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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Minot ND

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Minot ND

526 reviews
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About Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Minot ND

At Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Minot, we are proud to be the only Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center (CTC) in all of North Dakota. Our school is officially licensed through Gracie University and operates under the direct curriculum and standards established by the Gracie family — preserving authentic, self-defense-focused Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as originally developed by Grandmaster Helio Gracie. This means our students train the same proven system taught in Torrance, California and licensed Certified Training Centers around the world.

Our head instructor, Jesse Ward, holds a brown belt and began his jiu-jitsu journey in 2011 under Tyrone Bess and James Hong. He earned his blue belt in 2015 and completed the Gracie University Instructor Certification Program in January 2016, at which time he was recognized as the youngest certified Gracie instructor in the world. Jesse has been training Taekwondo since age 6 and holds a fifth-degree black belt in that discipline, bringing a multi-dimensional martial arts perspective to his teaching. He is supported by Logan Hamilton (Gracie Combatives Instructor) and Hannah Hamilton (Women Empowered Instructor).

We offer three core programs: Gracie Bullyproof (ages 5-12), Gracie Combatives for beginners, and Master Cycle for advanced practitioners. Our training environment is ego-less and structured, with access to the full online curriculum through Gracie University. Whether you are a child, a complete beginner, or an experienced practitioner, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Minot is built for you.

Reviews

5
26 reviews
Aaron Shewmake
2026-02-06

Really enjoying the Gracie Combatives classes here so far. Jesse does a great job keeping the technical side challenging while making sure everything stays safe and easy to follow for a beginner. Glad I chose this spot to start out.

Austin Maxwell
2026-02-14

I stared here two years ago and can truly say this place has turned into a second family for me. The instructors are second to none and the students put your safety above a tap out. I wouldn’t go anywhere else even if they paid me.

Carley Rose
2025-08-21

My 7 year old daughter has been attending classes here for the past 6 months and has enjoyed it immensely! Since starting classes she’s not only learned physical techniques, she’s taken much pride in her responsibilities and has improved patience. Jesse is extraordinarily thorough, patient, and competent in his teaching. I highly recommend Gracie Jiu-jitsu Minot

John Souza
2024-11-23

My two boys, 12 and 10, have been attending almost a year in the "Bully Proof" program. It's helped them in so many ways. Their instructor Jesse does a great job keeping the kids engaged with the training. The facility itself is always clean and neat as well. Highly recommend Jesse if you're interested in learning Gracie Jiu-jitsu. ***update*** both kids are both still going and are getting so much out of the program. And the fact that they both look forward to going now is awesome.

Ernie
2024-03-23

I've been training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Minot since it opened. My youngest also signed up and he's been enjoying the Bullyproof & Black Belt class. Even with construction still on going, Jesse does a great job keeping the areas & mats really clean. The overall atmosphere is pretty friendly even when the other students are constantly trying to choke me out. I definitely would recommend this gym for anyone looking for a place to train Jiu-Jitsu at. I'm not a paid spokesperson but maybe I should be...

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT MAKES GRACIE JIU-JITSU MINOT UNIQUE?

We are the only Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center (CTC) in North Dakota, licensed through Gracie University to teach the authentic Gracie system as established by Grandmaster Helio Gracie.

WHO IS YOUR HEAD INSTRUCTOR?

Jesse Ward holds a brown belt and completed the Gracie University Instructor Certification Program in 2016, at which time he was the youngest certified Gracie instructor in the world. He also holds a 5th-degree Taekwondo black belt.

DO YOU OFFER PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN?

Yes. Gracie Bullyproof is our dedicated program for children ages 5-12, focusing on anti-bullying skills and self-defense through age-appropriate jiu-jitsu instruction.

DO YOU HAVE A WOMEN'S PROGRAM?

Yes. Our Women Empowered program is taught by certified instructor Hannah Hamilton and focuses on practical self-defense in a safe, supportive environment.

WHAT IS GRACIE COMBATIVES?

Gracie Combatives is the structured beginner curriculum developed by Gracie University covering the 36 core techniques of the Gracie system. It is the perfect starting point for adults brand new to jiu-jitsu.