URSA Academy
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
URSA Academy
Learn the best standing and ground-based self-defense skills today during our BJJ Classes in Ann Arbor. We help men and women of all skills and abilities get fit and learn how to overcome an opponent in no time! Burn hundreds of calories in just one class and build lean muscle along the way with our Fitness Kickboxing Classes in Ann Arbor.

You'll develop power and agility in no time and learn how to defend yourself against anything. Our fun and empowering Kids Martial Arts classes in Ann Arbor will help your child build important skills like self-defense and self-confidence plus self-respect, discipline and so much more! At URSA Academy, we take pride in offering you the highest quality martial arts classes in Ann Arbor.
Services
Whether you're training for competition, hoping to get in great shape, OR BOTH, we've got what you're looking for at URSA Academy in Ann Arbor. Our BJJ Classes are the best total-body workout in town, offering you a high-energy way to build strength and burn fat while you learn the ins and outs of this incredible discipline.
Take on a true total-body workout today with our Fitness Kickboxing Classes in Ann Arbor. You'll keep your heart racing and your muscles moving like never before as you burn hundreds of calories in just one class. Our Fitness Kickboxing Classes at URSA Academy help men and women of all skills and abilities develop powerful strength and agility in no time.
There is nothing more important than self-confidence for young children as they face the many challenges that come with growing up. At URSA Academy, our Kids Martial Arts Classes in Ann Arbor help students of all ages and backgrounds build themselves up through accomplishment and achievement.

Our Kids Martial Arts Classes focus primarily on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and allow students of all experience levels the change the develop coordination and strength while they learn vital life skills.It's easy for some children to feel doubt and discouragement. But at URSA Academy, we help students rise above those feelings with the excitement and energy of our Kids Martial Arts Classes.
If you're looking for a team environment, one on one coaching, and insightful instruction, URSA Academy is an excellent choice. I can honestly say that all members of the gym were as interested in my development as the coaches and staff. I learned almost as much from my peers as I did from Kris. Moreover, the size of the class is perfect; it seemed common to be stopped mid-activity and given individualized instruction on how to improve my form.
Reviews (22)
Keely Zuri
Keely Zuri
Dec 18, 2021
Report
Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
Love this place! Challenges me and keeps me on my toes, I never get bored with the classes, they are well organized and a lot of fun!
Marissa Barsotti
Marissa Barsotti
Dec 15, 2021
Report
Positive: Quality
I'm new to kickboxing and I couldn't have picked a better place! The instructors are knowledgeable and cater the classes to all skill levels. It's a very friendly environment and I always leave class feeling great. The prices are solid for how many classes you can take a week. I will definitely continue to take classes here.
Stacy Fowler
Stacy Fowler
Dec 04, 2021
Report
My “box gym” closed down at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Like many, I had to switch up my routines. With a background in Karate, I found URSA Fittness Kickboxing (FKB) in February of this year and haven’t turned back.
I have and continue to be impressed by the small class sizes that allow space when social distancing is necessary as well as individuation for all levels; the ever changing routines that still challenge me after nine months; and most importantly the friendly, encouraging, guidance from coach Jay and the URSA family.
Kevin Daher
Kevin Daher
Nov 28, 2021
Report
Friendly staff, professional coach and excellent atmosphere.
I start my training more then four month ago, my health improved, I developed good discipline.
we lucky to have a very good coach with a lot of experience.
I am sure I will continue my training at URSA
Tugba Piskin
Tugba Piskin
Nov 17, 2021
Report
Professional, friendly, and clean!!
I just joined Ursa Academy just two months ago for Fitness Kickboxing Classes with the coach, Jay. I am out of shape, and I have had severe injuries on both my wrists for almost 17 years. I was told that my wrist would never gain its strength back. Yet, here I am two months later; my wrist strengths are doubled. I would never be able to do that without Jay's guidance throughout the exercises. I also feel more comfortable with other physical activities. I strongly recommend this place to anyone. Jay patiently tells you the points you did wrong, or you would do
Josh Rojas
Josh Rojas
Nov 14, 2021
Report
My boys and I are proud members of this unique and special tribe. The thoughtful and detailed programs they’ve developed help anyone enjoy the challenging and rewarding sport of BJJ. All of the coaches are top shelf, do not hesitate to sign up and enjoy everything BJJ has to offer! They make you feel like Norm from cheers except the beer is a lot of focus and sweat. It’s your neighborhood BJJ bar.
Ben Ratner
Ben Ratner
Nov 13, 2021
Report
Dropped in at Ursa a few months back and had a really great experience. Great facility and instructors and students of all skill levels. Would highly recommend this gym to anyone who’s looking to train or learn BJJ in Ann Arbor.
Jessica Snyder
Jessica Snyder
Nov 10, 2021
Report
I love Ursa! I’ve been attending the kickboxing class here for about 6 months and I’m still really enjoying it. A friend recommended it to me years ago, but I was too intimidated to try it, so when another friend recommend it to me this spring, I decided to give it a go. I worried that the classes would be too difficult or become boring (contradictory, I know), but Jay does a great job of adding different skills and layers so there’s always something new to learn. I love the instruction style – Jay is attentive and has a calm and methodical way of running class. I got in a bad car accident
Gabrie Italia
Gabrie Italia
Jul 26, 2021
Report
I visit Ann Arbor from time to time and I called hoping to drop-in for a jiu-jitsu class for when I do visit. I live about an hour away and I called asking about the drop-in fee. However, the academy believed that an hour away distance is “too close” and would not let me drop-in for a class. I would have to become a member if I were interested. It’s frustrating that the gym seems exclusive and considers an hour distance to be too close.
Dominic Magliocco
Dominic Magliocco
Nov 04, 2020
Report
Finally took the plunge and started BJJ. As an older student I didn’t expect what came next. The coaches made sure each and every student was involved and pushed you not only physically but mentally. I have to say I felt welcomed and part of a family right after the first class. Two months in and covid hit. All the training on the mats stopped BUT all the coaches have stayed interactive to help with virtual learning along with video and audio lectures with great teachings. This by far has been a fantastic experience and know I will be here for many years to come. I would recommend this academy
Raymond K.
Raymond K.
Mar 08, 2019
Report
I signed up for the 3 class deal which includes a gi to see what BJJ is about. It's a really good deal for $20! I really enjoyed the classes and got a sense of what BJJ is like. It's a great workout, mentally and physically. The instructors there seem very knowledgeable and were really good at explaining each move and helping refine the moves as we practiced. I thought they set a really good tone for the class, as all my classmates were also helpful in explaining the mechanics and logic behind each of the moves. The entire staff was very friendly and personable and cared about whether
Tori B.
Tori B.
Mar 05, 2018
Report
I love this place! The staff is so much fun! They keep the mats clean and have a great space for kickboxing. The classes are fun and I actually enjoy working out. Love it
Joyce L.
Joyce L.
Aug 11, 2017
Report
Have been attending URSA's Kickboxing classes for more than a year now and I'm so satisfied with my workouts. The workouts are challenging and fun and with so many different coaches and their flexible class schedule, you definitely get a variety in your workouts every time you go.
Darcey B.
Darcey B.
Aug 07, 2017
Report
I have heard nothing but great things about all the programs offered here. I am all about the Fitness Kickboxing program, both my husband and I get to work out together here while our kids play in the play room. I have lost weight and gained friends...could you ask for a better deal?! Check it out, you won't regret it!
Evan B.
Evan B.
May 30, 2017
Report
Great environment for positive attitudes who want to get healthy without intimidating pressure to perform. The fitness kickboxing workouts are challenging but fun. Great for all levels of fitness from just starting to experienced.
Breanna H.
Breanna H.
Feb 16, 2017
Report
I agreed to check-out URSA with a friend who wanted to try kickboxing. We jumped on deal of 3 kickboxing classes for $19.99 that came with a free pair of boxing gloves (bring your own hand wraps if you want them). They sent us a document to read beforehand that outlined the the different punches we would need to know for class - jab, cross, hook, and uppercut.

Upon arriving at URSA, the atmosphere was lively and friendly. All of the staff were very kind and personable and gave us a tour through the club. I do not have children, but they had a nice kid area that seemed quite catering to parents
Tony W.
Tony W.
May 19, 2016
Report
Incredible place of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ("BJJ") learning and respect. Professor Kris has established an instructional and positive BJJ environment that accommodates all skill levels.

Initially, I was unsure about BJJ as I am not UFC/MMA enthusiast, and my interest was limited to cross-training (I primarily play basketball and lift weights) and self defense. Yet to my delight it was an incredible work-out, and my classmates - despite tremendous ability and occasionally size - were supportive, friendly and deeply respectful of my training and pace. It doesn't hurt that the leadership
Pedro S.
Pedro S.
Sep 23, 2015
Report
I trained with Professor Kris and team for about a year and it was an amazing experience. Both Kris and Amy are extremely professional and helpful and the academy has a very friendly atmosphere. The classes are really well structured and have flexible schedules. Professor Kris has a very sharp and helpful teaching style that makes you progress really quickly; I felt really motivated to go training even with extremely low temperatures of Michigan. I am Brazilian and trained in the famous Alliance academy in Sao Paulo with Fabio Gurgel, so I have some good references of what a good jiu-jitsu academy
Danny C.
Danny C.
Jan 21, 2014
Report
First off this is a family run academy and ran very professionally at that. Second the academy does not charge anything until you complete your free month and agree to sign a contract and stay. With that being said this gym has changed my life immensely and all for the better. Whether your looking to improve your mind through discipline and schedule or your body through hard training Ursa academy is top notch and provides a wonderful family experience that I recommend to everyone.
Tabitha A.
Tabitha A.
Aug 28, 2013
Report
I attended one free lesson at URSA and then signed up for the classes. Before my first class, however, I had to move out of the country, and they refused to give my money back. In fact, while I was out of the country, they charged my account for one month of classes (even though I proved that I was volunteering abroad). They gave me an excuse that didn't make sense about this charge, and when I asked for my money back, they said there is a termination fee that this unexplained charge can cover. So, I pretty much just paid $300 for what was supposed to be a "free" lesson.
Patrick T.
Patrick T.
Feb 04, 2013
Report
Great and serious jiu jitsu. Classes were excellent and Kris, the head instructor, was a great teacher. I would have trained here if I had more time for it.

The tuition is higher than I'm used to in California, but it's probably competitive with other jiu jitsu schools in Ann Arbor.
Mickie W.
Mickie W.
Nov 26, 2012
Report
If you want to get your children started in Jiu-Jitsu, I'd try here. The instructors are wonderful with the kids and they offer a free 30 day trial and include a uniform.

A family plan is the only thing missing from this club but otherwise it's perfect.