Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and movement training in Garden Valley, Idaho
Get In The Best Shape Of Your Life. Learn To Defend Yourself. Find Your People.
Whether you want to get in shape, protect your family, or just find a group of good people to train with, this is for you.
Safe beginner-friendly classes
Small class sizes
Experienced instructors
High Level Training In A Small Town
There are not a lot of options out here in the mountains for adults who want to train at a high level. Most people assume you have to drive to Boise. Not anymore.
I have been training martial arts for almost 30 years and teaching Brazilian jiu jitsu for 20 years, and I built this program around three things: getting your body strong and capable, learning real self defense, and building a community of people who support each other's growth.
You do not need any experience.
You do not need to already be in shape.
You just need to show up and trust the process.
6 Pillars Of VLNK Academy
Self Defense
Practical skills to protect yourself and your family, taught in a way that builds calm and control, not aggression.
Sport Jiu Jitsu
From takedowns to escapes to submissions, we've got you covered. We use a dynamic approach that deepens your understanding of BJJ while keeping your body safe.
Bulletproofing The Body
Most people in life, and especially in jiu jitsu, get beat up over time. Our training is based on timeless principles that keep you in the game and feeling good well past your golden years.
Mobility
Move better than you have in years. We use an integrated system to rebuild the range of motion that keeps you training, and living, without pain.
Strength
Get genuinely stronger and more capable, in a way that carries into everything else you do.
Community
Making friends as an adult is hard, especially in a small town. You show up, work toward the same thing as the people next to you, and the friendships form on their own, around something that is actually good for you and your family.
Jiu Jitsu and all forms of grappling can be rough on the body.
Most people get beat up after a while.
A small injury sticks around, turns into a big one, and one day they have to hang it up for good.
Your biggest challenge in jiu jitsu is your body falling apart before you ever get good.
We are changing that.
I have made every mistake there is to make over 20 years, and then I sought out the masters of the last generations to fix my own body and keep training.
Now I am bringing that here. The goal is people who are dangerous on the mat, can protect their families, and whose bodies actually feel better than when they started.
Community
Come Train With Us
If you have been looking for something to train for, this is it. Your first class is free. No experience needed, no pressure.
FAQ
Do I have to spar?
No. Sparring is optional. ALL of our beginners start with small positional situations that allow you to safely learn and lock in the skills you just learned in class w/o getting hurt. You can train at your own pace, and we will guide you based on your comfort level and goals.
What if I have an injury?
We work with you. Training can be adjusted based on your needs, and our whole approach is built around improving how your body moves and helping it feel better over time. We have proven protocols in our online dojo that you could do at home to support your training & to help you work through most injuries.
Do I need any experience?
No experience necessary. Sometimes that is even an advantage, since you have no bad habits to unlearn. Most adults start as complete beginners, and we guide you step by step.
Am I too old to start?
Not at all. Matter of fact my Jiu Jitsu coach Steve Maxwell is 74 years old and still going strong! We have adults of all ages on the mat, and the whole program is built to keep you training and feeling good for the long haul.
Do I need to be in shape first?
No. You get in shape by training, not before. Come as you are and we will meet you where you're at.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable athletic clothes are perfect to start. A t-shirt and shorts w/o zippers or pockets or athletic pants. If you keep training, we will guide you on what you need.
Located Right In The Heart of Crouch, ID
