Flint-area Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym builds community through martial arts

FLINT, Mich. — Tucked inside a repurposed building on Zimmerman Street, Great Lakes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has quietly grown into a hub for fitness, discipline and community on Flint’s west side.

Founded eight years ago by owner Kelley Quijano, the martial arts academy offers Brazilian jiu jitsu, kickboxing and mixed martial arts classes for both kids and adults; all with an emphasis on family.

“We’ve always been family-oriented,” Quijano said. “But recently, we’ve really worked to make all of the space usable so we can run multiple classes at the same time. That way, parents can train while their kids are on another mat.”

The gym, which is open six days a week, operates out of a former church and theater that has been gradually renovated. What started with just a few mats has expanded into a full training facility with multiple instructors and classes running throughout the evening.

As a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with more than 20 years of experience, Quijano opened the gym after years of traveling long distances just to train.

“There weren’t really many good, safe places to train around here,” she said. “I was driving to Commerce Township, and eventually it just wasn’t sustainable. This kind of fell into place, and we just jumped in and never looked back.”

Today, the academy has a team of six to seven primary instructors, along with assistants; many of whom have trained for years and returned to help teach younger students. Experience is a requirement for instructors, Quijano said, noting that earning a black belt can take a decade or more.

“It’s not easy to walk into a martial arts gym,” she said. “So we look for people who are not only experienced, but who can make it welcoming and motivating for everyone.”

That approach is reflected in the gym’s onboarding process as new members receive guidance before their first class and are introduced to instructors and classmates once they arrive.

The gym offers classes for children as young as 3 years old, with many students continuing into their teenage years before transitioning into adult classes.

For parents like Ryan Wickson, whose two sons have trained at the gym for more than four years, the impact goes beyond physical fitness.

“It’s been amazing; huge growth for both of them,” Wickson said. “My oldest was dealing with some insecurity in school, and since coming here, I’ve seen a complete turnaround.”

Wickson said the nature of jiu jitsu teaches lessons that extend into everyday life.

“No matter how good you are, someone is better,” he said. “So it teaches humility, composure and how to lose without quitting. That carries over into everything.”

He also pointed out the sense of community inside the gym.

“This place is full of some of the best people,” Wickson said. “The way the kids support each other, and even the parents, it’s like a giant family.”

Quijano said that sense of belonging is intentional, especially for those who may feel intimidated walking into a martial arts space; including women.

The gym regularly hosts women-focused training opportunities and has seen growing participation from female students across classes. Quijano also leads multi-week self-defense courses designed to build confidence and serve as an entry point into ongoing training.

“My goal is to make it less overwhelming and help people transition into regular classes,” she said. “You can’t learn everything in a day; it takes time and consistency.”

Looking ahead, Quijano plans to continue expanding programs, including adding yoga and growing the gym’s MMA offerings. But one of her biggest goals is to increase access.

She is currently exploring ways to secure nonprofit funding to help families who may not be able to afford memberships.

“There are kids and families who want to be here, but they just don’t have the means,” she said. “If we can find a way to support them, we can reach even more people.”

As the gym continues to grow, Quijano remains focused on creating a space where people can challenge themselves, build confidence and feel supported on and off the mat.

“Don’t let your mind stop you,” she said. “If you want to do this, just come in. It’s going to be safer, more welcoming and more fun than you think.”

Great Lakes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is located at 2014 Zimmerman St. To learn more about the gym and its classes, visit glbjjflint.com or call (810) 884-3416.