About
Eastside Grappling in Portland, Oregon is a friendly, community-focused jiu-jitsu gym established in 2015 that emphasizes both technical instruction and a supportive training environment. The gym is led by head coach Josh Botkin, a black belt who provides detailed, conceptual teaching that accommodates both beginners and advanced practitioners. Training partners are consistently described as welcoming and helpful, creating a positive atmosphere for learning and growth.
Our 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.
Public Review Sentiment
Instructors
Head coach Josh Botkin is consistently praised for his detailed, technical instruction and ability to teach both conceptual and practical aspects of jiu-jitsu. He's described as attentive, supportive of competitors, and skilled at adapting his teaching to different skill levels.
Facility
The facility has undergone remodeling and expansion in recent years, with members describing it as nice and well-equipped. While some older reviews mentioned it being in a basement and potentially hard to find, more recent feedback suggests improvements to the space.
Pricing
Eastside Grappling offers various membership options ranging from $80-$160 per month depending on the program and commitment length. The pricing structure provides good value considering the quality of instruction and training environment.
Facility
Gym
Instructors
Classes
Pricing
Eastside Grappling offers a one-week free trial for new members, allowing potential students to experience the gym without pressure to commit.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday | 7AM - 7PM |
Tuesday | 7AM - 7PM |
Wednesday | 7AM - 7PM |
Thursday | 7AM - 7PM |
Friday | 7AM - 7PM |
Saturday (Today) | 9 - 11AM |
Sunday | 9:30 - 11AM |
Location
While some older reviews mentioned the location being difficult to find initially, the gym appears to be in a convenient Portland location that members regularly attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastside Grappling suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, Eastside Grappling is very beginner-friendly with specific foundation classes designed for newcomers. Many reviews mention starting with zero experience and feeling welcome and safe while learning.
Does the gym support competition training?
Absolutely. Head coach Josh Botkin attends all competitions that have Eastside competitors, and the gym accommodates both casual practitioners and those with competitive goals.
What is the training atmosphere like?
Members consistently describe Eastside as having a laid-back, no-drama environment that still maintains high training standards. There's no excessive formality, just focused training with friendly, supportive partners.
Do they offer both gi and no-gi training?
Yes, Eastside Grappling offers both gi and no-gi classes throughout the week for all skill levels.
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