Connection Rio Jiu Jitsu Academy
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
Connection Rio Jiu Jitsu Academy
I got sucker punched today and just wanted to say the things you have taught me saved my life. So from the bottom of my heart thank you. I've trained at MANY BJJ gyms here in Oregon, and Connection Rio is the real deal. Professor Dennis Asche has an unparalleled level of knowledge and depth of expertise, giving him the ability to meet.

This is THE place to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Bend, Oregon. Somehow, black belt Dennis Asche has hit all the sweet spots with his gym: great work ethic, friendly atmosphere, absolutely killer work. I've been training for 5 months now. Started and still at CRA (Connection Rio Academy). Professor Dennis, the Brown, Purple, Blue, and even White belts at CRA are all super knowledgeable, friendly, an.
Services
Master the art of ground-based grappling with our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Bend. We're helping students all across the community stay challenged and develop the best self-defense skills in no time. Our Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Bend are helping students all across the community stay active and build confidence like never before.
Connection Rio Jiu-Jitsu Academy is Bend's premier BJJ gym offering the best BJJ throughout Central Oregon. We are committed to maintaining the highest quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu possible.

With over 25 years experience from Professor Asche (12 of those spent directly in the heart of BJJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and over 60 years combined with our instructors; we're proud to offer that world class instruction to adults and children throughout Bend, Central Oregon, and College Place, WA.
At Connection Rio Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is at the heart of everything we do - and our kids classes are no different! We are proud to offer the best BJJ in Bend for students of all ages. Our Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is all about keeping students active and helping them learn something new every single day.
Judo undoubtedly has a very important role in all aspects of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and we are proud to offer our students the opportunity to train their throws with a qualified Judo coach right here at CRA! Self-defense, sport BJJ and the complete understanding of Jiu-jitsu as a martial art requires practitioners to have a fundamental knowledge of controlling the range with throws and takedown defense.
I got sucker punched today and just wanted to say the things you have taught me saved my life. So from the bottom of my heart thank you. I've trained at MANY BJJ gyms here in Oregon, and Connection Rio is the real deal.

Professor Dennis Asche has an unparalleled level of knowledge and depth of expertise, giving him the ability to meet each and every practitioner where they're at with their game, and help to develop their own preferred toolbox of BJJ techniques.
Reviews (11)
Joshua Shoshan
Joshua Shoshan
Aug 30, 2021
Report
I spent a week in Bend in August, during which time I went to group classes, and also took five privates with Professor Dennis Asche. What a wonderful experience! My teacher, Mauricio Fernandes, an instructor where I train at Vitor Shaolin's academy in NYC, had spent time with Dennis in Rio, and Mauricio highly recommended Dennis, too. Connection Rio in Bend was even better that I anticipated. A beautiful, spotless dojo, with Dennis teaching all the group classes. The students were a welcoming and diverse group, all training hard and physically fit, and all were clearly inspired and motivated by
Farid Hajizada
Farid Hajizada
Feb 26, 2021
Report
Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
My experience in training at Connection Rio is exceptionally great. Great people to train with. One thing that I truly like about it, is that professor Dennis personally cares and invested in you and want you to improve your skills. Would definitely recommend to train there.
Kylee Mortenson
Kylee Mortenson
Feb 16, 2021
Report
I can not speak more highly about the Professor, and the culture at Connection Rio! I came to CR on my first day with no experience whatsoever. Professor Dennis Asche has a great style of teaching, and is always patient in correcting your form/technique. Not only is the instruction great, but so are the people. Such a great community to be apart of. We could not be more happy with our experience at this gym. We are so lucky that we found CR upon moving to Bend!
Bonus- even got to take part in a self defense/striking course here! Always learning every time I walk through the door.
Conan Zhang
Conan Zhang
Feb 15, 2021
Report
Professor Asche is one of the most knowledgeable professors I have had the honor of training under. I've traveled and moved around a lot and have trained at various different academies around the country and world. The instruction at Connection Rio is definitely one of the best schools I have been to.
There is a great mix of students and they are all welcoming and friendly. They have a wide range of backgrounds and goals. You can roll with competitors or just have relaxed flow rolls with chill people.
Stuart Healey
Stuart Healey
Jan 10, 2021
Report
Dennis is an absolutely fantastic coach who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in BJJ, MMA, working with both beginners and professional athletes. He's really friendly and will go out of his way to make everybody feel welcome and cultivates an excellent team atmosphere. I would 100% recommend training at this academy.
Grego P.
Grego P.
Dec 27, 2020
Report
I have nothing but high praise for Dennis as a coach and a person. I trained with Dennis in Rio de Janeiro back in 2009/2010 and can attest to his character. He is a selfless individual having helped many with travel, accommodation and training.
His knowledge and first hand experience of jiu jitsu covers a wide range of techniques and drills that can apply to any individual's game from novice all the way to highest professional level athletes. He also has the ability to see where certain techniques could really apply to an individual's style and strengthen their game.
To this day I still use
Kyle Chaquico
Kyle Chaquico
Jul 10, 2020
Report
This is a very impressive jujitsu academy. I’ve had only good experiences and would recommend this school to anyone interested in jujitsu. The instructor is patient, competent and motivating. Everyone is very friendly and inviting, which seems to create a family dynamic, which inspires growth, both physically and mentally. 5/5 stars - and this is a review after training here for over 6 months. Highly recommend!
Parker DeMara
Parker DeMara
Jun 10, 2020
Report
I've only recently start training at this gym, but I couldn't have felt more welcomed by everyone in the gym! The atmosphere is incredibly supportive and helpful. Dennis is a great Professor, in the 3 months I've been training I feel very confident in my skills. Thank you to Professor Dennis and the Connection Rio Academy Team!
Yoshi Yoshi
Yoshi Yoshi
Mar 10, 2020
Report
I definitely recommend it, I really enjoy my time at connection rio. Denies is amazing instructor and he treats all the students like his family.
Jeremiah Pedersen
Jeremiah Pedersen
Feb 24, 2020
Report
The Atmosphere & Culture that Dennis has created is Awesome.
Here's why: 1) I've seen more new people come and stick with it more than I have at any other gym! They don't feel judged, they feel welcomed. 2) HUMBLENESS - When people get submitted, the response is always, "Great job" and lets go again.
The Teaching & Technique 1) Dennis' Track record is phenomenal 2) The way he teaches is easy to understand and we practice a lot so that it becomes muscle memory. 3) He doesn't just teach an isolated move. It is incorporated into a series of moves/positions/transitions all at the same time
Joshua Frey
Joshua Frey
Jul 14, 2019
Report
Dropped in while on vacation. Sent an email to the owner about training and got an immediate response and was welcomed with open arms.
Attended the morning class which had a great turnout. Again was welcomed like I was family. I can’t say enough good things about this place.
I look forward to training here again.