Kalamazoo BJJ

Kalamazoo BJJ is led by Professor Ben Lindhout, a first-degree black belt under Carlson Gracie Jr. and the only Carlson Gracie Team affiliate in the Kalamazoo area. Ben began training in 2007 in Grand Rapids and opened Kalamazoo BJJ in 2016. A seven-time IBJJF gold medalist from blue to brown belt, he brings both competitive experience and a commitment to hard work to his instruction. The school’s lineage traces directly to the Carlson Gracie legacy, emphasizing the traditional gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu curriculum. Students at Kalamazoo BJJ train in both gi and no-gi formats, with classes structured to cover fundamentals through advanced techniques. The academy offers consistent open mat sessions for adults, allowing practitioners to drill and spar freely. Instruction also draws from the wider grappling and martial arts experience of the coaching staff, including Ivan Wolshlager, a brown belt with a background in MMA, kickboxing, and taekwondo, and Jake Pellowe, a purple belt with wrestling experience known for his pressure game. The academy operates from a wheelchair-accessible facility in Portage, Michigan, and welcomes drop-ins for all classes and open mats. The school’s approach focuses on practical self-defense applications and physical conditioning, reflecting the Carlson Gracie philosophy of using technique to overcome size and strength disadvantages. Kalamazoo BJJ maintains a steady schedule that supports steady progression and competitive preparation while fostering a focused training environment.

Amenities