Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy

- 35744 Ford Rd, Westland, MI 48185

For anyone in Michigan looking to start or reignite their martial arts journey, the Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy in Westland stands out as a unique and welcoming destination. This academy is more than just a place to train; it's a family-oriented community where people from all walks of life come together to grow, learn, and support one another. It has a gravitational pull all its own, as one dedicated student described, who won their first IBJJF Gold Medal as a 40+ year old female white belt after joining. This incredible achievement is a testament to the school's amazing structured teaching style, the dedication of its coaches, and the supportive environment they have cultivated.

The core of Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy is its dedicated and highly-skilled coaching staff, led by the owners, Ken and Tabatha Short. Both are active competitors themselves, leading by example and instilling a deep understanding of the sport. Tabatha is particularly praised for her coaching style and her skill set, with one student noting how she can handle much larger opponents with little physical effort, relying simply on technique and strategy. Her leadership, along with the help of other skilled students like Lily and Trisha, makes the youth and teens programs truly fantastic. Ken and Tabatha are praised for their warm and welcoming arms, taking the time to fine-tune what students already know and helping to close any holes in their basics.

The school has successfully created an environment that is super friendly and welcoming to everyone, with no judgment of any kind. This "family feel" is a key reason why students choose to become permanent members of the Westside Jiu Jitsu family. The gym is a clean and disciplined training facility that caters to the comfort of both men and women, with separate changing rooms and bathrooms located on opposite sides. This thoughtful design ensures that everyone feels at ease and can focus on their training. For those who may feel a bit anxious walking in for the first time, as one new student admitted, the welcoming atmosphere quickly makes them realize that everyone is willing to lend a helping hand.

Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy is located at 35744 Ford Rd, Westland, MI 48185, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for residents of Westland, Canton, Livonia, and other nearby communities in the Michigan region. Situated on a major road, the school is easy to find and offers convenient access for students and their families.

The facility is designed to be inclusive and accommodating to all members of the community. It features a **wheelchair accessible entrance** and a dedicated **wheelchair accessible parking lot**, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to train. The school also offers a **shower** for students' convenience and accepts a wide range of payment methods, including **checks, credit cards, debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**. This commitment to accessibility and convenience highlights the professional and thoughtful approach the school takes in serving its community.

Services Offered

• **Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Lessons**: The academy provides BJJ classes for all ages, including specialized programs for youth, teens, and adults. Both Gi (with a uniform) and No-Gi (without a uniform) classes are available.
• **Women's Only Jiu-Jitsu**: A specific class is offered for ladies who prefer to train exclusively with other women, creating a comfortable and empowering environment.
• **Kickboxing and MMA**: Beyond Jiu-Jitsu, the school offers cardio kickboxing and MMA classes, providing a great way to get a full-body workout and learn a variety of striking techniques.
• **Wrestling**: The curriculum includes wrestling instruction, a valuable skill for both self-defense and grappling competitions.
• **Strength and Conditioning**: The academy offers classes and personal training for strength and conditioning, helping students improve their physical fitness and prevent injury.
• **Private Coaching**: For students who desire personalized instruction, private BJJ lessons and coaching are available to help them fine-tune their techniques and close holes in their game.

Features and Highlights

• **World-Class Coaches**: The school is led by coaches Ken and Tabatha Short, who are not only skilled instructors but are also active competitors themselves, leading by example.
• **Supportive "Family Feel"**: The environment is known for being extremely friendly and welcoming, with no judgment of any kind, making it a comfortable place for people of all walks of life to train.
• **Flexible Schedule**: The gym is open seven days a week with classes offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening to accommodate every work and school schedule.
• **Discounts for Families**: The school offers discounts for kids and a family discount, making it an affordable and attractive option for the entire family.
• **Comprehensive Training**: The academy offers instruction in multiple martial arts, including Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and kickboxing, providing a well-rounded training experience.
• **Clean and Professional Facility**: The gym is described as a super clean and disciplined training facility with separate changing rooms and bathrooms for men and women.

Contact Information

Address: 35744 Ford Rd, Westland, MI 48185, USA

Phone: (734) 895-3979

What is Worth Choosing

When it comes to selecting a martial arts school in the Westland, Michigan, area, Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy is a top choice for several compelling reasons. The most significant factor is the quality and dedication of its coaching staff. Coaches Ken and Tabatha Short are not just instructors; they are mentors who genuinely care about the growth of every student, both on and off the mats. As one student’s testimonial shows, their guidance can help someone not only regain their passion for the sport but also achieve a life-long goal of winning a major competition. This level of personalized attention and expertise is truly invaluable.

Furthermore, the welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere sets this school apart. The "family feel" and the willingness of everyone to lend a helping hand create an environment where beginners can feel comfortable and confident, even if they are anxious at first. This is a rare find in the martial arts world and is a major reason why students choose to make Westside Jiu Jitsu their permanent training home. The school's commitment to providing a safe and clean facility, with separate changing rooms for men and women, also shows a deep respect for the comfort of its members.

Finally, the sheer variety and flexibility of the programs make Westside Jiu Jitsu a perfect fit for anyone. With classes seven days a week in the morning, afternoon, and evening, there is an option for even the busiest schedule. The inclusion of wrestling and kickboxing, along with specialized programs like the **Women's Only Jiu-Jitsu** class, ensures that every student can find a path that meets their specific goals. The discounts for kids and families also make it an accessible option for the entire household. For anyone in the Michigan region looking for a martial arts school that offers exceptional instruction, a supportive community, and a path to real personal growth, Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy is a choice that is truly worth it.

Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy

35744 Ford Rd, Westland, MI 48185, USA