Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu In West Edmonton

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling martial art full of locks, chokes, and take-downs.  The name “jiujitsu” means “the gentle art”.  BJJ practitioners call it “human chess” or  “involuntary yoga”.  =)  Don’t worry, new members are always taught the techniques in a safe and controlled environment, and higher belts are available to help and offer training tips in a respectful manner.  Every class is a complete workout designed to improve your flexibility, balance, endurance and strength.

With regular training you will lose weight, gain muscle tone and even improve your athletic performance in other sports.  BJJ is hands-on, effective, up close, and fun way to train.  You will sweat and you will smile!  The friendships forged on the mats last for years!

Through our program you will:

  • Improve your health and fitness
  • Reduce your stress
  • Increase your confidence
  • Learn a highly effective form of self-defence
  • Positively impact every aspect of your life

Click or Call to set up your free class!

 

Interested in learning more about the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Program? Try a free class now!

Kevin Ford

Black Belt Professor

Professor Ford started his BJJ training in the 90’s when the UFC was launched.  At that time there were very few qualified teachers, and even BJJ VHS instructional tapes were bootleg.(!)  He would train with anyone who would teach him about grappling, submissions, and take-downs.  This included wrestling, judo, hwarangdo, and of course jiujitsu.  As a taekwondo black belt, he understood the value of learning self defence on the ground, as that was a weakness in the striking arts.  After training in an MMA gym off and on for several years under Jason Fairn (RIP), he had a serious neck injury and had to stop.

After a 10 year layoff Kevin began to train again, earning his purple belt in 2013 under Professor Heitor Abrahao (2nd Dela Riva).  He then restarted with Professor Resende (4th BJJ/5th Judo).  As an “older” grappler the restart was challenging but rewarding.  He earned his brown belt in 2016, black belt in 2021, and professor stripes in 2022.  Professor Ford’s perspective on BJJ is self defence tactics and technique first, and is taught only to adults.  If you are an adult looking for a gym that does not treat beginners like cannon fodder, or allow sandbagging for tournaments, and has a professional “no goons” atmosphere then ATA BJJ  may be for you. =)

(Rickson Gracie/Max Trombini/Rodrigo Resende/Kevin Ford)