Learn Jiu Jitsu

We train everyone from total beginners to world champions

testimonials

What they say

He will take your confidence and game to new levels!

Cole Abate

Jiu Jitsu World Champion

Professional Athlete & Instructor

I’ve been training with Professor Tony for the past 8 years in jiu-jitsu. He has been one of my biggest influences in the sport. He has shaped my game with his mentality of being aggressive and to always look for the finish!

He is an incredible instructor and never leaves a detail out. I’ve always loved using some of his tricks in competition.

Don’t miss an opportunity to learn from Professor Tony, he will take your confidence and game to new levels!

Thank you for everything!

Don't miss an opportunity to learn from this great instructor!

Pete "The Secret Weapon" Spratt

7 time UFC veteran

Professional Athlete & Instructor

I have had the pleasure of training with and watching Tony Erard's journey from beginner to Black belt! He is by far one of the most technical jiu-jitsu practitioner's I know.

I have witnessed him transfer his knowledge to all walks of life with relative ease and I am very confident in his abilities as an instructor and a competitor!

The way he teaches is clear and concise and easy for students to understand!

Don't miss an opportunity to learn from this great instructor!

More Testimonials

John Kotwick

I've been training consistently at Kraken for over a year now. It's a great place to train and learn whether you're thinking to trying the sport for the first time or already have experience. Check it out!

Telly O

Nothing but positive things to say. The community Professor Tony has built is amazing. From the outside Jiujitsu is an individual sport, but it is clear here we are all on the same team helping each other stay safe and improve every day we step on the mats. It is a family activity now with both my girls also training.

Alex Zakusylo

Ive trained at many gyms throughout the years and Kraken Jui Jitsu really stands out! From day one I was treated like family and the instruction has been top notch. Professor Tony is a great man and I'm happy to have been so welcomed!

Jacob S

Joining Kraken Jiu Jitsu has been one of the best decisions I have made in a while. Professor Tony does a fantastic job teaching classes and is always looking out for his students and their health. He is always available for questions and very attentive to his students. The whole gym has a great culture and there are definitely no egos here. Tony has a rich history of teaching jiu jitsu and vast experiences which he brings to the mats every class. He has experience teaching world champions all the way down to people like me who have are complete beginners. I highly recommend you check out this gym and learn from the best!

David Crandall

I cannot say enough great things about this academy, Professor Tony, and the entire team at Kraken Jiu Jitsu. I started training here almost 2 years ago and it has completely transformed my life both physically as well as mentally. Professor Tony is a legitimate world class black belt, and his ability to teach and relay that knowledge to people of all skill levels is as good as his Jiu Jitsu. On top of that, he cares about every single person who trains here. The team and atmosphere he has cultivated is welcoming and everyone is there to help each other get better (not a beat you up / hazing type of gym) - it’s something special and something I am proud to be a small part of. Also quick side note about the mats at Kraken - Tony installed some sort of spring system under the mats - I don’t know the specifics, but I can tell you that investment has prevented many injuries. If you’re middle aged or have any previous injuries, it’s a game changer and thought it was worth mentioning here. I’m very grateful I made the decision to start training BJJ, and even more grateful I chose Kraken and Professor Tony.

Cullen McTaggart

Kraken BJJ is truly a top-tier training academy! Professor Tony is an exceptional instructor who brings unmatched professionalism and deep expertise to every class. His passion for the art and dedication to each student’s growth are evident in the way he tailors his teaching to suit all experience levels. What really sets Kraken BJJ apart is the tight-knit community—it feels like a family. The other students are welcoming, supportive, and highly motivated, creating an environment that pushes everyone to be their best. Whether you’re new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or an experienced practitioner, Kraken BJJ with Professor Tony is the perfect place to train. Highly recommend!

Dennis Smith

Professor Tony provides a great place to learn and openly shares years of experience in a way that is easy to follow. He has a great team that helps him teach the children's class too. Our family looks forward to every class.

Christopher Van Dyken

Kraken Jiu Jitsu is not just a gym or Jiu Jitsu academy, it has become my home away from home. Professor Tony is an amazing teacher and mentor. He fosters an environment that is welcome to all and is more of a close family than anything else. Kraken Jiu Jitsu is an avid supporter of the We Defy Foundation, supporting combat disabled veterans as a sponsor gym and sponsoring two fundraisers a year to help provide the scholarships for these veterans to find healing through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As one of those We Defy scholarship students and an ambassador for We Defy, I am very thankful to Professor Tony and everyone else at Kraken Jiu Jitsu for the drive to be better on and off of the mats.

Robert Breyer

Fantastic facility and strong leadership from Tony.

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What we do

We train people in the Art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

We believe Jiu Jitsu is for everyone. We train children, teens, adults, and seniors. Man or Woman. Beginner or Professional. We can help you achieve your goals.

Self Defense

Jiu Jitsu is the most complete and effective martial art for self defense and fighting. Learn to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Weight loss and fitness

Jiu Jitsu is an incredible tool to lose weight and increase your overall fitness level. Combine Jiu Jitsu training and healthy eating to get fit and stay fit.

Mental health

Millions of people around the world enjoy the mental health benefits of training BJJ. While training, your mind will be singly focused on the tasks at hand.

Classes to suit everyone

Level I Kid's Jiu Jitsu (5-7)

Jiu Jitsu is perfect for young kids! Our Level I program focuses on age-appropriate exercises and drills. Students will work to improve their balance, coordination, and strength in every class. They will also learn important Jiu Jitsu body movements and foundational positions & techniques.

Finally, our class structure and protocol will help kids learn self-control, respect, and discipline.

Level II Kid's Jiu Jitsu (8-12)

This program builds upon the concepts instilled in the Level I program. Level II students spend considerable time learning individual techniques and how these techniques fit within a comprehensive system.

Every class will include Jiu-Jitsu specific warmup exercises, stretching, technique instruction, specific training, and rolling (sparring) in a controlled and supervised environment.

Adult (13+)

These classes are welcoming to everyone ready to learn. Each class will include Jiu-Jitsu specific warmup exercises, stretching, technique instruction, specific training, and rolling (sparring) in a controlled and supervised environment. Students will only roll after professor approval.

The class format will be upbeat, challenging, and professional. Students will constantly learn new concepts and techniques but they will also spend considerable time mastering techniques they are familiar with. Every class is an opportunity for the student to build upon their existing knowledge and acquire new knowledge.

Open Mat

Open mats are an opportunity for students to improve their Jiu Jitsu in an unstructured and self-directed environment. Students are able to drill, ask fellow students questions, and even spar.

The open mat is a learning lab for all. Students can make of it what they wish.

why we do it

Improving lives through Jiu Jitsu

Jiu Jitsu changes lives! Jiu Jitsu has a profoundly positive effect on the lives of so many people around the world. People from all walks of life enjoy the many benefits that the "Jiu Jitsu lifestyle" provides. On any given mat across the globe you will see doctors, veterans, custodians, students, baristas and more. Everyone can benefit from the art and the camaraderie it provides.

Kraken Jiu Jitsu is committed to providing a world class training environment where all people can thrive.

We bring a new level of training to West Michigan

Professor Tony is the only West Michigan native that has trained Jiu Jitsu full time, from white belt to third degree blackbelt, at a world-class academy, under a legitimate BJJ blackbelt.

He is the only International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) certified black belt from West Michigan.

Kraken Jiu Jitsu brings an elite lineage to the greater Grand Rapids area.

pricing

Family discounts and Veteran/First responder discounts are available

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