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7 Years
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Your Trusted Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Willowbrook, IL
Living Art BJJ was founded in 2019 with a mission to provide inclusive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction for individuals of all ability levels. Our academy in Willowbrook, Illinois, focuses on developing physical strength, mental resilience, and community bonds through structured training programs. We emphasize technical proficiency over brute strength, making martial arts accessible to working professionals, competitive athletes, and families. Our instructors bring extensive competitive experience and pedagogical expertise to create a learning environment that balances rigorous skill development with enjoyment.

We prioritize student safety through clean facilities, proper technique instruction, and attentive coaching that adapts to individual progress. The academy serves residents from surrounding suburbs while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for diverse participants. Our curriculum addresses modern challenges by combining physical conditioning with cognitive development, preparing students to handle adversity both on and off the mat. We offer specialized programs for children that foster discipline and body awareness while maintaining engaging, age-appropriate instruction methods.
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Striking Classes Free Trial Sessions Community Programs
Details
  • Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
  • We offer expert Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction for all skill levels since 2019
  • Our academy maintains a clean, welcoming environment with experienced instructors
  • We provide age-specific programs that balance technical training with enjoyment
  • Our community includes students from multiple surrounding suburbs
  • We emphasize proper technique development over physical dominance
What people say
Excellent teachers Great community Incredibly skilled instructors Amazing program Excellent academy
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program develops technical proficiency through structured classes that emphasize positional control and submission techniques. Students learn to overcome larger opponents using leverage-based strategies while building physical conditioning and mental focus. The curriculum balances competitive preparation with practical self-defense applications for real-world scenarios.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Designed for children aged 3-12, our youth program builds physical coordination, discipline, and confidence through age-appropriate instruction. Classes incorporate games and structured drills to teach technical fundamentals while maintaining engagement. The program emphasizes safety, respect, and character development alongside martial arts skills.
Striking Classes
Complementing our grappling focus, striking classes teach effective stand-up techniques for self-defense situations. Students develop timing, footwork, and striking precision while learning to transition between striking and grappling scenarios. The program integrates safely controlled sparring to apply techniques in realistic contexts.
Free Trial Sessions
New students can experience our training environment through complimentary trial sessions. These introductory classes provide fundamental instruction in basic techniques while allowing potential members to assess program suitability. Trials include equipment guidance and personalized instructor feedback to support continued participation.
Community Programs
Our academy fosters inclusive community through group training sessions that build teamwork and mutual support. Programs accommodate diverse skill levels while maintaining structured progression paths. Regular open mat sessions encourage peer learning and social connection among students from various backgrounds.
People
Ramses Bugarin
Head Instructor
Ramses Bugarin, founder of Living Art BJJ, has trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2012 and competed extensively. He transitioned from Hapkido and music education backgrounds to establish the academy in 2019. His teaching approach combines technical precision with child development expertise for effective martial arts instruction.
Jim
Professor
Professor Jim co-founded Living Art BJJ with Ramses Bugarin, bringing extensive martial arts experience to the academy. He specializes in creating structured learning environments that balance technical instruction with student engagement. His approach emphasizes accessibility for diverse skill levels while maintaining high instructional standards.
Questions
What Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes do you offer?
We offer adult and kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, striking sessions, and free trial options for new students.
Are there beginner-friendly martial arts programs?
Yes, our curriculum accommodates all skill levels with structured progression from basic techniques to advanced applications.
What are your class schedules?
We have multiple daily sessions including early morning, after-school, and evening classes for adults and children.
Do you offer free trial sessions?
Yes, we provide complimentary trial classes to help new students experience our training environment and instructional approach.
What makes your academy different?
Our focus on technical mastery, inclusive environment, and experienced instructors create a unique learning experience for all ages.
How do you handle child instruction?
Our kids' program uses age-appropriate methods that balance skill development with engagement while maintaining safety and discipline.