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URSA Academy - Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Ann Arbor
4.7 ★★★★★ 161 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ursaacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (734) 369-8509
Hours
| Monday | 12–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–9 PM |
| Thursday | 12–9 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I’d highly recommend this gym to either beginners who are looking into the sport or BJJ or veterans that could share their knowledge.”
“We have tried other activities and sports THIS Has been truly amazing watching my daughter’s confidence grow just in two classes!”
“Even now, as I have moved across the country and have started at a new gym, I find myself able to compete with high level training partners, and am able to hold my own.”
“The classes are structured so that there's lots of time rolling, which leads to a great workout.”
Other martial arts here
“URSA is an incredible place for those who are both looking to start their jiu jitsu journey, as well as for those who are more experienced and want to learn at a high level.”
What members say
“The classes are good, the coaches are very knowledgeable, and everyone is very friendly.”
“URSA has created such a welcoming and supportive environment, it’s clear that respect, focus, and growth are at the heart of everything they do.”
“From day one, the coaches have been incredibly patient, supportive, and truly dedicated to helping each child grow not just in skills, but in confidence and discipline as well.”
“Professor Kris does do a great job of explaining/demonstrating techniques, but as someone who learns by doing rather than by watching, the teaching format is an impediment for me.”
“The level of jiu jitsu that is taught is extremely high level, and I have had great results using what I learned in competitions.”
“), structured classes that review techniques in detail and follow a curriculum, and CLEAN mats and facilities.”
From the reviews
Clean spacious facility. Welcoming front staff. Head coach is humble and approachable. Excellent high-level technique taught in an way that is organized & easy-to-grasp. Training partners are supportive, receptive, & conscientious. Female friendly. Lots of higher belts to train with.
We’ve had such a great experience with my son’s jiu-jitsu gym. From day one, the coaches have been incredibly patient, supportive, and truly dedicated to helping each child grow not just in skills, but in confidence and discipline as well. The environment is welcoming, structured, and very positive.
URSA Academy is a great gym. The classes are good, the coaches are very knowledgeable, and everyone is very friendly. The students are engaged asking question and everyone is just looking to gain experience and get some good rolls in.
I love training here. I've been there a few months now. I was hesitant to go to the trial class at first because it was totally out of my comfort zone but once I got there I was hooked and signed up immediately. The coaches make me feel supported and I love the teaching style.
New to muay thai? Start at URSA Academy - Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Ann Arbor
URSA Academy - Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Ann Arbor comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at URSA Academy - Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Ann Arbor
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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