Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Kids Program
Ages 4 – 15Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids and teens ages 4–15. Structured, coach-led classes that build confidence, focus, discipline, and life-long friendships in a respectful, supportive environment.
Programs
Find the right mat for you
From first-timers to competitors and kids — there's a class built for exactly where you are.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Adults Program
From beginner to black beltBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults of every level — from your very first class through black belt. New beginner adult classes now available at 7 PM.
BJJ · All Levels
Fundamentals 101
All ages & skill levelsLearn the fundamentals of sport Jiu-Jitsu with safe partners. Learning modules change weekly or biweekly and each class finishes with positional sparring.
BJJ · Advanced
Advanced 201
Experienced students (by approval)Highly technical, competition-oriented classes focused on high-level concepts and techniques. Requires approval from Professor Matt.
Online
Balance On Demand
All ages & skill levelsOnline classes for all ages and skill levels — learn anywhere, any time, at your own pace.
How we train
Our Method
Every class at Balance is built on three interconnected components that develop the whole martial artist — on and off the mats.
01
Philosophy
The principles of Jiu-Jitsu ingrain character traits and qualities that make you who you are. Students learn the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle and what it means to be a martial artist.
02
Application
Students expand their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive skills — developing real self-defense capability and applying their knowledge in a safe, controlled atmosphere.
03
Competition
The academy gives students the chance to test themselves in a competitive environment that propels them to break boundaries, building resilience, perseverance, and tenacity.
About
Why train at Balance Jiu-Jitsu
At Balance Jiu-Jitsu, our methods consist of three interconnected components — Philosophy, Application, and Competition. Through this method, we empower every student to gain benefits that go far beyond the mats. The principles of Jiu-Jitsu ingrain the character traits and qualities that make you who you are. In the academy, students learn Jiu-Jitsu, but more importantly, they are introduced to the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle and what it means to be a martial artist. Through application, students expand their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive skills, developing self-defense capability in a safe and controlled atmosphere. And through competition, students engage in an environment that propels them to break boundaries — building resilience, perseverance, and tenacity. With a welcoming, family-first environment and world-class black-belt coaching for kids and adults alike, Balance is Winnipeg's home for modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A coach who invests in how you learn
At Balance Jiu-Jitsu, our coaches are serious about being the best they can be — so they've joined a community of forward-thinking coaches, led by Greg Souders, who train with the constraints-led approach: a modern, games-based method grounded in motor-learning science. You learn by solving real problems on the mat — and build skill faster.
Coaches
Learn from people who care
Matt MacDonald
3rd Degree Black BeltOwner & Head Instructor. With nearly 40 years in martial arts and over 20 years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Matt MacDonald holds his black belt under 5X European Champion Professor Rodrigo Munduruca. Known for his attention to detail, he coaches the top kid and teen Jiu-Jitsu athletes in Manitoba — and produced Manitoba's first and only gold medalist at the IBJJF PanKids World Championships, the most prestigious kid/teen tournament in the world.
Marcia MacDonald
Black BeltOwner, Yoga Instructor & BJJ Coach. With over 20 years of yoga experience, 100,000+ hours of mat time, and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Marcia is also a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor. She assists in the Jr. Kids and Kids programs, plus solo, beginner, and intermediate drill sessions. Excellent with kids of all ages and blessed with the patience of a saint, she's an amazing coach for every student beginning their BJJ journey.
Logan MacDonald
Black BeltAssistant BJJ Coach. Logan brings 11+ years of competition experience across prestigious global tournaments. He was Manitoba's first kid to earn IBJJF PanKids gold and its youngest black belt recipient, with multiple IBJJF medals, Canadian national pro championships, and numerous grappling victories across organizations to his name.
Schedule
Weekly class schedule
Find a class that fits your week. New students and drop-ins always welcome.
Schedule coming soon — reach out and we'll get you booked into your first class.
Gallery
Life on the mats
Real training, real people. Tap any photo to take a closer look.
What students say
Loved by our community
Contact
Come train with us
Questions before your first class? Reach out — we're happy to help.
- Address
- 1308 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0V2, Canada
- Phone
- (204) 770-2715
Free trial
7 Free Classes. Zero Pressure.
No contract. No commitment. Just come train with us for a week and see what modern grappling instruction feels like. If it's not for you, no hard feelings.
✓
You're in!
We'll reach out shortly to get you booked for your first free class. See you on the mats.