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Denver's Premier
Jiu Jistu Academy
Safe and fun jiu jitsu training for adults and kids at all ages and skill levels.
Welcome to
SHÅGUN
JIU JITSU ACADEMY
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At ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu Academy, we are more than just a gym—we are a brotherhood built on tradition, competition, and personal growth.
Our vision is to honor the legacy of martial arts while forging modern warriors, combining the discipline of traditional Jiu Jitsu with the relentless mindset of a competitor. Whether you're a beginner stepping onto the mats for the first time or a seasoned athlete preparing for battle, we provide a personable, supportive environment where every student is valued.
Our mission is to instill the mentality of a ShÅgun—a warrior who is disciplined, determined, and always evolving. Through world-class instruction, structured training, and a strong community, we help students sharpen their skills, build confidence, and push their limits both on and off the mats.
Train with purpose. Fight with honor. Grow with us.
A MARCELO GARCIA ASSOCIATION
"Master the Art. Dominate the Mat."
The History of Jiu Jitsu and Its Connection to the Samurai
Jiu Jitsu traces its origins back to feudal Japan, where it was developed as a battlefield grappling art for the samurai. Since samurai often fought in armor, striking-based techniques were less effective in close combat. Instead, they relied on grappling, joint locks, throws, and submissions to defeat opponents even when unarmed. This system of combat was known as Jujutsu, which translates to “the gentle art,” emphasizing technique and leverage over brute force.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), with fewer wars being fought, Jujutsu evolved into various ryu (schools), refining techniques for self-defense and personal combat rather than battlefield survival. Among these schools, Kano JigorÅ, a Jujutsu master, developed Judo in the late 1800s, modifying traditional techniques with a focus on efficiency, control, and live training.
Judo's emphasis on randori (live sparring) proved highly effective, and one of Kano’s students, Mitsuyo Maeda, brought Judo to Brazil in the early 1900s. There, Maeda taught the Gracie family, who adapted and refined the techniques, emphasizing ground fighting, positional dominance, and submissions—what we now know as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
Today, BJJ retains its samurai roots in its focus on technical skill, discipline, and strategy, but has evolved into a highly effective martial art used for self-defense, sport, and MMA competition. The modern Jiu Jitsu practitioner, much like the samurai of the past, seeks mastery through technique, resilience, and the warrior mindset.
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The ShÅgun: The Ultimate Warrior of the Samurai
The ShÅgun was the highest-ranking military leader in feudal Japan, a warlord who commanded the most elite samurai and ruled with strength, strategy, and unwavering discipline. Unlike ordinary samurai, the ShÅgun was not just a warrior but a master tactician, a relentless fighter, and the toughest of them all. He led armies into battle, forged empires, and was feared and respected throughout Japan.
To become a ShÅgun, one had to be the fiercest among warriors, outlasting rivals through superior combat skill, intelligence, and an unbreakable mindset. A ShÅgun was more than just a fighter—he was a master of war, strategy, and leadership, embodying the pinnacle of warrior spirit.
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ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu: Built on the Samurai Tradition
At ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu Academy, we embrace the philosophy and structure of the ancient Japanese ryu, where students train with discipline, honor, and dedication under a structured system of learning. Like the samurai who refined their techniques in their respective ryu, we provide a focused and battle-tested training environment for our students. We honor the samurai tradition while evolving Jiu Jitsu for the modern warrior.
Whether you are a beginner starting your journey, a competitor sharpening your skills, or someone seeking to master the art, ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu is your modern dojo—where tradition and evolution meet. We train with the spirit of the ShÅgun, combining the technical mastery of the past with the competitive mindset of today. You train at ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu to become the fiercest, most disciplined, and most dominant version of yourself.
Join us. Train like a warrior. Honor the tradition.
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Fundamentals Class:
Master the Essentials
Our Fundamentals Class is designed for beginners and experienced practitioners looking to sharpen their foundation with detailed, technique-driven instruction. We break down the core principles of Jiu Jitsu, focusing on positioning, control, escapes, and submissions, ensuring every movement is efficient and effective.
With a structured, detail-oriented approach, we emphasize proper mechanics, timing, and strategy, building a solid base that will carry over into advanced training and competition. Whether you're new to Jiu Jitsu or refining your fundamentals, this class will elevate your game from the ground up.
Perfect your technique. Build confidence. Master the fundamentals.
Advanced Class: Precision, Strategy & High-Level Execution
Our Advanced Class is designed for experienced practitioners looking to refine their technique, sharpen their strategy, and push their limits. This detail-oriented session focuses on high-level transitions, advanced submissions, counters, and competition-tested strategies, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in every movement.
With an emphasis on timing, pressure, and positional dominance, students will develop a deeper understanding of chaining techniques, reading opponents, and applying a strategic mindset. Whether you're preparing for competition or aiming to elevate your Jiu Jitsu, this class will push you to the next level.
Train smarter. Move sharper. Dominate the mats.
Kids Jiu Jitsu: Building Confident, Strong, and Disciplined Young Warriors
At ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu Academy, our structured Kids Jiu Jitsu program is designed to instill discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills in every child. Whether they are preparing for competition or learning to stand up against bullies, our program teaches the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. Through structured drills, live training, and strategy-based learning, kids develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a strong mindset that translates both on and off the mats. We emphasize respect, perseverance, and hard work, helping children gain the mental and physical tools to defend themselves while growing into disciplined young warriors. At ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu Academy, we train our kids like future champions—giving them the confidence to compete, the ability to protect themselves, and the heart of a true ShÅgun warrior. Empower your child with the skills to succeed—on the mats and in life.
Self-Defense Class – Real-World Skills, Unshakable Confidence
At ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu Academy, our Self-Defense Class is designed to give you the most effective, real-world techniques to protect yourself in any situation. We don’t teach flashy, unrealistic moves—we focus on battle-tested techniques proven in real-life confrontations, utilizing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s leverage-based system to help you neutralize larger, stronger attackers.
Our structured program covers situational awareness, escape tactics, takedown defense, and ground survival skills, ensuring you’re prepared for any real-world encounter. More than just techniques, this class builds confidence, awareness, and a warrior mindset—so you can walk with the calm assurance that you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
As the top self-defense program in the state, our training is intense, practical, and empowering—giving every student the skills to control a situation, stay safe, and dominate under pressure. No matter your experience level, you’ll leave class stronger, smarter, and more prepared than ever.
Train with us. Be confident. Stay in control.
Competition Class: The ShÅgun Warrior’s Path to Victory
At ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu Academy, our Competition Class is designed for those who are ready to embrace the warrior’s path and push themselves to the highest levels of performance. This is where elite competitors are forged—through intense drilling, relentless sparring, strategic coaching, and a focus on winning under pressure. We train with unbreakable discipline, precise technique, and an unstoppable will to dominate. Every competitor who steps into our class will be mentally and physically sharpened, prepared for any battle on the mats. Whether you're aiming to win your first tournament or compete at the world level, our structured system will refine your strengths, eliminate your weaknesses, and prepare you for victory.
Under Marcelo Garcia, one of the greatest to ever do it, we take a proven, battle-tested approach to competition training. Our method is simple: Train harder, train smarter, and train like a champion. At ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu Academy, we don’t just create competitors—we create warriors who stand above the rest.
Step into the arena. Embrace the grind. Become the best.
Memberships
VISITOR PASSES
$25 Adult Day Pass
$15 Kids Day Pass
$220 One Month Pass
$120 2 Week Pass
ADULT JIU-JITSU PROGRAM
Annual Membership
$195 Per Month
1 Year Agreement, Cancelation & Freeze Policy
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Monthly Membership
$220 Per Month
Monthly Agreement, No Cancelation Fee
KIDS & YOUTH JIU-JITSU PROGRAM
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Annual Membership $180 Per Month
1 Year Agreement, Cancelation & Freeze Policy
Monthly Membership
$180 Per Month
Monthly Agreement, No Cancelation Fee
Manuel Morales, also known as “The Gorilla,” is the owner and head instructor of ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu, he is a proud representative of the legendary Marcelo Garcia lineage. Marcelo Garcia’s influence runs deep in Manuel’s training, mindset, and teaching style. Now based in Denver, Colorado, Manuel is honored to bring the world-class level of Jiu Jitsu passed down from Marcelo Garcia to the local community sharing elite technique, a championship mindset, and the legacy of one of the greatest grapplers of all time. With a strong military background, Manuel brings unmatched discipline, structure, and intensity to the mats. He is known for his competitive mindset, deep technical knowledge, and a humble, big-hearted approach to teaching. As a dedicated family man, he values the community and culture that Jiu Jitsu creates. Some Manuel’s favorite positions include half guard, deep half, butterfly, X guard, headquarters, over-under, open guard, and K guard—a versatile game that reflects both his strategic nature and creative style. Competing in IBJJF and ADCC events, he continues to push his own limits while inspiring others to do the same. Manuel is honored to be under the legendary Marcelo Garcia, and with his unique blend of military mindset and Jiu Jitsu mastery, he brings a powerful and balanced energy to everyone he teaches.
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Marcelo Garcia is widely regarded as the The Grappling God in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, an ADCC & IBJJF Hall of Fame recipient, a multiple-time ADCC and IBJJF World Champion known for his aggressive yet technical style, unmatched creativity, and humble warrior spirit. His approach to Jiu Jitsu focusing on efficiency, precision, and attacking with relentless pressure has shaped modern grappling and influenced champions across the world. As students under Marcelo’s lineage, we train with the same mindset of innovation, mastery, and respect for the art, ensuring that our techniques, philosophy, and training intensity align with the highest standards in Jiu Jitsu. At ShÅgun Jiu Jitsu, we honor this elite lineage through Manuel, striving to uphold the greatness of Marcelo Garcia’s Jiu Jitsu while forging our own warriors on the mats.
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"Train Hard. Fight Smart. Become Unstoppable."
