Seung-ni Martial Arts
Traverse City Academy
(231) 932-4300
TAEKWONDO ● BJJ ● SELF DEFENSE ● FITNESS KICKBOXING
BRAZILIAN
JIU JITSU
Jiu Jitsu in translation from Japanese means the gentle art. The martial art uses leverage, momentum, pressure and refined technique to take one's adversary to the ground and control and subdue them if necessary. The practical self defense system was specifically designed to enable a physically smaller individual to efficiently and effectively protect themselves against a larger and stronger attacker. Anyone and everyone can participate. Through continued refinement and direct application in real life self defense scenarios - bjj is a proven and complete martial art.
The fundamental goal of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to strengthen and empower those who seek the journey...
how bjj improves your life...
EMPOWERING
Strength of body, strength of mind, strength of spirit. Jiu Jitsu training uniquely empowers through greater confidence in all aspects of life.
Self defense
The fastest growing martial art for a reason. Effective realistic personal protections skills that enable smaller individuals to defeat larger opponents without have to harm them.
community
The instructors are welcoming, the training space is inviting, fellow members are friendly - the encouraging & supportive sense of comradery in Jiu Jitsu is like no other.
life balance
The ability to unplug and focus on solving problems and mastering Jiu Jitsu is great for reducing stress. And, although BJJ is challenging training it is above all else FUN!
jiu jitsu classes for all experience and skill levels
BJJ Beginning Fundamentals
Gi (Ages 13+)
In the BJJ Beginning Fundamentals class we will focus on just that - The Fundamentals. This class is great for beginning students and white belts looking to get a firm grasp on the basic building blocks of BJJ. The class will cover essential mat movement skills, defensive and offensive positioning, primary submission techniques and the accompanying defenses. There is instructional positional rolling but no grappling in this class.
BJJ All Levels Class Gi
(Ages 13+)
In the BJJ All Levels Gi Class, we will focus on taking the core techniques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enhancing them to form an effective BJJ “Game” suitable to each individual student's strengths and attributes. Instructors will assist individuals in sharpening their basic skills to create their own “signature” style of Jiu Jitsu. Technique drilling is followed by grappling training in this class.
BJJ All Levels Class No-Gi (Ages 13+)
In the BJJ All Levels No-Gi Class students will focus on the faster paced, dynamic aspects of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practiced without the gi (traditional uniform). No-gi BJJ emphasizes grips on the body, speed, and fluid transitions, making it ideal for improving your overall agility, timing, and submission chains. By training without the gi, you’ll learn to adapt your techniques to a more unpredictable environment, which is essential for both competition and self-defense situations. Whether you’re new to no-gi or looking to sharpen your skills, this class will help you become more versatile and effective in your Jiu Jitsu journey.
Weekly Class Schedule
Monday
All Levels Gi
7:15-8:30pm
Wednesday
All Levels No-Gi
7:15-8:30pm
Thursday
Fundamentals Gi
7:15-8:15pm
Friday
All Levels No-Gi
6:00-7:00am
Saturday
Fundmentals Gi
11:40-12:40pm
Meet The Instructors
Kevin Shoults
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Gustavo Machado BJJ Black Belt
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Co-Head Instructor
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7th Degree TKD Black Belt
Justin Sheehan
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Gustavo Machado BJJ Black Belt
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Co-Head Instructor
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Former Navy Seal - Over 20 Years of Combatives Training
Brandi Dunnill
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BJJ Blue Belt
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Kids BJJ Instructor
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2nd Degree TKD Black Belt
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Lineage
Gustavo "Guga" Machado - founder of the GMBJJ Association (6th Degree Black Belt) was born in 1974 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. He started his Jiu Jitsu training at the Oficina do Corpo Academy under Professor Jean Jacques Machado. When his original professor moved to America, Gustavo became a member of the Gracie Barra Academy under Professor Carlos Gracie Jr. An elite competitor throughout his training, Gustavo eventually relocated to the United States in 1998. Gustavo was awarded his black belt by Roberto "Gordo" Correa - a Gracie Barra Head Instructor. And, most recently received his 6th Degree Black Belt in 2024.
The World Headquarters for Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is located in Virginia Beach. Gustavo has dedicated his life to teaching and spreading the understanding of technique that he has mastered from his teachers in Brazil. The Gustavo Machado Team has become both nationally and internationally renowned with many champions on the mat. In addition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu accomplishments, Gustavo also had the opportunity to work closely with Law Enforcement and Special Operations units from the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Army.
-What Our Students Are Saying-
Brett M., Traverse City
"I always really wanted to learn BJJ. And to be honest, I was way nervous to try. Guess I didn't want to look stupid as a beginner, maybe get hurt somehow or feel intimidated - all that was on my mind. But, my first intro class was so cool. The teachers and other members were super patient and took the extra time to help me feel comfortable. It was an awesome experience. I'm kinda hooked now. It is the perfect balance of physical and mental training that helps me reset."
John A., Kingsley
"It had been a long time since I had worked out and I was seriously out of shape. I had tried the typical gym membership with weights and treadmills many times and never went. Too boring, no motivation and no goals. I had heard about BJJ on a podcast. It sounded cool and exciting. I signed up and start attending the Fundamentals Beginning Classes. I really like how the program is structured to help new students feel part of the team. I have been so impressed with the teachers, fellow students and facility. Seung-ni is a great place to learn BJJ."
Amanda P., Traverse City
"Start BJJ. Start it now. Don't wait. Don't talk yourself out of it. Don't make excuses. Start and don't stop training. It will change your life. That is my testimonial. I am a single nurse living in northern Michigan and working in TC. All through college and my adult life I was never confident deep down inside with my ability to protect myself. A friend had signed up for women's self defense course at Seung-ni and invited me to go with. It was an eye opener to what empowering defense skills I could acquire and from there I joined the BJJ Class."
Free Introductory Lesson Offer
Ready to take that first step in your brazilian jiu jitsu journey today?
Cool, so what happens next???
1. Just fill out the info form below or give us a quick call at 932-4300.
2. One of our instructors will email or call you to schedule your FREE Introductory BJJ lesson.
3. And just wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle and get ready to learn, make friends and have fun. Please feel free to invite a family member or friend as well - all our welcome!
To register for classes, schedule a free introductory session or to get more info please submit the form below.