Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy
About
Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy in Westland, Michigan is a highly-regarded martial arts facility founded by Ken Short (Black Belt) and Tabatha Watkins (Brown Belt). The academy offers a diverse range of classes including adult and kids jiu jitsu, women's only programs, judo, wrestling, kickboxing, and strength conditioning in a clean, supportive environment. Students consistently praise the knowledgeable instructors, welcoming atmosphere, and structured curriculum that accommodates everyone from complete beginners to advanced practitioners.
Jiu Jitsu VerifiedOur weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.
We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.
Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.
InstructorsClass StructureSafety and HygieneFacility QualityValue for MoneyLocation & AccessibilityPublic Review Sentiment
Instructors
Instructors Ken Short and Tabatha Watkins are consistently praised for their knowledge, patience, and dedication to student development. Reviews highlight their ability to break down techniques clearly for all skill levels while creating a supportive learning environment.
Facility
The facility is consistently described as clean, well-maintained, and spacious. Multiple reviews specifically mention the cleanliness of the mats and overall sanitary conditions of the gym.
Pricing
While specific pricing details aren't mentioned in reviews, students consistently suggest the gym offers good value for the quality of instruction and variety of classes. The academy appears to offer family-friendly pricing with multiple family members training.
Facility
Gym
Instructors
Classes
Pricing
While not explicitly detailed, several reviews mention trying classes before joining, suggesting some form of trial is available.
Location
Opening Hours
| Monday | 6AM - 9PM |
| Tuesday | 6AM - 9PM |
| Wednesday | 6AM - 9PM |
| Thursday (Today) | 6AM - 9PM |
| Friday | 6AM - 9PM |
| Saturday | 11AM - 3PM |
| Sunday | 9AM - 2PM |
Location
Located on Ford Road in Westland, Michigan, the gym appears to be easily accessible for students in the metro Detroit area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westside Jiu Jitsu suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely! Many reviews specifically mention how welcoming and supportive the environment is for complete beginners. The instructors are patient and take time to explain techniques thoroughly, and more experienced students are helpful to newcomers.
Does Westside offer programs specifically for women?
Yes, Westside offers women's only Jiu Jitsu classes and women's self-defense programs. These classes are led by Coach Tabatha and are frequently mentioned in reviews as being excellent for women who might feel intimidated starting in mixed classes.
What age groups can train at Westside Jiu Jitsu?
Westside accommodates all age groups with specific programs. They offer kids classes starting from around 5-6 years old, teen programs, and adult classes. Many reviews mention parents and children training at the gym together.
What other martial arts besides BJJ are offered at Westside?
In addition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Westside offers Judo, Wrestling, Kickboxing, and Strength and Conditioning classes. This variety allows students to develop well-rounded martial arts skills.