Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy

Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy opened its doors in Westland, Michigan in 2021 as the first Caio Terra Association affiliate in the state. The academy is led by head coach Ken Short, a first-degree black belt under professor Caio Terra, who brings 15 years of experience on the mats, including a decade as an instructor. Classes run seven days a week, and the staff includes several coaches with deep experience in both gi and no-gi grappling. The adult program at Westside covers both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with fundamentals classes offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings to fit different schedules. Alongside BJJ, students can train in judo, wrestling, and kickboxing, making the schedule unusually broad for a Caio Terra affiliate. Open mat sessions are held on weekends, and private lessons are available for those who want focused instruction. The academy also welcomes drop-ins, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. For younger students, Westside has a structured youth program starting with “littles” classes for ages 3–5, three days per week. Kids aged 5–11 can train up to six days a week as they advance, while teens have options every day. There is also a women’s program taught by a female instructor, with classes five days a week split between the Westland and Allen Park locations, emphasizing both self-defense and sport jiu-jitsu.

Amenities