HomeMichiganLansing › Magic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Magic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

4.9 ★★★★★ 70 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Lansing, Michigan

Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens

Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized judo governing body or lineage (think USA Judo, USJA, USJF, Kodokan or Tenri). If affiliation matters to you, ask which body the dojo belongs to and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most dojos welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule magicbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 517-455-7557

Hours

Monday 7–8:30 am, 5–10 pm
Tuesday 6–10 pm
Wednesday 5–9 pm
Thursday 7–8:30 am, 5–10 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 12–3 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-mat times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Judo classes on the schedule at Magic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“The instructors Matt, Mike, and Nick were incredibly knowledgeable and were able to explain techniques so that all levels could understand.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🧒 Kids Judo 6 mentions

“If you are in the Lansing area, stop by and have your kids do a trial week, because chances are you will end up members.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

💪 Women's Judo

“9: I saw what I believe may have been a separate women’s class going on.”

All dojos that run women's judo →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Magic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 22 mentions

“I was visiting Lansing again this summer and once again had the opportunity to go to two BJJ classes at Magic, this time at their new location.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, wrestling, or sambo alongside your judo, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 70 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Matt Linsemier is a patient and knowledgeable instructor who invests himself in his students.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 16 mentions

“As for the students, well, you'd be hard pressed to find a more welcoming group of people—all of whom are dedicated to improving their game.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 18 mentions

“As for the students, well, you'd be hard pressed to find a more welcoming group of people—all of whom are dedicated to improving their game.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“The instructors Matt, Mike, and Nick were incredibly knowledgeable and were able to explain techniques so that all levels could understand.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“It's a beautiful facility, very clean and professional with large mats.”

💗 welcoming to women 2 mentions

“9: I saw what I believe may have been a separate women’s class going on.”

From the reviews

This place is hands down incredible. I worked out here for two weeks while visiting Michigan for work and if I lived closer I would switch to this gym after only a few classes. The first thing I noticed when I went in was the enormous amount of mat space.

★★★★★ — Devin, Aug 2018

I trained at Magic for about a year and my experience there was beyond fantastic. I was a total newb to BJJ, and after looking into several other BJJ places and just not feeling comfortable, I almost gave up. Then I found Magic BJJ. Magic is the perfect place to train.

★★★★★ — Musicality123, May 2014

I can not say enough wonderful things about this gym! As a traveling team we stop at lots of gyms and some stand out completely! This is one of them. So incredibly friendly and welcoming, not to mention top instruction and instructors. My three daughters absolutely loved the experience and begged to come back!

★★★★★ — Chloe, Mar 2022

Was rolling through Michigan for a friends wedding and found this place on the way. Dropped in probably 30 minutes into a class and the Professor was kind enough to allow me to jump in and train. All of the crew was really kind and I was able to get some good rolls in!

★★★★★ — Austin, Oct 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 70 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Magic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Magic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first judo class at Magic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Judo is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your sensei, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Magic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

2824 E Grand River Ave Suite E, Lansing, MI48912

Get directions

More judo dojos near Lansing

World Martial Arts Academy

4.8 ★★★★★ 29 reviews

7007 Silver Lake Rd, Linden, MI

Judo dojo Kids & teens strong kids programbuilds confidence & discipline

36.1 miles away

All judo dojos in Lansing, MI →

Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.