Whether you're stepping onto the mats for the first time or looking to take your training further, our Downtown Vancouver academy offers structured instruction, practical training and a supportive team environment. Train authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under a curriculum built on over 50 years on the mats and the Carlson Gracie tradition.
Founder & Head Instructor — the Father of BJJ in Canada
9th-Degree Red Belt · Direct student of Carlson Gracie
Canada's only 9th-degree red belt. A direct Carlson Gracie black belt with over 50 years on the mats and one of the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Canada.
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.
DA
Dana Adams
Student Success & Membership Coordinator
Brown Belt · 16+ years training under Marcus Soares
With more than 16 years training under Grand Master Marcus Soares, Dana plays a key role in supporting students and families across the academy.
Why train at our Vancouver academy?
Located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver
Steps from Vancouver City Centre and Granville Station
Welcoming community of beginners through black belts
Evening and weekend classes available
Easy access from Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and the North Shore
What Vancouver members say
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
Getting here
Conveniently located in Downtown Vancouver, just steps from transit and easily accessible from Yaletown, Gastown, False Creek and the West End.
Address
910 Richards St #201, Vancouver, BC V6B 3C1
Parking
Richards Street parkade
Richards & Homer Street parking
Street parking nearby
Transit
Vancouver City Centre Station
Granville Station
Your first step
Ready to start Adult BJJ in Downtown Vancouver?
Two weeks of unlimited classes. No experience required. Train with Canada's only 9th-degree red belt and his team for just $29.