Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Premier BJJ Academy in Fargo, ND
Since 2008, Fargo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been dedicated to empowering individuals through the transformative art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Founded by husband-and-wife black belt team Sarah and George Andersch, our mission centers on fostering holistic growth through expert martial arts instruction, community building, and lifestyle enrichment. We serve a diverse clientelefrom complete beginners to seasoned competitorsby offering structured programs tailored to all ages, fitness levels, and experience backgrounds. Our lineage traces directly to the Gracie family through American BJJ pioneer Amal Easton, ensuring authentic, world-class training methodologies. With over 20 black belts produced and hundreds of active students, we maintain the largest and most successful BJJ community in the Dakotas.Our instructors hold fourth-degree black belts and advanced certifications, delivering technical precision through innovative curricula that integrate self-defense, competition preparation, and character development. The academy cultivates a supportive environment where members prioritize mutual growth over ego, reflected in testimonials highlighting confidence-building for children and transformative personal journeys for adults. Our facility combines state-of-the-art training spaces with flexible class options, including fundamentals courses, advanced techniques, open mat sessions, and personalized private lessons. By emphasizing core values of community, excellence, and grit, we create a platform where individuals overcome physical and mental challenges to become their best selves.
Services
Adult BJJ
Kids BJJ
Private Lessons
Open Mat
Circuit Training
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience developing black belts and competitive champions in the Dakotas
- Our 4th degree black belt instructors maintain direct lineage from Gracie family BJJ pioneers
- Structured curriculum builds practical self-defense skills alongside competition readiness
- Community-focused environment prioritizes mutual growth over ego-driven training
What people say
Discipline, confidence, respect
Welcoming environment
Systematic approach
Tremendous character
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Transformative martial arts program for adults combining technical precision with character development. Our classes enhance physical fitness while teaching practical self-defense techniques and competitive grappling strategies. Students progress through structured curriculum from fundamentals to advanced applications in a supportive community setting that emphasizes personal growth alongside skill mastery.
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Character-building martial arts program for children aged 4+. Focused on developing discipline, confidence, and respect through age-appropriate games and drills. Parent-child classes for younger students establish foundational skills while fostering family bonds. Older children progress through ability-based tiers to refine technical proficiency and mental resilience in a safe environment.
Private Lessons
One-on-one instruction with black belt instructors for personalized skill development. Tailored sessions address individual goals from basic technique refinement to advanced competition preparation. These lessons provide focused attention to accelerate progress, correct form, and develop specialized strategies while leveraging our instructors' championship-level expertise for optimal learning outcomes.
Open Mat Sessions
Self-directed training periods for technique refinement and live practice. Structured like academic study halls, these sessions allow peer collaboration under instructor supervision. Participants work on specific drills, test strategies, and improve physical conditioning in a flexible format that complements formal class instruction while fostering community interaction among practitioners of different experience levels.
Circuit Training
High-intensity group sessions combining technical drilling with physical conditioning. Led by black belt instructors, these classes integrate positional sparring, live rolling, and strength-building exercises. Designed for experienced practitioners seeking to elevate their game through comprehensive training that develops both technical mastery and athletic performance in competitive environments.
People
George Andersch
4th Degree Black Belt Instructor
Co-founder with over 20 years of BJJ instruction experience, having trained under Amal Easton since 1998. Specializes in advanced technical development and competition preparation while maintaining Gracie family lineage training methodologies.
Sarah Andersch
4th Degree Black Belt Instructor
Co-founder and lead youth program developer with expertise in creating age-appropriate curricula that build discipline and confidence in children aged 4+. Recognized for designing the 'Bully-Proof' program that has positively impacted hundreds of young students.
David Tofte
2nd Degree Black Belt Instructor
Seasoned competitor with numerous tournament victories who specializes in translating championship experience into accessible instruction for both recreational and competitive students. Focuses on practical self-defense applications and competition strategy development.
Jake Dewey
1st Degree Black Belt Instructor
Emerging leader in the academy's youth programs with particular expertise in adolescent development and engagement strategies. Combines technical knowledge with motivational techniques to create enjoyable yet challenging learning experiences for teenage students.
Darren Coombs
Black Belt Instructor
Specializes in fundamentals instruction for adult beginners, focusing on creating welcoming learning environments. Known for patient, systematic teaching approach that breaks complex techniques into accessible progressions for new practitioners.
Questions
Do you offer free trial classes for new students?
Yes! We provide a complimentary orientation class and gym tour to all prospective members. Simply submit our online form and we'll contact you to schedule your free session.
What age ranges do your kids' programs accommodate?
Our youth programs serve children from 4 years old through teenagers. Parent-and-child classes for ages 4-6 transition into skill-specific tiers for 7-9 year-olds and 10+ students with structured advancement pathways.
Can adults without sports backgrounds successfully learn BJJ?
Absolutely. Our fundamentals program introduces techniques gradually, accommodating all fitness levels. Many of our most successful students started with no martial arts experience and built confidence through consistent, structured training.
What distinguishes your academy from other martial arts schools?
We combine Gracie family lineage instruction with modern teaching methods. Our black belt team maintains decades of competitive experience while emphasizing community values and practical self-defense applications over ego-driven training approaches.
How do you ensure safety during training sessions?
Structured curriculum progression and experienced supervision prevent injuries. Beginners learn control techniques before live sparring, and all sessions maintain instructor oversight. Our community culture prioritizes partner safety through established etiquette guidelines and progressive skill development.
Are competitive training opportunities available?
Yes. Our advanced classes and private lessons prepare students for local, national, and international competitions. We provide tournament strategy instruction and have successfully coached multiple champions at various competition levels.
Reviews (5)
Tara Horton
Nov 01, 2021
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A TOXIC Environment for your child
Our son has special needs and is on the autism spectrum. We enrolled him 6 months ago to help him gain confidence and the program is advertised itself as a anti bullying program for kids. We made them fully aware of our sons autism and challenges They said great, no problem! As the months progressed I began to notice him being bullied and bossed around by one of the older children. The instructors which appear to be mostly teenagers were repeatedly asked how he was doing. They all said great! Hes an awesome student ect. As the class began to become larger
Our son has special needs and is on the autism spectrum. We enrolled him 6 months ago to help him gain confidence and the program is advertised itself as a anti bullying program for kids. We made them fully aware of our sons autism and challenges They said great, no problem! As the months progressed I began to notice him being bullied and bossed around by one of the older children. The instructors which appear to be mostly teenagers were repeatedly asked how he was doing. They all said great! Hes an awesome student ect. As the class began to become larger
Ron Cole
Jul 01, 2021
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When my family decided that we wanted to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu we visited every academy within driving distance from our home. Of the 3 schools we tried out, Fargo Bjj was by far the best, but it was also the furthest away (1.5 hr drive one way). Despite the long drive, we chose Fargo Bjj to train at. The environment is relaxed and friendly, yet the training is taken very seriously and delivered in an easy to understand format. Prices were less than their competitors as well, and they did not require that we make a long term financial commitment. Both other schools required that you enter into
Daniella Ramirez
Jun 30, 2021
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Fargo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been a significant part of my life for the past 2 years. My 10 year old son began training there initially. After observing the vibrant and audacious youth leaders for about a week, I was compelled to join the adults to reap some of the same benefits my son was experiencing. I have not turned back yet! In the past years participating in BJJ, I have learned excellent values that I hadn't even realized I lacked! Humility being my biggest lesson. I also met my husband on the mat and now our entire family shares this wonderful passion! We stay connected and strong in
Mitch Hansmeier
Jun 30, 2021
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I started training at Fargo BJJ in January 2021. From the first class the coaches were super helpful. They took the time to make sure i understood what was being taught. Additionally, the culture that exists at the gym has lead to everyone helping everyone. The lack of ego and desire to see everyone be the best versions of themselves have kept me coming back.
Hingle McKringleberry
Jun 28, 2021
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I have trained BJJ for roughly 2.5 years on and off. I have been at Fargo BJJ for a year now. I learned so much in one year at Fargo BJJ only due to the amazing coaching staff as well as the students attending. My previous gym I truly felt you were only getting coached and assisted if you were a fighter or competitor. At Fargo BJJ the coaches and professors are there every step of the way to help you succeed. It truly feels like a family and Professors Matt and George are such a wealth of knowledge. Also dont be intimidated or make excuses why you cant go. We all feel uncomfortable trying
