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Victoria’s Most Trusted BJJ School
Van Isle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu — Victoria BC

Victoria's
Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu Academy

Authentic BJJ for kids, beginners, and serious competitors. World-class instruction and an unmatched community.

★★★★★ 236+ five-star Google reviews — Victoria’s top-rated martial arts school
7
Black Belt Coaches
43
Classes Every Week
236
★ Five-Star Reviews
5×
Best in the City Award
For Beginners

New to BJJ? You’re in the right place.

Van Isle BJJ runs more dedicated beginner classes than any academy in Victoria — purpose-built for your first step on the mat. No experience needed. No fitness required. Just a structured, supportive path designed to make Jiu Jitsu feel easy, fun and welcoming from day one.

Most beginner classes in Victoria
Zero experience required
Friendly, beginner-first culture
Book Your First Class — It's Free
What Sets Us Apart

More Coaches. More Classes. More Mat Time.

Most BJJ schools in Victoria offer a handful of classes a week with one or two coaches. Van Isle BJJ runs 43 classes every week across seven programs, with seven black belt coaches on the mat — more than any other school in the city. From your first day to your black belt, you’re training under world-class instruction in a facility that was purpose-built for Jiu Jitsu.

  • Beginner-first — zero experience, zero fitness requirement. Just show up.
  • World-class coaching — IBJJF Worlds finalists on the mat with you every class
  • 7 black belt coaches — more than any other school in Victoria
  • 7 programs for all ages — Kids, Women’s Only, Judo, No-Gi & more
  • 6,500 sq ft purpose-built facility — sauna, spa showers, 2 weight rooms
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class training at Van Isle BJJ, Victoria BC
Family Owned & Operated

Two Brothers.
One Academy.
One Mission.

Professors Matt and JM founded Van Isle BJJ with a simple mission: bring world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Victoria and build a community worth training in. No shortcuts. No egos. Just authentic technique, genuine care for every student, and a mat culture that keeps people coming back for years.

  • Co-founded by brothers — still coaching side-by-side today
  • Competition-tested instruction at the highest international levels
  • Welcoming to all — beginner to black belt, age 5 to 75
  • Victoria’s most reviewed BJJ school — 5× Best in the City Award
  • Kids, Women’s Only, Judo, and No-Gi & Self-Defense under one roof
Van Isle BJJ
43
Classes Per Week
7
Black Belt Coaches
2
Private Weight Rooms
1
Cedar Wet Sauna + 5 Showers
Your first class is always free • No commitment • Just show up

Proudly serving: Esquimalt, Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Fairfield, James Bay, Fernwood, View Royal, Colwood and Langford — the home of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on Vancouver Island's south end. Searching “BJJ near me” in Greater Victoria or the West Shore? You're minutes from our mats.

Our Programs

Find Your Place on the Mats — BJJ Programs in Victoria BC

BJJ programs for kids, beginners, and adults in Victoria BC — whether you’re age 4 or 65, brand new or competing at nationals, there’s a program built for you.

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Victoria BC — Ages 5–16

Ages 5–7 · 8–12 · Teens 12–16
Kids Jiu Jitsu

We're passionate about changing kids' lives through martial arts. BJJ builds confidence, real self-defense skills, and lasting focus — taught in three age-specific programs with up to 6–7 coaches on the mat.

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Beginner BJJ Classes in Victoria BC

No Experience Needed
Beginners BJJ

Zero experience? Perfect. Our beginner program — Gi (Fundamentals) and No-Gi & Self-Defense — is built from the ground up for first-timers. Safe, structured, welcoming. This is where every Van Isle journey starts.

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Adult BJJ Classes in Victoria BC

All Skill Levels
All Levels BJJ

Where every belt trains together. Whether you're new off the beginner program, returning after a break, or chasing competition gold — same world-class coaching, same welcoming room. Train at your own pace alongside students at every level.

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Specialty Programs
Advanced BJJ class at Van Isle BJJ in Victoria BC

Advanced BJJ in Victoria BC — Upper Belts

Upper Belts
Advanced BJJ

High-level concepts, competition prep, and open sparring for experienced practitioners. Open to students with 2 stripes and up, or 70+ classes. Where blue belts and above sharpen their game.

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Women’s Only BJJ class at Van Isle BJJ in Victoria BC

Women’s Only BJJ in Victoria BC

Women Only
Women’s Only BJJ

A dedicated, women-only space to learn BJJ with confidence. Safe, supportive, and empowering — no matter your fitness or experience level.

Book a Free Class
Judo training at Van Isle BJJ in Victoria BC

Judo in Victoria BC — All Levels

All Levels
Judo

Olympic-level throwing and takedown skills that complement your ground game. Learn how the fight starts before it hits the mat — throws, takedowns, grip fighting, and the strategic standing game.

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Beginner Friendly

Beginner Jiu Jitsu Classes in Victoria BC

Your First Visit.

No experience needed. No need to be in shape. No feeling out of place. Your first visit is built for total beginners — we’ll walk you through every step from the moment you arrive. Most of our members started exactly where you are now.

1

Arrive 20–25 Minutes Early

Show up a little early so we have time to greet you, get the paperwork out of the way, and give you a quick tour of the academy before class starts.

2

Waiver, Tour & Clean Uniform

We’ll walk you through a quick waiver, show you around the facility, and lend you a clean uniform if it’s a Gi class. T-shirt and shorts work great for No-Gi.

3

Meet Your Instructor & Training Partner

Your coach will introduce themselves and pair you with a friendly, helpful student who will stay with you the whole class so you’re never on your own.

4

Warm-Up, Technique & Drilling

We start with a light warm-up (or sometimes go straight into technique), then drill the move of the day with your cooperative partner while the coach personally comes around to help you.

5

Positional Sparring — Cooperative, Not Competitive

Class ends with a positional sparring game limited to the moves of the day. It’s cooperative and beginner-friendly — designed to help you learn, not to throw you in the deep end.

Beginner Brazilian Jiu Jitsu students training at Van Isle BJJ in Victoria BC
Coaching Staff

Founded by Brothers.
Coached by World-Class.

Professors Matt and JM didn’t just build Victoria’s biggest BJJ school — they built it with world-level technique, international competition experience, and a genuine love for teaching every student who walks through the door. With 7 black belt coaches on staff — more than any other school in Victoria — there’s always an expert eye on your game.

Prof. Jean-Marc (JM) de Groot, head BJJ coach at Van Isle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Victoria BC
Prof. Jean-Marc (JM) de Groot
Co-Founder & Head Coach · Black Belt 1st Degree

19 years of Jiu Jitsu. Black belt under Filip Matos & Bibiano Fernandes. Five-time IBJJF Worlds competitor. 2nd place Masters 1 Black Belt — IBJJF Worlds 2022, losing only to João Miyao. Trained at ATOS (San Diego), Cobrinha’s (LA), and Lovato’s (OKC).

Black Belt 1st Degree IBJJF 2022 Finalist 19 Yrs Experience 5× IBJJF Worlds
Prof. Matt de Groot, BJJ black belt coach at Van Isle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Victoria BC
Prof. Matt de Groot
Co-Founder & Head Instructor · Black Belt

Co-founder of Van Isle BJJ. Matt has spent over a decade helping hundreds of Victoria students build real skill, real confidence, and lasting community on the mats. His teaching is patient, precise, and deeply encouraging — a coach who meets every student exactly where they are.

Black Belt Co-Founder 18 Yrs Experience Head of Adult Programs
Class Schedule

Find a Time That Works for You — BJJ Class Schedule Victoria BC

43 classes every week — more times, more programs, and more beginner-friendly options than any other school in Victoria.

Heads up — our class schedule changes June 1st. Browse the current schedule (through May 31) or preview the new schedule (starting June 1) below.
Monday
6:00 – 7:00 AM
All Levels NoGi
NoGi
12:00 – 1:00 PM
All Levels Gi
Gi
4:15 – 5:00 PM
Kids BJJ 8–12
Kids
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Fundamentals Gi
Beginner
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Gi JJ 2 Stripes+
Advanced
6:45 – 8:00 PM
Beginners Judo
Judo
7:30 – 8:30 PM
NoGi JJ 2 Stripes+
NoGi
8:00 – 9:15 PM
All Levels Gi
Gi
Tuesday
6:00 – 7:00 AM
All Levels Gi
Gi
12:00 – 1:00 PM
All Levels NoGi
NoGi
3:45 – 4:30 PM
Kids BJJ 8–12
Kids
4:30 – 5:00 PM
Kids BJJ 5–7
Kids
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Beginners NoGi / Self Defense
Beginner
6:00 – 7:30 PM
NoGi JJ 2 Stripes+
NoGi
6:45 – 8:00 PM
Women’s Only Gi
Women’s
Wednesday
6:00 – 7:00 AM
All Levels NoGi
NoGi
12:00 – 1:00 PM
All Levels Gi
Gi
4:15 – 5:00 PM
Kids BJJ 8–12
Kids
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Fundamentals Gi
Beginner
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Gi JJ 2 Stripes+
Advanced
6:45 – 8:00 PM
Beginners Judo
Judo
8:00 – 9:15 PM
All Levels Gi
Gi
Thursday
6:00 – 7:00 AM
All Levels Gi
Gi
12:00 – 1:00 PM
All Levels NoGi
NoGi
4:30 – 5:00 PM
Kids BJJ 5–7
Kids
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Beginners NoGi / Self Defense
Beginner
6:00 – 7:30 PM
NoGi JJ 2 Stripes+
NoGi
6:45 – 8:00 PM
Women’s Only Gi
Women’s
Friday
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Open Mat
Open Mat
4:30 – 5:00 PM
Kids BJJ 5–7
Kids
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Teens 11–17
Teens
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Fundamentals Gi
Beginner
6:00 – 7:15 PM
NoGi JJ 2 Stripes+
NoGi
Saturday
9:00 – 9:30 AM
Kids BJJ 5–7
Kids
9:45 – 10:15 AM
Kids BJJ 5–7
Kids
10:30 – 11:15 AM
Kids BJJ 8–12
Kids
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Kids BJJ 8–12
Kids
12:30 – 1:45 PM
Fundamentals Gi
Beginner
12:30 – 2:00 PM
Gi JJ 1 Stripe+
Gi
1:45 – 3:00 PM
Beginners Judo
Judo
Sunday
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Advanced Kids By Invite
Adv. Kids
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Open Drilling
Drilling
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Open Rolling
Open Mat
Monday
12:00 – 1:00 PM
All Levels Gi
Gi
4:15 – 5:00 PM
Kids BJJ 8-12
Kids
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Fundamentals Gi — Beginners
Gi
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Advanced Gi — 2 Stripes+
Gi
6:45 – 8:00 PM
Beginners Judo
Judo
7:00 – 8:15 PM
Intermediate NoGi — 1 Stripe or 30 Classes+
NoGi
8:15 – 9:15 PM
All Levels Gi
Gi
Tuesday
6:00 – 7:00 AM
All Levels Gi
Gi
12:00 – 1:00 PM
All Levels NoGi
NoGi
4:30 – 5:00 PM
Kids BJJ 5-7
Kids
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Beginners NoGi — Self Defense
NoGi
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Intermediate Gi — 1 Stripe or 30 Classes+
Gi
6:45 – 8:00 PM
Women’s Only Gi — All Levels
Women’s
6:45 – 8:15 PM
Advanced NoGi — 2 Stripes or 70 Classes
NoGi
Wednesday
12:00 – 1:00 PM
All Levels Gi
Gi
4:15 – 5:00 PM
Kids BJJ 8-12
Kids
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Fundamentals Gi — Beginners
Gi
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Intermediate NoGi — 1 Stripe or 30 Classes+
NoGi
6:45 – 8:15 PM
Advanced Gi — 2 Stripes+
Gi
8:15 – 9:15 PM
All Levels Gi
Gi
Thursday
6:00 – 7:00 AM
All Levels Gi
Gi
12:00 – 1:00 PM
All Levels NoGi
NoGi
4:30 – 5:00 PM
Kids BJJ 5-7
Kids
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Beginners NoGi — Self Defense
NoGi
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Advanced NoGi — 2 Stripes or 70 Classes
NoGi
7:00 – 8:15 PM
Intermediate Gi — 1 Stripe or 30 Classes+
Gi
7:00 – 8:15 PM
Women’s Only Gi — All Levels
Women’s
Friday
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Open Mat
Open Mat
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Teens 12-17
Teens
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Fundamentals Gi — Beginners
Gi
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Wrestling — 1 Stripe or 30 Classes+
Wrestling
Saturday
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Kids BJJ 5-7
Kids
10:45 – 11:30 AM
Kids BJJ 8-12
Kids
12:00 – 1:15 PM
Fundamentals Gi — Beginners
Gi
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Intermediate Gi — 1 Stripe or 30 Classes+
Gi
1:30 – 2:45 PM
Beginners Judo
Judo
Sunday
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Advanced Kids — By Invitation
Adv. Kids
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Open Drilling — No Formal Instruction
Drilling
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Open Rolling
Open Mat
Gi — Traditional BJJ uniform (jacket & pants). We’ll lend you one for your trial.
NoGi — Athletic wear only — shorts, rashguard or t-shirt.
Kids
Adv. Kids
Teens
Beginner
All Levels Gi
NoGi
Advanced
Women’s Only
Judo
Open Mat

Open class requirement: 1 stripe or 30+ classes • Advanced: 2 stripes and up, 70+ classes • Schedule subject to change.

Ready to Train?
Start Today.

Your first class is always free. No commitment, no pressure — just come in, meet the team, and feel the difference.

The Facility

Not Just a Gym.
One of Canada’s Finest BJJ Facilities.

Van Isle BJJ was built from the ground up as something entirely unique. A boutique, one of a kind facility that is immaculately maintained, thoughtfully equipped, and unlike anything else in this country.

6,500
Square Feet
2
Mat Spaces
5
Spa-Inspired Showers
2
Private Weight Rooms
Ditch your gym membership when you join Van Isle BJJ.
Cedar wet sauna — post-training recovery
Towel service available as an add-on
5 Scandinavian spa-inspired showers
2 private weight rooms — ditch your gym membership

Victoria’s largest dedicated BJJ facility — 941-B Ellery St, Esquimalt

What Our Members Say

A Community That Has Your Back — Reviews from Victoria BJJ Students

236+ five-star Google reviews. Here’s what our Victoria community says.

From Google Reviews
★★★★★

“I was well into my 50’s when I decided to start BJJ. From day one, I was warmly welcomed at Van Isle, made to feel like I was part of something. If you’re wondering if this is for you: try it. You’ll never regret it.”

Stu Robertson — Blue Belt
From Google Reviews
★★★★★

“I gained more skills in my first six months at Van Isle than in two years of practice at other teams. Van Isle has the best coaches in BC — detail oriented, fantastic for any level. They made me feel like I was home.”

Rafa Canon — Blue Belt
From Google Reviews
★★★★★

“The staff is amazing, and always very patient with my neuro-diverse boys. My kids have become more confident and disciplined. It is more than just a gym — it’s a place of community. You won’t regret signing up.”

Allie Rhindress — Van Isle Parent
From Google Reviews
★★★★★

“The quality of instruction and professionalism here are top-tier. The hygiene is a major standout — the facility is consistently kept in pristine condition. A professional, clean, and welcoming environment for anyone looking to train.”

Steven Santos — White Belt
From Google Reviews
★★★★★

“Van Isle BJJ offers great classes for kids to build confidence and coordination. We always feel comfortable with all the instructors, who clearly love what they do. Fully recommended for all kids!”

Nicolas Bruzzone — Van Isle Parent
From Google Reviews
★★★★★

“Van Isle has an amazing culture. The techniques the coaches teach always give me an ‘A-ha’ moment and the facilities are awesome. It’s a community, not just a gym.”

Andrew Le — Purple Belt
See All 236+ Five‑Star Google Reviews ↗
Common Questions

Got Questions?
We’ve Got Answers.

Yes — your first class at Van Isle BJJ is always completely free. No commitment, no pressure, no experience needed. Just contact us, show up in gym clothes, and we’ll take care of everything else. We’re conveniently located in Esquimalt, minutes from Downtown Victoria, Saanich, and Oak Bay.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is consistently rated the most practical and safest martial art for children. Unlike striking arts like Karate or Taekwondo, BJJ uses control, leverage, and body positioning — making it ideal for anti-bullying, real-world confidence, and self-defense without causing harm. Van Isle BJJ offers Victoria’s most kids BJJ classes per week, with up to 6–7 coaches on the mat for children’s classes.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches kids how to control and neutralize conflict using leverage and body positioning — not punching or kicking. Unlike Karate or Taekwondo, BJJ is ground-based and rooted in real self-defense, making it highly effective for anti-bullying situations. Most children find it builds deeper confidence because the skills actually work. It’s also one of the safest martial arts for kids — no striking, no impact, just technique. Many parents in Victoria who start their kids in Karate or Taekwondo end up switching to BJJ for exactly these reasons.
Not at all. Our Beginner program is built specifically for people who have never stepped on a mat. We start from zero, build a solid foundation, and progress at your pace. The vast majority of our students had zero experience when they walked in.
You don’t need to be fit to start — BJJ is the fitness. The sport naturally builds strength, endurance, and flexibility over time. We’ve had students of every shape, size, and fitness level walk in and thrive. Just come as you are.
Just comfortable workout clothes — a t-shirt and shorts or leggings is perfect. You don’t need a gi for your free trial. For Gi classes, we’ll lend you a clean uniform. Once you decide to join, we’ll walk you through exactly what to get. Keep it simple for day one.
Adult memberships range from $109–$225 per month across six different plans, and kids memberships range from $99–$199 per month across six different plans — so there’s a fit for every schedule and budget. Your first class is always completely free with no commitment. Most members find Van Isle BJJ exceptional value given the 43 weekly classes, the quality of coaching, and full facility access including weight rooms, sauna, and spa showers.
Yes — there’s plenty of free parking on site and on the surrounding streets at our 941-B Ellery Street location in Esquimalt. You’ll never have to circle the block.
We welcome kids from age 5 and up, across three programs: Little Champs (5–7), Champions (8–12), and Teens (12–16, Fridays only). Each group trains at the right pace, with the right intensity, in a safe and encouraging environment.
Yes — we offer dedicated Women’s Only Jiu Jitsu classes every Tuesday and Thursday, 6:45–8:00 PM. It’s a safe, welcoming, all-female space to learn BJJ at your own pace without any intimidation. Many of our female members started in Women’s Only and now train across all programs.
Our Beginners No-Gi & Self-Defense class combines traditional BJJ with practical real-world self-defense skills — including stand-up striking defense, takedowns, and ground control in street-clothes scenarios. It’s rooted in BJJ and Judo and designed to be beginner-friendly: no experience required, no fitness barrier, and a supportive group ready to walk you through it. Great for anyone wanting practical self-defense alongside their BJJ training.
Safety is our absolute first priority. Our beginner classes are collaborative, not competitive. From day one, we teach you how to fall safely, how to tap out, and how to be a great training partner. The culture here is supportive — everyone is working together to improve, not trying to hurt each other.
Yes. Van Isle BJJ is located at 941-B Ellery Street in Victoria BC, serving Esquimalt, Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, View Royal, Colwood and Langford. If you are searching for “BJJ near me” or “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu near me” on the West Shore or anywhere in Greater Victoria, you are only minutes from our mats. Pop in for a free trial class — we are easy to find, with free parking on site.
Get Started

Book Your Free Trial Class.

No commitment. No pressure. Just come in, try it out, and see why Van Isle BJJ has been Victoria’s most trusted BJJ school. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

(250) 813-2295Joe — best to email
941-B Ellery Street, Esquimalt, Victoria BC

Facebook @vanislebjj

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You’re on the list!

Thanks — we’ll be in touch soon to schedule your free trial class. See you on the mats.

If you’re searching for BJJ or martial arts classes near you in Victoria BC, we’re conveniently located at 941-B Ellery Street — minutes from Downtown Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Fairfield, and James Bay. Proudly serving Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay, Fairfield, James Bay, Fernwood, View Royal, Colwood, and all of Greater Victoria.