodology in the gym when instructing students.Take the opportunity to train with the best at SKBJJ and discover how positive an impact Jiu-Jitsu can have on your life!

This place is amazing. Professor James Puopolo is an awesome teacher, and hes also a Black Belt World Champion at the 2013 No-Gi Worlds. If youre thinking about getting involved in BJJ, want to make a change in your life and get in shape, or youre just curious about what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is; then this school should be your 1st and last stop. The students at this school are also very courteous and respectful of new students and also extremely helpful. This school was highly recommended to me and when I started going I could instantly see why. A++ Highly recommended.

I started training in 2012 at Salem Keizer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (SKBJJ). My experience there has been extremely positive. Professor James is a top notch instructor and trainer. Since I started training at SKBJJ I have lost over 30 pounds, have increased mobility, and confidence. I would recommend this gym to anyone looking for great instruction and a positive learning environment.Dan Carroll

I started here about a few months ago and I can honestly say I am addicted. Professor James is a great instructor, he breaks down all the moves down step by step which makes the lessons fun enjoyable and challenging. The people in the academy are all very welcoming, there is also a sense of humbleness to the higher ranking belts which made it easier for me to join and made it feel possible to advance. Over all Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is not an easy martial art but with the people at Salem keizer BJJ they have my journey possible and a very rewarding one. Anyone looking for a new challenge I would suggest to try out Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

This is a spectacular place to train jiu jitsu. Prof. James is a world class competitor and a great instructor. The owners of the gym, Prof. James and Michelle are responsive to the needs of students. And the community of jiu jitsu players at the gym is a great community. If youve ever wanted to try jiu jitsu, this a great place to do so.

I trained BJJ for about 2 years a while back but scheduling and distance made it difficult to attend regularly so I ended up taking about a 2 year hiatus. I decided it was time to get back on the mats and found Salem-Keizer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academys schedule and location was perfect for me. From the moment I walked in, about 2 months ago, I felt welcomed and embraced. The main Professor, James Puopolo, is more than qualified, a simple YouTube search will impress anyone, and Instructor Dave is a wealth of knowledge. I havent run in to any egos and the entire academy has a strong family feel. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most fun form of exercise I have every done and Salem-Keizer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a great place to train.

I started at Salem Keizer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (SKBJJ) over a year ago at the age of 35. My husband wanted to join and he had asked me to join with him, so I did. With no experience in martial arts, I fell in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu the very first day of training. I was very nervous about starting here since I knew I would be one of the few women in class, but the coaches and other students are incredibly warm, welcoming, and patient. No huge egos at this school. I have learned to do things that I thought I could never do before and I definitely have gained a lot of self-confidence. It’s great, because in jiu jitsu you’re not treated as the weaker sex, you’re treated as an athlete like everyone else. Where else in the world can a woman expect to find this?The people Ive met here are now some of my favorite people; its really like a big family. The school is amazing, the curriculum is well thought out and delivered, the staff is caring and professional, and the community is safe and supportive. If you are looking for a great culture to learn BJJ, then SKBJJ is a fantastic option. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a part of me. It is who I am. I cannot see my life without BJJ. Here are some reasons I would love to see and encourage more women (and men) to come out and give SKBJJ a try: Self defense, healthy exercise and living, it changes the way you view your body, you’ll be unique, you’ll be a part of a great community, ego balancing, and it fosters creativity.

First time here today for my son, everyone was friendly and welcoming, only thing I did not like is how fast paced they were, really felt like they were rushing the kids hard, and based on scheduling, they are, kids are leaving as other kids start their class, made it hard to park.

Im Hannah Im ten and I do jujitsu its fun tiring but mostly fun