A warm, family-friendly academy in the heart of downtown, where Grand Master Marcus Soares teaches the curriculum he learned directly from Carlson Gracie. Steps from Granville Station, with All-Levels, beginner and kids classes.
Led by Marcus Soares — Canada's only 9th-degree red belt
Steps from Granville Station; parking on Richards & Homer
Women's beginner sessions on the 2nd & 4th Sunday
Our Downtown Vancouver academy offers structured instruction, practical training and a supportive team in the heart of the city — welcoming everyone from complete beginners to black belts, with evening and weekend classes and easy access from Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and the North Shore.
Martial arts classes for adults and kids in Vancouver
Our Vancouver academy is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school for adults and kids. Adult classes run every weekday and on Sundays, including a Foundations class for complete beginners on Tuesdays and Fridays, and kids jiu-jitsu classes, grouped by age, run on Mondays and Wednesdays. There are also lunchtime classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, No-Gi grappling classes and Lil Tots for ages 4–5. It is a martial art built on control rather than striking, which is what makes it such practical self-defence for adults and such a good fit for kids.
Founder & Head Instructor — the Father of BJJ in Canada
9th-Degree Red Belt · Direct student of Carlson Gracie
Widely recognised as the Father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Canada, Marcus is a 9th-degree red belt with more than 56 years on the mats and over 50 years of teaching. He joined the Carlson Gracie team in 1970 — the very first generation — and taught at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana before becoming, in 1997, the first black belt to teach BJJ in Canada. Today, nearly 30 years on, he remains the only Grandmaster in the country and still teaches across all three academies.
Eden Cheung
Professor — Vancouver
Black Belt · Marcus Soares fundamentals curriculum
A black belt with over 10 years of training and 7 years of teaching, Eden combines technical knowledge with a thoughtful coaching style. He helps students build confidence by understanding not just what to do, but why it works.
Hiro Amano
Professor — Vancouver
Black Belt · Marcus Soares fundamentals curriculum
A black belt with more than 15 years of experience, Hiro emphasises strong fundamentals, disciplined training and respect for the traditions of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His classes are welcoming, focused and detail-oriented.
Justin Livingston
Submission Grappling Coach — Vancouver
Black Belt · Promoted by Marcus Soares in 2020
Justin coaches the no-gi submission grappling classes at the Vancouver academy. He earned his black belt under Grand Master Marcus Soares in 2020.
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Dana Adams
Student Success & Membership Coordinator
Brown Belt · 16+ years training under Marcus Soares
With more than 16 years of training under Grand Master Marcus Soares, Dana plays a key role in supporting students and families across the academy. From helping new members get started to assisting with kids programs and student development, she is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
BJJ gym with legendary Carlson Gracie lineage. GM Marcus Soares (only red belt in Canada) has created a friendly, inclusive, ego-less place to train legitimate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you are interested in getting in shape, learning self-defence, making new friends or all of the above, I strongly recommend you stop by for a trial. You will not regret it.
ADAndres DelgadoAdult BJJ · Downtown Vancouver
An absolute must-visit for any serious BJJ practitioner. Training under Mr. Soares is an incredible experience — as a living legend and the highest-ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner in Canada, his instruction is top-tier and no-nonsense. Walking into the Vancouver school feels like stepping into a mini-museum dedicated to the Carlson Gracie style, the walls lined with incredible history and memorabilia.
MEMichael EdyveanAdult BJJ · Downtown Vancouver
Training at Marcus Soares Jiu-Jitsu has been an exceptional experience. The academy offers a perfect balance of high-level technical instruction, discipline, and a welcoming environment for students of all levels.
PAPedro AlvesAdult BJJ · Downtown Vancouver
A word of warning: if you start training here, it may take over your whole life! I started after watching my son train and I haven't stopped since. It's fun, it's hard work and simply a beautiful art. My wife started training too, so now we've got the whole family in it. I feel honoured to train with Marcus in the Carlson Gracie lineage.
RTRory TaitAdult BJJ · Downtown Vancouver
We couldn't be happier with our experience! My son has been attending since December and the transformation has been incredible. The trainers are top-notch — especially his coach, Hiro, who is not only skilled but genuinely cares about each student's growth. The positive, family-like atmosphere made it easy for us to feel welcome as newcomers to the city.
MEMunevver ErdemKids BJJ · Downtown Vancouver
We are absolutely pleased with how our daughter has improved in confidence, strength and overall self-defence since starting here. The instructors, Marcus and Dana, are hospitable and great with kids — friendly, caring and patient yet firm. The place is clean and safe, and we are so glad we found it.
MMonalisaKids BJJ · Downtown Vancouver
Training in Vancouver: common questions
Yes. Kids jiu-jitsu classes run on Mondays and Wednesdays at our Vancouver academy, grouped by age for children from 6 to 13, and Lil Tots for ages 4 and 5 is now enrolling. Kids memberships start from $139 a month for unlimited classes.
Yes. Our Foundations class for complete beginners runs on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:00 PM, and the all-levels Fundamentals classes run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays. No experience or particular fitness level is needed, and we lend you a gi for your trial.
Yes. Our Vancouver academy runs lunchtime classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 PM, alongside evening classes after work.
Yes. BJJ is built around what happens when someone grabs you, holds you or takes you to the ground, and it teaches you to control a person without striking them. Every class at our Vancouver academy builds those skills, for adults and for kids.
Yes. Every adult class at our Vancouver academy is open to women, and no experience is needed. The Foundations class is the easiest place to start. You can try two weeks of classes for $29.
Yes. No-Gi classes, jiu-jitsu trained without the traditional uniform, run on Thursdays at 6:00 PM and Fridays at 12:00 PM.
Adult memberships start from $169 a month and kids from $139, both for unlimited classes, with Lil Tots from $119. New students start with a two-week trial for $29, and a membership works at all three of our academies.
Our Vancouver academy is at 910 Richards St #201, Vancouver, BC V6B 3C1. Parking is available at the Richards Street parkade, on Richards and Homer Streets, and on nearby streets. The nearest SkyTrain stations are Vancouver City Centre Station and Granville Station.
Getting here
Conveniently located in Downtown Vancouver, just steps from transit and easily accessible from Yaletown, Gastown, False Creek and the West End.
Parking
Richards Street parkade
Richards & Homer Street parking
Street parking nearby
Transit
Vancouver City Centre Station
Granville Station
Your first step
Ready to start BJJ in Vancouver?
Drop in to our Downtown Vancouver academy. Two weeks of unlimited classes for $29 — no experience needed.
