TRIBE Jiujitsu Academy
About TRIBE Jiujitsu Academy
At TRIBE Jiujitsu Academy, we've built something different in the heart of Fairbanks: a jiu-jitsu and martial arts academy that genuinely welcomes everyone — whether you're a complete beginner, a parent bringing your child for the first time, or a neurodivergent athlete who's never found the right training environment.
Located inside Bentley Mall at 32 College Rd, TRIBE runs Adult BJJ, Kids Jiu-Jitsu (ages 5+), Boxing & Kickboxing for all ages, Yoga, HIIT, and drop-in classes throughout the week. Our coaching team is built around "zero tough-guy vibes" — every session is rooted in encouragement, safety, and mutual improvement.
What defines TRIBE is community. The mat is a place for growth, not intimidation. We provide neurodivergent-friendly coaching, modified workouts for all ability levels, and an atmosphere where the person next to you is genuinely rooting for your success. That's what a tribe is supposed to be.
Whether you want to learn self-defense, get in the best shape of your life, or just find a place where you belong, TRIBE Jiujitsu Academy in Fairbanks is that place. Come to a class and feel the difference for yourself.
Reviews
We can’t say enough great things about this Tribe. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the positive energy and welcoming vibe. The owners and coaches, most especially Professor Carl and coach Nick are not only highly skilled, but they are super friendly and treats everybody like they are part of a family. Me and Gary are all about the vibe, a true family jiujitsu vibe. Everyone encourages one another, and it genuinely feels like a supportive community rather than just a place to train. Kids, teens, and adults all find a place here to grow, learn, and build confidence. Unfortunately, our time in AK came to an due to the military, but we really enjoyed our time training at Tribe. I know for a fact that we will always have a BJJ family to come back to if we ever visit or come back to Fairbanks. So, if you’re looking for a martial arts school with great instruction, amazing people, and an environment that feels like family, this is the place to be. Highly recommend!
Tribe was exactly what we needed when we uprooted our family from Texas to Fairbanks. We had no family in the area but we were determined to keep our life as together. Each coach had been so impactful to my son, the manager/head coach was so professional. He was so patient and kind with my son. They are always so intentional with how the kids are treated and taught. We only changed building because we moved to Wasilla. I wish they were closer. The owner and his wife are such genuinely kind people too. All of th have such big hearts.
I have never felt more welcomed in any kind of gym. Tribe is so much more than a place to train, it is a community that welcomes everyone from all experience levels. The owner and coaches are mentors as well as great role models for the people around them. I was looking for a safe place to push myself mentally and physically and found a home at Tribe. Keep up the great work! If you are even remotely curious or think it sounds cool but don’t feel like you are in any kind of shape to train/learn, stop by, you won’t regret it. I am a disabled vet who thought that any kind of atheletic training was out of my grasp. Tribe has shown me that jiujitsu affords accommodations for all types of body sizes, shapes, ages etc.
My 5 year old daughter has attended tribe for about a year and it has been such a great experience. The atmosphere is always so welcoming and relaxed that you feel right at home. The welcoming atmosphere doesn’t take away from the discipline they teach and attention they give to your progress. It’s a perfect balance. My daughter fiddles and moves around a lot but they are patient and work with the kids so they can retain what they are teaching them. My daughter at 5 held her own during an in house competition against 3 boys her size and kept a smile on her face the whole time. That speaks volumes to the teaching of tribe and I am so happy that we’ve had the opportunity to train there. If you’re on the fence about where to go, tribe is it.
Tribe is beyond wonderful! My son is autistic and has a constant battle with confidence. We started Tribe just to see if this was something that would work for him and because of the coaches working closely with him and going out of their way to assure his confidence was not affected in anyway, my son started breaking out of his shell and knew it was a safe place to be himself. Here your kids will grow physically strong, understand respect for not just themselves but for others, and learn how to truly defend themselves. These coaches are so amazing and make the entire experience fun and worth it!! Your kiddo will truly thrive here at Tribe and build true meaningful relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS TRIBE BJJ BEGINNER-FRIENDLY?
Yes — TRIBE is built from the ground up for beginners. We have zero tough-guy vibes, neurodivergent-friendly coaching, and modified workouts so anyone can start at their own pace.
WHERE IS TRIBE JIUJITSU ACADEMY LOCATED?
We're inside Bentley Mall at 32 College Rd in Fairbanks, AK — next to Costco. Easy to find and accessible for the whole Fairbanks community.
DO YOU OFFER CLASSES FOR KIDS?
Yes. Kids Jiu-Jitsu classes start at age 5 and run throughout the week. Our youth program focuses on confidence, discipline, and fun in a safe environment.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS DOES TRIBE OFFER BEYOND BJJ?
We also offer Boxing & Kickboxing for all ages, Yoga, and HIIT classes. Drop-in classes are available for those who want to try before committing.
HOW DO I CONTACT TRIBE?
Call or text us at +1 206-208-1312, follow us on Instagram @tribe_bjj, or visit the schedule at tribebjj.net to see current class times.
Programs
Weekly Schedule
| Time | Class | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00am | Fundamentals BJJ | All Levels |
| 12:00pm | Noon BJJ | All Levels |
| 5:30pm | Kids BJJ | Youth |
| 6:30pm | Fundamentals BJJ | All Levels |
| 7:30pm | Advanced BJJ | Blue Belt+ |
| 6:00am | No-Gi Grappling | All Levels |
| 6:30pm | No-Gi Submission | Intermediate |
| 7:30pm | Competition Training | Advanced |
| 9:00am | All Levels BJJ | All Levels |
| 11:00am | Open Mat | All Levels |
Check the gym's website for current schedule and any changes. Visit website
Instructors
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Student Stories
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