ARE YOU LOOKING TO...
Learn Brazilian
JIU JITSU?
101 Academy in Calgary is a different kind of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym. We have an amazing team of coaches and members who have your back, all the way from total beginner to black belt.
Ditch the
boring gym ROUTINE?
At 101 Academy, You don't need to be in shape to start training with us. All levels of fitness have a place here and you can ditch the boring gym routine. You'll still build strength, burn fat, and improve your fitness while learning the art of BJJ.
Make the most
of your time?
At 101 Academy most of our students have full time jobs, and families to take care of. They still make great progress training just 2-3 per week. If you have a busy schedule Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is perfect for getting in shape, learning self defense, and gaining confidence.
are you ready...
TO start your journey?
Jiu jitsu (gi and nogi)
Brazlian Jiu Jitsu is the perfect martial art for someone who wants to learn real world self defense, build confidence, and get in shape.
Jiu jitsu classes for kids
We give kids exactly what they need to build good habits, discipline, and confidence for life.
Women's only jiu jitsu
Learn the gentle are of Jiu Jitsu in a friendly and welcoming ladies only class.
Competition training (gi and nogi)
Want to test your skills through competition? We'll help you create a gameplan specific to your skills and experience.
Private lessons
Are the fastest way to improve your game. Whether you want to train for competition or just prefer 1-on-1 instruction.
Professor CJ's Story
Jiu Jitsu is not a fast journey. After about seven years of full-time training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I earned my black belt. From that moment on, people started calling me “Professor.” At first, it felt strange — it didn’t quite sit right with me. That title wasn’t why I started training, and honestly, I never cared much about rank or recognition.
What always mattered most was the art itself — learning, growing, and testing myself through Jiu Jitsu. Over time, though, I started to see how deeply the practice was shaping me — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It made me a better version of myself. And with that realization came a strong desire to give back — to share what I’d learned with others on the mat. That’s what earning my black belt came to mean: not a status, but a responsibility — and a privilege — to pass on the lessons, the mindset, and the love for the art that’s given me so much.
Rewind 20 years — I was just a kid, growing up poor in a home with little guidance and even less stability. By the time I was 16, things had gotten tough enough that I was asked to move out and live with a friend, simply because there wasn’t enough money to support me at home. So I left. Back then, I wasn’t the best at choosing who I surrounded myself with. I fell in with the wrong crowd and found myself getting into more trouble than I knew how to handle. I was in and out of jail regularly, mostly for fighting, and caught up in a lifestyle full of bad decisions and even worse influences.
It didn’t take long before that path caught up with me. And then came the moment — the one that changed everything. In 1998, everything came to a head. All the negative influences in my life collided, events spiraled out of control, and by the end of the night — a life was lost. That moment changed everything. It’s something I carry with me every day and always will. If I could go back and change what happened, I would in a heartbeat. But I can’t — and that reality has shaped the way I live my life ever since. The loss, the pain, the years of reflection and rehabilitation — none of it was easy. But without all of it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Click To Finish The Story
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became a turning point for me. It gave me a path, a purpose, and a way to give back. Through teaching and training, I’ve found a way to contribute to my community — to support others, especially vulnerable people, and hopefully help them avoid the mistakes I wasn’t able to. I’ve come a long way since that day. During my rehabilitation, I was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by my father and brother. I began studying it privately, and even in those early moments, I could feel it changing something in me. After my release, I committed to training full time — and that’s when everything really began to shift.
Jiu Jitsu brought me a sense of calm and peace that I had never known. It taught me how to slow down, how to think through stressful situations, and how to face challenges without relying on brute force. Finesse, patience, and strategy became more valuable than aggression — and over time, I began to apply those lessons not just on the mat, but in everyday life. That’s the gift Jiu Jitsu gave me — and it’s the reason I teach today.
My goal is to help my students build those same tools: resilience, discipline, and clarity. Whether in training or in life, those lessons make all the difference. These are the reasons why I take so much pride in being called “Professor” — a title that once felt strange to me. It’s not about rank or recognition. It’s about the journey, the growth, and the responsibility that comes with it. Every time I promote a student, it’s not just about technique or time on the mat — it’s about who they’re becoming through the process. I see pieces of my own journey in theirs: the struggles, the breakthroughs, the quiet determination to become better. That’s why I care so deeply. Because Jiu Jitsu gave me a second chance — and now, through teaching, I get to help others build something strong, meaningful, and lasting in their own lives.
That is what Jiu Jitsu did for me.
So what could Jiu Jitsu do for you?
Jiu Jitsu brought me a sense of calm and peace that I had never known. It taught me how to slow down, how to think through stressful situations, and how to face challenges without relying on brute force. Finesse, patience, and strategy became more valuable than aggression — and over time, I began to apply those lessons not just on the mat, but in everyday life. That’s the gift Jiu Jitsu gave me — and it’s the reason I teach today. My goal is to help my students build those same tools: resilience, discipline, and clarity. Whether in training or in life, those lessons make all the difference. These are the reasons why I take so much pride in being called “Professor” — a title that once felt strange to me. It’s not about rank or recognition. It’s about the journey, the growth, and the responsibility that comes with it. Every time I promote a student, it’s not just about technique or time on the mat — it’s about who they’re becoming through the process. I see pieces of my own journey in theirs: the struggles, the breakthroughs, the quiet determination to become better. That’s why I care so deeply. Because Jiu Jitsu gave me a second chance — and now, through teaching, I get to help others build something strong, meaningful, and lasting in their own lives.
That is what Jiu Jitsu did for me.
So what could Jiu Jitsu do for you?
01
Intro
Get started by booking
your free trial class.
02
Plan
Meet with a coach and
try Jiu Jitsu.
03
Results
Start training, follow your
program and get results.
Getting started is easy at Calgary’s Best gym.
At 101 Academy we're firm believers in the basics. That's why we are called 101 Academy, and that's what we teach. We teach our students a simple and effective brand of Jiu Jitsu that has stood the test of time. This allows students to improve faster, and build their own unique style on top of our teachings.
101 Academy
OUR CURRENT SCHEDULE
All levels No Gi Jiu Jitsu
12:30 PM – 2:00 pm
Youth Jiu Jitsu (7 to 14 year olds)
5:00 pM – 6:00 PM
All levels No Gi Jiu Jitsu
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
No Gi Sparring
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CROSSFIT
3:00 PM
CROSSFIT
4:00 PM
CROSSFIT
5:00 PM
CROSSFIT
6:00 PM
CROSSFIT
7:00 PM
Private classes
10:00 AM – 11:00 Am
All levels Gi Jiu Jitsu
12:30 PM – 2:00 pm
Youth Jiu Jitsu (7 to 14 year olds)
5:30 pM – 6:30 PM
Adult Fundemental Jiu Jitsu
6:30 pM – 8:00 PM
Jiu Jitsu Sparring
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
CROSSFIT
4:00 PM
CROSSFIT
5:00 PM
CROSSFIT
6:00 PM
CROSSFIT
7:00 PM
All levels No Gi Jiu Jitsu
12:30 PM – 2:00 pm
Women’s Gi Jiu jitsu
5:30 pM – 6:30 pm
No Gi Fundementals
6:30 pM – 7:30 pm
No Gi Advanced
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
CROSSFIT
3:00 PM
CROSSFIT
4:00 PM
Private classes
10:00 AM – 11:00 Am
All levels Gi Jiu Jitsu
12:30 PM – 2:00 pm
Youth Jiu Jitsu (7 to 14 year olds)
5:30 pM – 6:30 PM
Adult Fundemental Jiu Jitsu
6:30 pM – 8:00 PM
Jiu Jitsu Sparring
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
All levels Gi Jiu Jitsu
12:30 PM – 2:00 pm
Youth Jiu Jitsu (7 to 14 year olds)
5:00 pM – 6:00 PM
All levels Gi Jiu Jitsu
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
CROSSFIT
12:00 PM
CROSSFIT
3:00 PM
Adult Competition Jiu Jitsu (Invite only)
11:00 AM – 12:00 pm
Open Mat
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
CROSSFIT
9:00 AM
CROSSFIT
12:00 PM
Have Questions?We've got the answers right here!
How Do I Join and Get Started?
Super simple! Just click get started anywhere here on the page to book your free intro session where you’ll get to tour the gym & meet our coaches.
What Will My First Class Look Like As a Beginner?
Each class starts with a small warm up and is followed by some positional work related to the sessions teaching.
Your coach will then show a series of related techniques with time to ask questions and practice each one with your chosen drilling partner. A few “mini game” scenarios to put your new techniques in to live practices leads us to the end of class.
High fives and fist bumps leave you with the option of saying to put your accumulated knowledge to the test during live training/sparring if you feel ready for it (this is the fun part!).
You’ll likely be sore the next day as you’ve moved your body and used your muscles in ways you probably never have. Don’t worry the soreness won’t stick around too long and will get much better with consistent training.
What Makes 101 Academy Different From The Other Gyms Near Me?
At 101 Academy we pride ourselves on being safe and inclusive. We train hard and crush our goals while maintaining a safe and supportive training atmosphere. We have a Male and Female Head Coach, a beautiful facility and the best people as your training parters and teammates.
Do I Need to Already Be Fit To Join?
Not at all! Most of our members start just like you, not only are you learning a new skill, you’re learning how to move your body and workout in a different way. All of this takes time and you’ll quickly see an improvement in your overall fitness, cardio and problem solving after your first month of training consistently.
How to Belt Promotions Work?
The order of belt ranking is: White, Blue, Purple, Brown and Black
Everyone starts as a white belt, no matter their age, physical condition or previous martial arts experience. As your knowledge and ability increase from attending classes and putting your knowledge into proactive ‘rolling’ you’ll move through the belt ranks.
Training 3-5 times a week on a consistent basis will earn your Black Belt in about 8 years. Everyone will progress at their own pace and will be promoted accordingly. “All good things take time,” my momma said, and Jiu Jitsu is no exception.
At 101 Academy we don’t charge you for belt promotions or testing or make you compete, we follow the IBJJF guidelines for Youth and Adult ranking.
How Many Days Per Week Should I Train?
When you’re learning and everything is new we recommend 2-3 sessions a week consistently. This will give you time to adjust your body and brain to Jiu Jitsu. We recommend leaving a day in between sessions to give yourself a chance to recover.
As you get less sore you can bump your training up to increase your knowledge and experience, 4-5 sessions is a nice balanced sweet spot. The only key to success in Jiu Jitsu is mat time! And with mat time comes crushing your fitness goals and working on achieving your next promotion!
When Should I Expect To See Results?
When it comes to results at 101 Academy it’s a two fold answer – you’ll see an increase in your overall fitness and flexibility in about a month. When it comes to understanding Jiu Jitsu and progressing in your knowledge it will take about 6 months.
We know, that’s a long time, we always say, “Jiu Jitsu has a learning curve like climbing a mountain”. The view is worth it and so is the time you put in building a framework, once it’s done you’ll see improvements regularly and in much shorter intervals.
