Hamel Jiu Jitsu Club

Hamel Jiu Jitsu Club is known around Medina and the West Metro for its open, inclusive approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—an academy where people of all backgrounds can train, improve, and feel at home. The club began in 2023 with a handful of dedicated practitioners and quickly grew into a thriving academy of over 180 members. As an affiliate of M-Theory Martial Arts under Professor Ishmael Bentley, Hamel draws from one of Minnesota’s most respected BJJ lineages, sharing techniques, curriculum, and a network that stretches across the Twin Cities. Classes are led by head coach and black belt Drake Roth, with support from owner and brown belt coach Darrin Homme, who brings decades of wrestling and coaching experience to the mats. The staff also includes purple belt Matt Brouse, known for his background in strength sports, and youth coaches Nah-Tieh Bropleh and Jake Goldschmidt, both committed to helping kids build confidence through BJJ. The academy’s programs cover adults and kids alike, offering gi and no-gi essentials, sparring, and open mat sessions throughout the week. Kids as young as five can start in the “Ham Dawgs” class, while older youth and teens train in both gi and no-gi formats. Hamel Jiu Jitsu runs in a modern, wheelchair-accessible facility on Tower Drive, and welcomes visitors and drop-ins for open mat and regular classes. The club’s focus on mutual respect, tradition, and continuous improvement is matched by a commitment to making every student feel valued—whether they’re training for competition, self-defense, or simply for the enjoyment of learning and growing on the mats.

Amenities