JR Academy

A family’s favourite BJJ club in Calgary. Josh is an amazing coach, respectful, friendly. Very clean dojo, prompt updates on facebook to confirm training schedule.

I have been going here for three weeks now, and have been loving it so far. I did a lot of research before trying this gym. Professor Josh Russell (black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr.) has awarded black belts to most of BJJ professors in the city. So going here was not a tough decision at all.I am new to BJJ, but was hooked on to it in my first class, and decided right away that I was going to sign up for the membership. I did not even go through the whole trial period to sign up.I have found that the coaching is very detailed, and you get a lot out of it if you like asking questions. I learn a lot even when I'm rolling, and in my experience I've found that all the people I've rolled with so far, have been really nice, and answer all the questions I have. They are also good with giving tips and advice, since I'm really new to BJJ, but the key is to ask questions. Would definitely recommend this gym to anyone looking to get into Jiu-Jitsu.

Incredible place to train. The quality of instruction is top notch, and the community is warm and friendly. Definitely the place to go if you're in Calgary!

Josh is a fantastic Jiu-Jitsu professor and his instruction is backed by countless hours on the mats, in competition, getting his black belt from Carlos Gracie Jr. in Brazil. Talk about ‘drinking right from the source.’Josh has created a fantastic learning environment in his academy and students are friendly and helpful to train with.Train with confidence at JRA.

Sadly, only got to train at this gym once due to me visiting Calgary for a short time. However, I was planning to go more. The gym is great coach/instructor Josh is great to say the least. Friendly guys at the gym, super technical, and all around great. The class had take-downs as well as ground work something that is often overlooked by many jiu jitsu schools. I cannot rate this place enough Wish I was able to attend more of the classes I will for sure stop by the next time I am in Calgary 5/5, hands down!

I started my BJJ journey at JR Academy and trained at this academy for a decade. The instruction and training are both fantastic. The people are awesome to be around. Prof. Josh Russell has built something special.

Professor Josh is a highly respected bjj pioneer in Alberta. I don't train at this gym, but I always drop in every time i get the chance when in town. And if you live here this would be the gym to train.They are very welcoming to visitors. Not only his students will give you some tough rolls but the instruction here is always top notch. Josh has a wealth of bjj knowledge and is very detail oriented in showing different techniques. He will go around and correct mistakes and will take questions after. This shows that he cares about his students learning the moves the right way. His teaching style is a rare trait of the best bjj instructors and that is hard to find these days!I highly recommend this academy to anyone wanting to learn pure bjj for self-defence, sports competition or fitness. You will be so lucky and will not regret to be training here!

Been fortunate enough to train at gyms around the world, but this is home. The jiu jitsu you learn here easily puts you near the top in terms of skill. Highly recommended!

I travel all over and I’ve had the honor of dropping in here. It’s a great school. The facility is large and clean. The students are all welcoming and friendly. Most importantly Josh is an awesome teacher, with amazing Jiu Jitsu skills. Highly recommend this school.

I've gone here for 7 years and it's been amazing the coaches are extremely talented and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Easily the best BJJ school in all of Calgary. They also have very convenient class times which makes it easy to get too in your day and they don't make you pay and do a test for a promotion. If you are thinking of doing Martial Arts go here.