Seattle Jiu-Jitsu Academy
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Seattle Jiu-Jitsu Academy started with an idea between training partners. It was an idea to create a unique Jiu-Jitsu culture that would promote the martial arts life style, instill critical core values in others, and share our passion with the Seattle community. We set out to create a unique space that is safe, clean, and fun for all types of individuals and skill sets.

Whether you are training for fun, fitness, or competition we have something for you. Seattle Jiu-Jitsu Academy is proudly run by Professor David Stegman who has over 33 years experience training martial arts and the last 24 years focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. David's passion for martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu shine through in his teaching and ability to inspire those around him.
Services
Brand new to Jiu-Jitsu? This class is for you! Designed to help all new students learn the basics and integrate into our All-Levels class. This where you will learn the basic body movements along with fundamental techniques. This class is open to all students 16 years or older and the techniques and teaching will focus on the basics of Jiu-Jitsu as well as more advanced techniques for those that are blue and above.
Seattle Jiu-Jitsu Academy is located at 1022 1st Ave. S in the south end of Historic Pioneer Square, and north end of South Downtown (SODO) area of Seattle, Washington. Our Academy is directly across from CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders.

We are within walking distance of many local watering holes like Pyramid Brewing Co., Elysian Fields Brewing, and the Hawks Nest Sports Bar which make for great spots to gather with the team after training.Driving & Parking: There is street parking all along 1st Ave S. on the West and East sides of the street, both metered and unmetered options, and it's always FREE before 8am or after 6pm.
You are the focus. Private lessons give you extra time and attention dedicated to you and your training. If you have questions, need details on new techniques, or advice with sparring/rolling, then private lessons are a great way to answer those questions. Private lessons are the perfect way to get the specialized attention needed and help develop your Jiu-Jitsu.
Seattle Jiu-Jitsu Academy is proud to have its first competition team who will participate in the IBJJF Seattle Open on Saturday. We have 4 competitors signed up for the event and could use your support. Put on your SJJA gear and come out to support local jiu-jitsu. Come on in for our Memorial Day Open Mat! Open to all affiliations of course!
At SJJA we tend to teach in a more relaxed and less rigid atmosphere than traditional martial arts. However, in order to maintain a positive learning environment that is both conducive to learning and welcoming to students and visitors we require our students, parents guests, and staff to adhere to the following Dojo Etiquette guidelines.
Reviews (10)
Allan Burket
Allan Burket
Jan 01, 2022
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
This is a wonderful Jiu-Jitsu academy! Great hospitality, clean and organized layout. The professor, Dave, is kind and knowledgeable. The folks around are just as hospitable. I came in from out of town looking to train and keep training when I go back home. I'm glad I went to this place. I'd highly recommend this spot!
Jason Shaw
Jason Shaw
Dec 12, 2021
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SJJC is a great place to train! If I lived here, this would be my place! Loved training with David Stegman and his crew while I was here. You will, too!
Cox Joseph
Cox Joseph
Nov 10, 2021
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Hands down the best gym in Seattle. I was in town long enough to try out a good number of other gyms and by far this one contained the most clean, welcoming, kind, and skilled crew the area had to offer. I would highly recommend this gym to anyone whether it be your first class or you train 2X a day for competitions. You’ll find this gym to be your go to gym in the area!
Rodrigo Guzman
Rodrigo Guzman
Oct 23, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
I was visiting Seattle for a few days, so I emailed for a drop-in. This academy is wonderful...really great space and a great environment, which was a good mix of laid back and intense. The quality of the instruction is also top-notch and there was ample time to roll at the end. Highly recommend!
Leila Hernandez
Leila Hernandez
Oct 10, 2021
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My Husband and I came into Seattle for a Seahawks game and knew that we wanted to train. Seattle Jiu Jitsu was everything we could have asked for and more for a dojo. We contacted them about a week in advance and the response time was within minutes. David was super friendly and welcoming. Mat time was great! Great technique and hard rolls followed!. Exactly what we needed on a Monday! If you are in Seattle and want to train don't miss your opportunity to roll with some great people. We plan on coming back and sending anyone we know to David.
Thanks David! Hope to see you soon!
Kendra Perry
Kendra Perry
Aug 22, 2021
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I am in town for Coastguard duty and reached out to Dave the owner if it was possible to train. Without hesitation he welcomed me and I attended class which was easy to grasp and train with a great partner . Rounds at the end of the class allowed me to experience some amazing individuals that have great skills. Everyone was welcoming !! It’s a beautiful place train and and hard work put into creating it you can see as soon as you walk in. Defiantly reach out if you are in town to train !!
It was a humbling experience and I am hoping to be back soon!! Thank you again!!
Graeme Gibson
Graeme Gibson
Jul 01, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality
Seattle Jiu Jitsu is one of the best places to train in Seattle. Professor Stegman is passionate about the art, cares that his students improve and is a total professional. If you are brand new to jiu jitsu or need an experienced group to train with, you will find it here.
Alexander Caruana
Alexander Caruana
May 19, 2021
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Ive been training at SJJA for a couple months now and the entire time has been amazing and has quickly became the highlight of my day. Its one of those environments where every single training session is beneficial. The all levels classes are fantastic! I love how everyone trains together no matter the rank. If you want to roll with high level guys every day as a lower belt, you can! You're encouraged to work hard, to compete(if you want), to show up as much as you can, and that is no better exemplified through the instructor David. His instruction is great and you can always find him on the mats
Chris Caruana
Chris Caruana
May 13, 2021
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Great academy filled with hard working and friendly people who push each other every day to improve. Awesome atmosphere and a great place to train, with a lot of opportunity to spar with everyone and see a lot of different styles. The instruction here is on point, Dave really takes the time to train with you and help your jiu jitsu. Also, the mats are clean and the music is good 🤟
I. I.
I. I.
Oct 10, 2020
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Seattle Jiu Jitsu Academy is an excellent place to train. I dropped in while on a work trip. The instructor and students are all very welcoming. The facility is clean, sharp, and has all the necessary amenities. We drilled a few solid techniques and rolled for over an hour. As the drop in guy I got my butt kicked, but it was fun. The vibe is very chill but everyone is there to train hard. I’ve been to quite a few BJJ gyms and put SJJA at the upper end for instruction, rolling, and facility. I highly recommend.