The Sanctuary Brazilian JiuJitsu and Fitness
About
The Sanctuary Brazilian JiuJitsu and Fitness offers comprehensive training across multiple disciplines including Brazilian JiuJitsu, MMA, Muay Thai, wrestling, and CrossFit style workouts. The coaching team brings exceptional credentials, with Charlee Minkin being a 2004 Olympic judoka and second degree BJJ black belt, Ben Lowry holding a third degree Rigan Machado black belt, and Lucas Madsen providing personal training and CrossFit instruction. This combination of elite martial arts expertise and fitness training creates a well rounded facility suitable for all skill levels and age groups.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the exceptional coaching quality, particularly highlighting Charlee Minkin's Olympic judo background and Ben Lowry's Rigan Machado black belt expertise. Reviewers describe a welcoming, family like community where everyone supports each other's goals and coaches push students to achieve beyond their perceived limits. Multiple members mention training at the gym for four to five years or longer, with parents noting excellent results in children's BJJ tournament performance and discipline development. The environment is characterized as respectful, professional, and filled with positive energy that makes members look forward to each visit.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Ian Ricketson
2 months ago
I have been a member of the Sanctuary for over 5 years and have 4 kids enrolled in their BJJ kids program. I can say without a doubt this is the best gym in the area, and the results show. Three of my kids have been competing in local BJJ tournaments for several years now and all of them have had great success due to the excellent instruction from professors Ben Lowry (BJJ Black Belt under Rigan Machado) and Charlee Minkin (Black Belt & 2004 Olympic Judoka). These instructors will push your kids hard, teach them discipline, and make them stronger in every aspect of their lives. I have great gratitude and respect for the community they have fostered and for the skills and mental toughness they are instilling in kids every day.
Siyeh Shinn-Gibbs
5 months ago
I’ve been a member at The Sanctuary Fitness since 2018, and I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite places to be. Charlee, Lucas, and Ben are amazing coaches who’ve helped me improve my CrossFit-style skills and push myself in ways I never thought I could. I usually hit the 9 a.m. class — it’s always a fun mix of workouts and an awesome crew of people. If you’re looking for a smaller, welcoming community where everyone knows your name and genuinely supports your goals, this is it!
sydney green
5 months ago
I have done CrossFit style workouts now for 12 years. I have been attending strength and conditioning classes here with Charlee for the past 4 years and can say, without a doubt, she has pushed me to the next level. She knows my abilities through and through and can push me when needed while ensuring lifts and movements are done safely. I highly recommend this gym for someone who wants one-on-one support in a fun group atmosphere.
Michael Garrett H
7 months ago
Undoubtedly the best BJJ and CrossFit gym in the greater Lakewood area if not all of Colorado! Coach Charlie Minkin and her husband Coach Ben Lowry started this gym in 2012 and never looked back. They poured their heart and soul into their passion of Martial Arts and their hard work shows for it. They train mostly all age groups in BJJ and CrossFit! This gym treats you respect and ultimate level of professionalism. Willing to work with you and push you to levels you thought were unobtainable. Charlie Minkin has an extensive history in Martial Arts and training CrossFit. In 2004 Charlie was on the US Olympic team for Judo and shared the stage with Ronda Rousey! So if you are looking for tested leadership this is the spot. My wife has been going to CrossFit here for years and she has a blast! She loves her peers and loves her coaches. We are proud to call The Sanctuary home. Our daughter will be joining the BJJ side soon and we can’t wait!
Rebecca Maez
5 months ago
The Sanctuary BJJ is hands down one of the best gyms around! The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about helping every student improve whether you’re a beginner or have been training for years. The environment truly lives up to its name. It’s a welcoming and respectful space where everyone pushes each other to grow. The community here feels like family. Highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for solid training, great people, and positive energy every time you walk through the door!
Contact
3355 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Lucas Madsen
Personal Trainer / CrossFit Trainer
CrossFit and Personal Trainer
Leads fitness, strength & conditioning, and personal training.
Charlee Minkin
Judo Instructor / BJJ Instructor
Olympian and 2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt
Teaches Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the gym.
Ben Lowry
BJJ Instructor
3rd Degree Rigan Machado Black Belt
Teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the gym.