Business Details
Your Premier Martial Arts Training Center in Portland
At Unicorn Jiu Jitsu, we are dedicated to building courage in the world by creating a safe environment where individuals can challenge themselves to become their best versions. Established as a family-owned small business in Portland, Oregon, we specialize in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing instruction under the leadership of Hillary and Brian VanOrnum and Andrew Wright. Our academy holds the distinction of being the only jiu jitsu school in Oregon led by a female BJJ Third Degree Black Belt head coach. Affiliated with One Jiu Jitsu USA, our team of experienced instructors includes multiple black belts and specialized coaches who bring decades of combined martial arts expertise.We offer comprehensive training programs for all ages and skill levels, from beginner children's classes to advanced competition teams. Our LGBTQ-friendly Traction Project LGBTQ Club provides self-defense focused sessions tailored to the community. With structured schedules featuring over 30 weekly classes, we emphasize technical proficiency, physical fitness, and personal growth through martial arts. Our facility maintains strict safety protocols while fostering an inclusive atmosphere where students develop confidence and resilience. The ownership team's deep roots in Portland ensure our commitment to serving local communities through accessible martial arts education.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Kickboxing
Kids Martial Arts
LGBTQ Self-Defense
Competition Training
Highlights and features
- We have Oregon's only female BJJ Third Degree Black Belt head coach
- Our family-owned business combines technical excellence with personal development
- We offer specialized LGBTQ-friendly self-defense programming
- Our instructors include multiple black belts with decades of combined experience
- We provide age-specific programs from toddler classes to adult competition teams
Associations and certifications
- One Jiu Jitsu USA
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program develops technical proficiency through structured classes for all skill levels. Students learn ground fighting techniques, positional control, and submission holds while improving physical fitness and mental discipline. The curriculum emphasizes practical self-defense applications and competitive grappling strategies.
Kickboxing
Our Kickboxing classes combine traditional striking techniques with modern fitness training. Students develop cardiovascular endurance while learning proper punching, kicking, and defensive movements. The program focuses on practical self-defense applications and improves coordination, reflexes, and overall athleticism through dynamic drills.
Kids Martial Arts
We offer age-specific martial arts instruction for children aged 4-13. Our Littles Jiu Jitsu (4-7 years) and Kids Jiu Jitsu/Kickboxing (6-13 years) programs build foundational skills while emphasizing safety, discipline, and confidence. Classes incorporate games and activities that make learning martial arts fun and engaging for young students.
LGBTQ Self-Defense
The Traction Project LGBTQ Club provides specialized self-defense training for the LGBTQ community. This beginner-friendly program covers verbal de-escalation, physical defense techniques, and teamwork strategies. Advanced students participate in skill-sharing sessions that include striking applications while maintaining a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
Competition Training
Our Competition Team program prepares athletes for tournament competition through advanced technical instruction and sparring practice. Students develop tournament strategies, refine techniques under pressure, and build mental resilience. The program includes specialized coaching for both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing competition formats.
People
Hillary VanOrnum
Head Coach
Third Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with over 15 years of instructional experience. Recognized as Oregon's only female BJJ Third Degree Black Belt head coach.
Brian VanOrnum
Assistant Head Coach
First Degree Black Belt with extensive competition experience and 12 years of teaching martial arts. Specializes in technical instruction and student development.
Andrew Wright
Head Striking Coach
Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with specialized expertise in striking techniques. Brings 10 years of martial arts instruction experience to our kickboxing programs.
Shawn Keiser
Assistant Coach
Second Degree Black Belt with 8 years of teaching experience. Focuses on technical fundamentals and student progression in both gi and no-gi formats.
Vikki Marlow
Assistant Coach
Black Belt instructor with expertise in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and self-defense applications. Specializes in women's empowerment through martial arts training.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing instruction for all ages and skill levels.
Do you offer classes for LGBTQ community members?
Yes, our Traction Project LGBTQ Club provides self-defense focused sessions tailored to the community.
Are there children's martial arts programs available?
We offer age-specific programs including Littles Jiu Jitsu (4-7 years) and Kids Jiu Jitsu/Kickboxing (6-13 years).
What makes your academy unique?
We're Oregon's only academy with a female BJJ Third Degree Black Belt head coach and family-owned operation.
Do you have competition training programs?
Yes, our Competition Team program prepares athletes for BJJ and Kickboxing tournaments with specialized coaching.
What are your class schedules like?
We offer over 30 weekly classes with flexible timing including morning, afternoon, and evening sessions.
