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Big Mike's BJJ has been helping Oak Harbor, Washington build confidence, fitness, and community through the art and sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2021.
✅ Unshakable Confidence!
✅ Strong, Supportive Community!
✅ A Healthier, Happier You!
Take the First Step Toward Confidence and Connection
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve wondered if you’ll fit in, worried about keeping up, or felt nervous about jumping into sparring. The idea of stepping onto the mats for the first time can be intimidating, and it’s easy to put it off, wondering, “What if?”
At Big Mike’s BJJ, we’ve designed our academy to make that first step easier—and the journey that follows even better. Our beginner-friendly classes feature controlled live training games that build confidence safely and efficiently, without full sparring. You’ll learn not just how techniques work but why, giving you a deeper understanding and sense of empowerment. And with a welcoming, supportive community, you’ll feel like part of the family from day one.
You don’t have to feel stuck or unsure any longer. Confidence, connection, and transformation are waiting for you—and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Take the first step, and let us show you just how much you’re capable of.
Practical Skills Meet Real Understanding
Confidence comes from knowing you can handle whatever comes your way. At Big Mike’s BJJ, you’ll learn not just techniques but the concepts behind them, empowering you to adapt and thrive both on and off the mats. We teach the why behind the how so you’ll feel prepared, capable, and ready for any challenge.
Supportive Instruction, Steady Improvement
We know how intimidating starting a martial art can be, which is why our beginner-friendly classes combine controlled live training games and a structured curriculum to ensure safe, steady progress. You’ll improve quickly without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, building a foundation that lasts for life.
A Fun, Sustainable Way To Train
Jiu-Jitsu should be exciting and rewarding, not stressful or exhausting. Through our gamified approach to skill development and a quality-driven schedule, you’ll stay motivated and energized as you build both your skills and your fitness. Every class is designed to keep you engaged and looking forward to the next.
What Our Students Say
At the time of this writing, we have over 45 Five-Star Google Reviews and counting. Here are just a few...
Google Review by Bransen Hernandez
★★★★★ "If you want a jiu-jitsu class where you can learn, grow, and make friends, I highly recommend Big Mike's BJJ. I've been training there for two years, and it's been fantastic. The atmosphere is friendly, and I've met some great people who share my passion for jiu-jitsu. Mike’s teaching is clear, effective, and he always puts safety first. I’ll miss him and everyone at gym!"maps.app.goo.gl/uirgW73obBJQbFy49
Google Review by Nelson Rusch
★★★★★ "Mike is like the awesome dad you never had. However, instead of getting that hug you have always wanted, you’re left smiling the whole time while you get triangle choked. Truly though, Mike is an all-around patient, thoughtful, and honest person. He has created a school with an atmosphere that is like being a part of a family. He brings his passion and extensive knowledge with him to teach each day whether it is with child classes, adult classes, complete beginners or season practitioners. Big Mike’s Bjj is for everyone"maps.app.goo.gl/nuqj97XMwP2ZUKJCA
Google Review by Michael Bruesch
★★★★★ "Mike's gym is AMAZING! The environment he has is a dedicated learning environment for beginners and experienced students.
When I first started, I came from a background of zero knowledge and was nervous my first time in class. Now I'm dedicated to BJJ because of his education based curriculum.
If your even thinking about starting BJJ, try out his class and you will be glad you did. And the first class was FREE so I had nothing to lose.
I found myself to be a life long student of his and won't be going anywhere else!"maps.app.goo.gl/qewZYdHZgHGh339h8
But don't take our word for it. Feel free to check out the rest of our reviews on Google.
The Big Mike's BJJ Advantage
✅ Black Belt Instructor Teaching All Classes - Every class is led by a seasoned black belt, ensuring you receive expert guidance, technical precision, and years of experience on the mats.
✅ Structured Curriculum for All Levels - A clear, step-by-step curriculum designed to help beginners build a solid foundation while keeping advanced students progressing.
✅ Concept-Driven Teaching Approach - Learn not only how techniques work but why, giving you a deeper understanding and the ability to adapt your skills effectively.
✅ Gamification of Skill Development - Classes incorporate fun, skill-focused games to accelerate learning, improve movement, and keep training engaging for all levels.
✅ Beginner-Friendly Classes with Controlled Live Training - Beginners train in a safe and supportive environment with no full sparring. Controlled live training games build confidence and movement skills quickly and safely.
✅ Small Class Sizes - Personalized attention in every class ensures faster progress and a more tailored learning experience.
✅ Clean and Safe Facility - A hygienic, professionally maintained space where safety is prioritized, so you can focus on your training without worry.
✅ Online Curriculum Access - Reinforce what you’ve learned in class with an online curriculum, giving you the tools to study and progress at your own pace.
✅ Focused, Quality-Driven Class Schedule - Four nights a week of thoughtfully prepared classes that keep instruction fresh and your instructor energized, ensuring the highest quality experience.
✅ Welcoming, Supportive Community - A friendly, inclusive atmosphere where students of all backgrounds feel comfortable, valued, and connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are parents allowed to watch?
We encourage parents to stay and watch their children during class. We’ve found that when parents watch, kids feel supported and encouraged, which can enhance their focus and enjoyment during class.
We love when parents get involved! Even better, you can join our adult program and have yet another thing in common with your kids.
Q: Will my child become a bully?
Our experience has shown that confident kids make kinder kids. We teach children not only how to stand up to bullies for themselves but also how to stand up for others.
We emphasize avoiding fights by first using words and then telling an adult. If physical self-defense becomes necessary, we teach grappling holds to neutralize and control, never punches or kicks.
Q: Do I need to be fit or athletic to be able to do this?
There are zero fitness requirements to start our beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes!
BJJ emphasizes using leverage, timing, and precision, making it effective for people of all fitness levels without relying on brute strength.
While many other martial arts claim to teach you how to use leverage to beat strength, timing to beat speed, and precision to beat power, BJJ truly delivers. Our students start at all different fitness levels, and you’ll find that you naturally improve your fitness by practicing Jiu-Jitsu.
Q: What if I’m not very sporty or coordinated?
No worries. In fact, many students starting in our adult martial arts classes feel the exact same way.
Give yourself some time, and you’ll be astounded at what your body is capable of and how much you can improve! Our Foundations classes are perfect for beginners like you, so even the most uncoordinated person will develop ‘ninja-like’ skills in due time.
Join us for a class, and you’ll see how much you’re capable of—it’s all about building skills step by step in a supportive environment.
Q: Karate classes vs. BJJ classes—Which is better?
While we believe all martial arts have value, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers unique benefits that make it stand out.
For nearly a century, BJJ has been proven as the most effective martial art for a smaller person to defend themselves in a real fight. Unlike karate or taekwondo, which focus on striking, BJJ prioritizes neutralizing a threat by clinching the opponent, taking the fight to the ground, and controlling the situation. It’s effective, gentle, and scalable, allowing you to de-escalate without causing harm.
Q: What do I need to bring to my first martial arts lesson?
It’s easy to get started—no special equipment is needed! Wear comfortable clothes like loose-fitting sweatpants and a t-shirt. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and flip-flops to wear when you’re off the mats. Come ready to have fun and work up a sweat!
Q: I don’t want to spar on my first day, but I want to do more than just practice technique. Do you have something in-between?
Yes! Bringing a beginner up to speed by having them practice technique is like teaching someone how to swim without letting them get in the water. However, having them spar on their first day is like throwing them into the deep end of the pool and hoping they don’t drown.
Our Foundations classes bridge the gap between technique and sparring. New techniques are reinforced through focused, live games that help you develop the attributes (timing and sensitivity) required to execute them against a fully resisting opponent. These focused live games are not only effective but also a lot of fun, helping you build confidence and readiness for sparring in no time.
Q: How do I get started?
We’d love to have you join our BJJ family! We only have a certain amount of space in our training area, so we’ve developed a waitlist from time to time in the past.
To get in while we still have space, the fastest way is to click here to schedule your one-week free trial and secure your spot today.
Q: What if I’m interested but still have more questions?
Fill out this form to access our latest schedule and pricing information. A member of our team will get back to you quickly to answer any other questions you may have.
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