Way of Jiu Jitsu Academy
About
Way of Jiu Jitsu Academy offers comprehensive training in multiple martial arts disciplines including MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, judo, and karate. The academy is led by Master Rigan Machado, an 8th Degree Coral Belt, and features a deep roster of experienced instructors like Head Instructor Nobuo Yagai and several other black belts. Both adult and kids programs are available, with dedicated instructors for each age group, creating a structured environment for all skill levels. Members consistently praise the high quality of instruction, noting how coaches simplify complex techniques to make them accessible while maintaining technical rigor.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the high quality instruction, particularly noting Professor Nobuo's ability to simplify complex techniques. They describe a welcoming, family like community where everyone supports each other's growth. Parents highlight how the kids program teaches valuable life skills like respect, discipline, and emotional management alongside martial arts. Specific coaches receive frequent mention for their professionalism, patience, and technical expertise.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Jacq Wata
8 months ago
My son has been attending Way of Jiu Jitsu Academy for over one year. I really value the lifelong skills they teach! Coaches are teaching respect, discipline, managing emotions, accountability, healthy competition, self-defense, and physical safety (ex: how to fall safely). These are lessons that no other activity has facilitated with such ease and consistency. Each coach compliments one another and fosters a learning environment based on action. Grateful to have found this place!
jeremiah jones
6 months ago
I’ve been to a few different bjj academy’s and this has far been the best experience. Professor Nobuo is great at teaching bjj and really simplifies everything to make it easy to learn. I feel there are a lot of skilled individuals training at the academy thanks to the great technique that is taught. They also have a great kids program that my kids have attended which they really enjoyed. It was a fun atmosphere for them where they also learned a lot.
Eric Schmidt
7 months ago
I have been training under Professor Nobuo since 2014 and he is the face of Jiu Jitsu in Colorado in my opinion. I have a good 100 lbs on Nubuo, but he throws me around like it’s nothing. That’s usually the example I use if people ask me if Jiu Jitsu actually works. Everyone at Way of Jiu Jitsu is friendly, respectful, and welcoming. We are all there to help each other get better. If you’ve been thinking about trying this out, then give it a shot!
Bianca Birchall
7 months ago
Way of Jiu Jitsu is a great gym. The methodology and techniques that my son is learning teach him a lot, from self-defense to gaining confidence. The coaches always show up prepared and are willing to help all of their students. The rest of my boys will be joining when they’re old enough! We love this gym!
J Wang
7 months ago
We’ve been bringing our kids here for over 2 years, and it has been an amazing experience. The coaches are all incredibly professional, patient, and skilled at teaching jiujitsu in a way that challenges the kids while keeping it fun. We’ve seen so much growth not only in their skills and confidence, but also in discipline and teamwork. What really stands out is the strong sense of community—everyone is welcoming and supportive, and it truly feels like a family. We’re so grateful to have found this place and can’t recommend it highly enough!
Contact
7808 Cherry Creek S Dr #205, Denver, CO 80231, USA
groupCoaches & Instructors
Rigan Machado
Master
8th Degree Coral Belt
Nephew of Grand Master Carlos Gracie, one of the founders of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Head of the official association.
Jalen Reyes
Kids Instructor
Black Belt
Nobuo Yagai
Head Instructor
Black Belt
Quynh Nguyen
Administrative Assistant / Kids Assistant Instructor
Nick Taufmann
BJJ Instructor
Kevin White
BJJ Instructor
Armando Enrique
Instructor
Black Belt
Charles Espinosa
Kids Instructor
James Mikus
Kids BJJ Instructor
Michael Baird
Adult Instructor
Black Belt
Eric Sahs
Instructor
Black Belt
Drake Louie
Kids Instructor