★ 5

Great instructors. Positive culture. Highly recommended.

Update. Still awesome.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been training at 208 Jiu Jitsu for almost four years now, and I honestly couldn’t be more grateful for this gym and everyone in it. Starting something new can be intimidating, but from my very first class, I felt like I was right where I was supposed to be. Sam and Mel are awesome — they always make sure you’re learning, improving, and pushing yourself, whether you’re just doing it for fun or competing. This place has seriously changed my life for the better!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic gym! My wife and I dropped in while visiting from Oregon and were welcomed right away. Coach Melissa’s instruction was technical and detailed, and everyone was respectful and mindful during rolls. Great place to train!

Source: Google

★ 5

Dropped in from out of town. Every one was super nice and friendly. I'd highly recommend checking it out.

Source: Google

★ 1

I went to their open mat that they have on Monday night. It’s free to anyone. It’s not a class, it’s just sparring or rolling as they call it in jiu jitsu. I was treated with the utmost contempt for no apparent reason. As soon as I walked in, the co-owner of the gym, Melissa was staring me down and immediately made me feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. To ease the unwanted tension, I made some wise cracks. She laughed and I thought we were good. She continued staring at me and I made another light hearted comment and she laughed again. She smiled, put her hand out to shake my hand and introduced herself. I shook her hand and introduced myself. I recognized someone I knew from another Jiu Jitsu school I used to train at and started rolling with him. I rolled with several people. Mostly guys. I’m a guy in my early 40’s. I asked a few of the ladies to roll and they all said no except for one. It’s not weird or unusual for men and women to roll, so I didn’t think anything of it. They seemed to be uncomfortable with it for some reason. I asked very politely. I wasn’t being creepy or anything. I then went up to Melissa and asked if she wanted to roll and she said she was rolling with someone else. I asked her three times in the 2 hours I was there and she had a different excuse every time, even when she wasn’t rolling with someone else. It took me a minute to catch on, but by the end of the night I picked up on her body language and could tell that she doesn’t like me at all. It’s strange because even after the weird stare down, she smiled, laughed, and seemed to warm up to me. The last time I asked her to roll and she said she was busy showing her “girls” a video on her phone. Referring to the other women who were sitting next to her. The ones who rejected my invitation to roll earlier. I was sitting next to her and it was awkward. Her husband came over and started talking to her. She gave him “the look” as he had no clue what was going on. He looks at her and says “what?” She then looks at me and says “he’ll roll with you.” And he looked at me and said, “yeah, I’ll roll with you, cmon.” Him and I rolled and it was very respectful. But the entire time I was there, not a single person asked me to roll. Everyone I rolled with, I did all the asking. I felt very unwelcome there, especially by the women. There was only one woman who rolled with me and she was very kind. She was the wife of a guy who owns another Jiu Jitsu school. I asked this black belt Ricky to roll and he said no at first. I asked him again an hour later and then he said yes. He was very rude and tried to lecture me. We got in a small argument and he told me he purposely tried to avoid eye contact with me when he saw me and was questioning my motives for being there. He said, are you here to train? What are you doing here? And I said, well of course. Why else would I be here? He was acting like I wanted to fight him or something. And he kept referring to the gym as “his home”. He kept saying, this is my home. You’re in my house. Show some respect. All I did was motion with my fingers for him to come at me in a playful, funny way, when we were rolling and he took offense to it. There were a couple of guys who were cool but mostly everyone seemed stand offish and not interested in me one bit. Especially the women. They were some of the rudest women I’ve ever met. All I was doing was asking them if they wanted to roll and I would engage in friendly conversations with them. I wasn’t hitting on them or anything like that and they were treating me like I was some creep. This place is very cliquish and exclusive. If you’re not part of the in crowd, you’re not welcome, no matter how friendly you are. At least that was my experience and I’m not even a member. The irony of it all, is they have a huge sign in the gym that says says “Jesus and Jiu Jitsu.” I asked Melissa about it because I’m a Christian and I was interested in learning more about it if it was a brand they came up with or what. She was very rude and dismissive and said, “nope, it’s just a sign”.

Source: Google

★ 5

I dropped in to the Saturday open mat and really enjoyed my time. The owner Sam was very friendly and welcoming. I had tons of training partners that were extremely high skilled and respectful. It seems like a great community that everyone should go and visit.
Thank you Sam and 208!

Source: Google

★ 5

One of the warmest Jiu Jitsu environments we have experienced. Amazing Trujitsu technique taught by kind and talented professors. This is elite Jiu Jitsu strategy and you will be training among some of the best in the sport.

Source: Google

★ 5

I don’t even know where to start, how different this place is. It’s more than jujitsu, from day one, it was obvious that there was something special.
The communication leading up to coming in was superb, answering the questions of a guy that was nervous to walk into a new sport. Coming to the first class, I found a kind and encouraging environment, with an early morning crew that was willing to work with an old guy that couldn’t move to well.
The professors here, Sam and Mel, have so much knowledge and so much to share that is given generously to those training here. Honestly there were times where I felt like the only student as they helped process techniques, making it work for me.
It truly is like being a part of a crazy family with so many people from so many walks of life, this place gives everyone a common denominator that unifies them at a level that I haven’t seen, really in any other sport.
Having looked at other gyms of this type, looking at their schedules versus their pricing. There is no way you will ever beat the quality and the quantity that you receive for your monthly due. This seriously is the definition of the most bang for your buck. And if you want to do more, like compete, they have extra stuff for that. If you just wanna exercise, and roll for your health, that’s totally OK too.
I cannot say enough about 208, it is a very special, very special place. And if you’re not training here, you’re missing a whole lot of stuff that you need in your life.

Source: Google

★ 1

After 2 years of training here I decided to leave due to the gym politics that run rampant here. There is no right way to do grappling as long as you have the fundamentals down. Be careful announcing what backround you are when entering this gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

My son started training here and couldn’t have chosen a better gym. Super hands on and everyone makes you feel welcomed and embraced like a family. Super humble coaches and they go above and beyond. My son is only 5 and they have patience with the kids. Go 208 💪🏽💪🏽

Source: Google

★ 5

Solid crew , Sam and Mel run a top notch program

Source: Google

★ 1

Great business built from the ground up. World class skill. Very egotistical at the same time. Only caring for pictures more than helping others. Wasn’t very well liked by everyone here. Was told I was training too hard and not tapping when it was time. Wrong I was never going to let anyone here bully me, slap me in the back of my head telling me to give up and that they’re gonna murder me. I also had people telling me that they wanted to ruin my jujutsu career and that the coach said that himself. Could’ve been paying $100 for other stuff through out a year and never got a stripe on my belt.. Still charging my card too after no stripes and 3 months not showing up..not very fair. (Deleting reviews is crazy work)

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training at 208 since December 2021.

This place is WAY more than just a martial arts gym they are a family.

Not only have I become a healthier more confident person but I have found one of the most uplifting and awesome communities I could have ever asked for.

Sam and Mel run an amazing program. If you have ever even considered trying out jiu jitsu come to 208 you will not regret it.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve trained at multiple schools as well as visited even more while traveling for work. I currently train at 208 and I haven’t trained anywhere else that has the same degree of knowledge, or amount of people willing to help everyone get better. Whether you’re injured, or just want to work something specific, there is plenty of people willing to help you with whatever you need. The owners are awesome people on and off the mats and have really helped build a community that is more than just Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re dropping in or looking for a new school, come give 208 jiujitsu academy a shot, you won’t be disappointed.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve trained at a lot of gyms and none of them had a women’s program as welcoming and as robust as 208. Melissa has made the class inviting and doable for ALL levels, white belt to black belt.

Their regular adult program is just as excellent. Sam gives thoughtful and practical insights to the moves and explains not just HOW to do something, but what to do once you get there and then several steps beyond. It’s a road map, not just a series of standalone moves. Listen carefully and you might even catch a few jokes.

There is plenty of live rolling and a large assortment of partners so if you are looking for competitive level or just chill, you’ll find it at 208.

208 is also well known on the competition scene and they encourage you to get out there! They also make it clear it’s not a requirement to succeed or be promoted there.

They allow you to be an adult and make your own decisions while treating you like family- as it should be.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you want a 2nd family, train here..

The community and environment is unlike any other gym!
They know how to have fun!

Source: Google

★ 5

Dropped in while visiting family for Thanksgiving. The gym is amazing. The owner, his wife, and all of the members were welcoming. The instruction was fantastic. If you are in town and want to train, drop in. If you live in Nampa or nearby, join.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Can't say enough good thing about this place. The community is amazing, and the owners are some of the nicest people I've ever met. Multiple class times for different schedules for both gi and no gi. You definitely should drop in and experience it for yourself!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

As a Jiu Jitsu practitioner of over 6 years, whenever I travel I always look for a school near where I am staying. I was visiting the area, and decided to attend a Monday night class. This school was by far the nicest facility I have ever, personally, seen live. Beautiful and large mat space, and well kept.

The training room was filled with coloured and black belts, all of which were not only excellent at jiu jitsu, but also extremely welcoming, which is a reflection of the two coaches Sam and Melissa, who, on and off the mats, made me feel like one of their students even though I was only around for a brief period of time.

I want to personally thank both Sam and Melissa for welcoming me into their school and for allowing me to train while I was in town. I appreciate the hospitality and training.

Source: Google

★ 5

Dropped in for a weekend no-gi class. Sam was very welcoming and the facility is top notch. Will definitely be back again!

Source: Google

★ 5

Dropped by and trained for a few days while I was visiting family in Nampa. These guys were great, welcomed me and treated me like a regular. I attended some of the weekday afternoon classes and just about everyone there took the time to show me something or help me learn. Brand new super clean facility with plenty of room to train. If you have been thinking about trying BJJ, just go do it, 208 will get you squared away.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m a travel nurse and have bounced around to a lot of different gyms. I really love the welcoming atmosphere at 208 and everyone I’ve trained with here has been nothing but respectful and friendly. Big thanks to Sam and everything who makes 208 what it is, can’t wait to get back on the mats!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started Jiu Jitsu about nine months ago, and I have loved it so far. Sam and Mel are great instructors. Out of all the sports I've done Jiu Jitsu is by far my favorite.

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband and I are both travel nurses and trained with 208 Jiu Jitsu Academy for about two months. We are so grateful we were able to train here and sad we have to move on. The culture and level of friendliness at 208 are exactly what we look for when we land in a new city and search for a new Jiu Jitsu academy. We felt welcomed on day one and had zero negative encounters while rolling. The instructors are amazing and can explain the lesson in a way everyone understands and emphasizes that safety is a huge aspect of the Jiu Jitsu practiced here. Every single one of the students were an amazing training partner. Thank you so much, Sam, Melissa, and everyone who trains here!

Source: Google

★ 5

Next prompted edit: still my favorite place to be

Edit: still like family. Love the place.

Can't say enough good things about this place. Drop in and get sweaty with the crew and you will see what i mean.

Source: Google

★ 5

208 has been home for the last couple years, and is an incredible Academy full of loving and yet insanely tough training partners, excellent instruction, and a vibe that is unmatched in the Treasure Valley. My 13 year old son and I train together, and it’s been the best decision of my life. Hit up 208, you won’t regret it.

Source: Google

★ 5

My wife and I attended the 5am classes for a few days while we were in town for a wedding and were elated to find such a solid school! The facility was clean and enormous with awesome warehouse doors that opened up to the outside.

The instructor, Mel, was incredibly accommodating. She had a great attitude that permeated the room and echoed through her students, even at the ridiculously early time of 5am. I was surprised to find such a consistently large and dedicated morning class - clearly a testimony to Mel’s skills as an instructor and gym leader.

We had a blast training/learning with everyone and are already looking forward to dropping in again next time we are in town!

Source: Google

★ 5

I came here to visit while I'm in town visiting my family. The owner, Sam was happy to have me there and the other students also made me feel super welcome! I love their mindset around training and the structure of the class. If you're a woman or you have girls who want to learn, they have all women's classes. They're welcoming of anybody in the adult all levels classes as well, but as a female I know it can be intimidating be new to a combat sports. Definitely go check them out and inquire. If I lived in the area I'd have signed up today. Just saying.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This school objectively has the best instructors and the best training partners in the area. Extremely welcoming and safe training environment. I’ve been to a lot of jiu jitsu schools and I have never learned more and had more fun then at 208.

Source: Google

★ 5

I dropped in while in town recently after meeting the owner, Sam, at a comp in 2021. The midday class had about a dozen people on the mat. We warmed up with several rolls, got instruction on sweeps from half guard, drilled from half guard, then concluded with more rolls.

No uniform policy. Make sure you have time to sign the waiver before you visit. Great, welcoming vibe from everyone. Big thanks to Sam for hosting a great training session

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training here for about a month and my son has been training at 208 for almost a year. The academy is welcoming and inclusive for both beginners and experienced practitioners. The facility is clean and equipped with everything needed to reach your goals. What really sets 208 Jiu-Jitsu apart is the expertise and dedication of its Professors, Sam and Melissa. They are exceptional instructors who are committed to helping each student reach their full potential. I highly recommend 208 to anyone interested in Jiu-Jitsu. I wish I would have started earlier!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter trains here and the Professors are the Best around. 208 Jiu Jitsu Rocks

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is amazing! Not only is it a great place to train and learn, but the community that is built here is immediately apparent. Everyone is friendly and willing to help each other learn. The professors and instructors are patient and work with you wherever you are at skill-wise. The kids classes are equally great! Definitely recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing place to learn and grow. Awesome new facility and coaches that care about individuals growth and training partners that work hard and look out for each other.

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic atmosphere, facility, and most of all people/training partners. Perfect place for anyone at any stage of jujitsu or just beginning, to excel or start their journey.

208 provides a close networking community of all sorts of backgrounds to help one another not only advance in jujitsu, but in life situations as well. Effort and willingness to be coachable is a must!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best place to train a great and positive environment fun times good laughs and Phenomenal professors and coaches

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

You're basically paying $130 per month to spar against other people, most of which are white belts who don't know what they're doing. The instructor will demonstrate one or two different moves and then you practice the moves on other people who don't know what they're doing. You are better off watching youtube videos to learn. You'll be able to watch it back as many times as you want, and you can practice with a friend and get better results than "training" at this gym. They don't teach any of the basic stuff like breaking guard, breaking falls, shrimping, technical standup, etc. So if you are new to jiu jitsu I would stay away from this gym and find one that will actually teach you. There are better ones in the treasure valley that will. I think the instructors are too far gone into bjj that they don't understand not everyone knows the basics of bjj, and those who do don't want to just beat up on white belts all day. Even the brown belts that were there when I went rolled like white belts.

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely the best place to train in the Magic Valley! As a woman in the sport of jiujitsu it is very important to find a safe gym to train with respectable partners. 208 has women-only classes twice a week and I have never seen so many women on the mats before! There is also a large variety of partners at any three of their daily classes! Whether you are in town for business, or just looking to start jiujitsu, this is the place to go! A family-friendly atmosphere with a competitive edge!

Source: Google

★ 1

Buyer beware, their jiujitsu classes are very hands off. You will see a move once or twice and then do an hour and a half of unguided rolling (with mostly white belts who don't know what they're doing). So you'll never learn any basics just an assortment of random moves, and your progress will be very slow. I tried canceling my membership near the beginning of a billing cycle, and I hadn't even attended the gym yet during that cycle, and they refused to refund me the $130! I'd recommend trying another gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

My two boys started up here after Christmas Break and instantly have been hooked since! The professors are amazing with the kids. Great family atmosphere, so inviting from the start! They get so excited for “jujitsu days” after school! They are teaching them the sports skills as well as how to become great people. Amazing!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

208 is full of amazing people and is a great place to train!

Source: Google

★ 5

New location, new mats and more space is a testament to 208 Jiu Jitsu as a great place to train and grow.

I joined 208 with 5+ years of experience and although it’s natural to keep growing the more you train, Sam, Mel and the whole team will constantly push your limits and make you better.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I cannot recommend 208 jiujitsu highly enough. Sam and Melissa have built more than just an academy, they've built an amazing community. My son started training almost 2 years ago after trying (and hating) every other sport. He loves training at 208 Jiujitsu. He recently transitioned to the adult class and he was so nervous. Everyone in that class has been so supportive and encouraging- completely reigniting his passion for the sport. There is no better feeling for a parent than for your kids to find not only something they love but such an incredible environment to learn in.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Too many good things to say about 208! Classes for the whole family, multiple classes a day, and 7 days a week! Genuine people who enjoy sharing their knowledge and make you feel like family every time you walk through the door. If you have been looking into starting your jiujitsu journey look no further, 208 jiujitsu Academy is the place for everyone!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

208 is the best place to train! Mel and Sam are amazing professors and have created an awesome environment to further your skills! Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

208 Jiu Jitsu has created an incredible community where you feel like you are part of one big family. Not only do they provide a high level of instruction, but they are always willing to break down movements, further explain, and offer a fun, competitive, safe environment to learn in.

Source: Google

★ 5

Honestly, this has been a great gym to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The atmosphere, the training partners, the instructors. Everyone here wants you to learn and be better, physically and mentally. Also, The hours they have to train are IMO, amazing, (check their website for specific times).
Sam and Melissa both do a fantastic job on simplifying the techniques and ensure you leave with a solid understanding of the basic principles of jiu jitsu. Furthermore, Sam and Melissa both compete at the elite level to ensure the techniques they teach are tried through the fire before they pass the knowledge to their students. Overall extremely happy with this gym and I’m super glad to be apart of this amazing community.

Source: Google

★ 5

My kids have learned so much, created friendships, and have grown in self discipline.
The gym owners are so great with kids!
10 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing Jiu Jitsu school, family friendly for all ages. Offers kids, women, and adult classes with different times to pick from.
I have been to many different gyms and this one if by far the best gym I have ever been apart of.

Source: Google

★ 5

208 has been a blessing to our family. My wife my children and I love the people there. It is the most warm welcoming environment you can come into as a new person looking to start training. the professors are amazing and every higher belt in there is willing to help teach you and roll. It is a family outside of your own and they are amazing

Source: Google

★ 5

After doing karate for a couple of years I was ready to start a different form of Martial Arts. I was addicted almost from day one! The professors are great and so are the other training partners. It is a great group of people and I love being a part of it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing place to train! A large women’s class, co Ed class and kids class! You never have to worry about having good training partners! Male and female professors. Kids class is my favorite ever! My 9 year old loves it so much! My husband and I both train, Super down to earth and kind people! I’ve trained for two years, and I’ve been here for just under a year and a half. Highly recommend for kids, women and men!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you are someone who has just thought of training Jiu-Jitsu, just come try it! These guys welcome you with open arms. The community in this gym is so amazing! I love the atmosphere. The schedule is so flexible. Can’t beat the amazing life benefits from learning Jiu-Jitsu!

Source: Google

★ 5

It’s been a great experience rolling at 208 Jiu Jitsu Academy so far. Every time I go I learn something really applicable, and the instruction has been excellent. The afternoon crew has been really friendly and I’ve gotten some great insights into my game and how to improve. I look forward to the next class and recommend to anyone interested in jiu jitsu.

Source: Google

★ 5

As i’ve been traveling i’ve trained at multiple gyms and this one was by far the best. Amazing community and very sharp jiu jitsu.

Source: Google

★ 5

208 Jiu Jitsu offers excellent instruction and training with a family atmosphere. I never feel like I’m just a customer at a gym but a family member. This atmosphere with the quality instruction and training partners equals the perfect environment to progress in your Jiu jitsu and your life. I wouldn’t wanna train anywhere else.

Source: Google

★ 5

Wife, son and I stopped in for open mat on our way through town. Family friendly environment but also tough rolls. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

My 8 year old daughter is taking the children's class here. A month after they opened we enrolled herald it has been over a year. The owners Sam and Melissa are 2 amazing people/coaches! They have become family to her! I highly recommend 208 jiu jitsu!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Savages. Great instruction, proven system, and a family atmosphere

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter and I started our BJJ journey about a week ago. I am 43 and she is 15, we both feel comfortable learning something new at 208JiuJitsu, there aren’t many places nowadays that care about building genuine community, these guys absolutely do! People always learn best in the context of a supportive community. Sam and Mel are tremendous. Check this place out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Such an amazing, family friendly atmosphere. Owned by some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Highly recommend!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great instruction, great atmosphere in the kids and adult classes. Most importantly for us, is that it is filled with great people!

Source: Google

★ 5

208JJA Is more than just a great place to train. Family values are important here. Professor Sam wants you to leave class feeling inspired to be a better you. All while learning foundational, tight, and technical jiu jitsu.

Source: Google