Where Growth
Happens

I’ve been a member at the Garden for two+ years and it has been consistently awesome. Keren and Judah have put so much time and attention into this school and it shows — everything from decor, to their website/check-in, to the curriculum itself is so wonderfully curated. Every new instructor and seminar I have experienced completely fit their vibe and level of excellence. Judah is the type of mind that I truly believe would have excelled at anything, and we are fortunate he chose to focus on combat. The lessons, progressions, concepts, cadence, warmups and drills are all dialed in. Lastly, for anyone in a similar position: I am neurodivergent and struggle in social situations. It took me a long time to find a gym that worked for me, and there is a reason the Garden was the one to stick. Give it a go — it’s rad.

This gym is a treasure. Other gyms can be inhospitable and dangerous. Judah and Keren demonstrate care for practitioners and do not put them at risk of injury. The progressions of the lessons are thought out and build seamlessly on one another. Excellent gym! 2 year update: Better every time!

The Garden MMA is, in one word, exceptional! A year or so ago I discovered a lack of purpose and direction in my life after my time in the Marines. At first I wanted to build my combat skills, but what I didn’t expect was that becoming stronger and more technical was about far more than just training. On and off the mat, Judah and Keren have consistently mentored me and fostered a sense of accountability I had deeply missed from my time in service. About six months in, something mentally started to change in me. The shift in mindset, along with the community and the chance to grow alongside my fellow brothers and sisters, has been rewarding beyond belief. The Garden MMA truly embodies the mantra: it is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war. The sense of belonging is unmatched, and becoming a more calm and thoughtful human has been a transformation I wasn’t even looking for. Ultimately, you get out of it what you put into it. Cheers.

I’ve been training at this gym for the past year and a half or so. The coaches are amazing and knowledgeable — patient and kind. The facilities are clean, organized and make you feel at peace immediately when you walk in. It’s very beginner friendly, but they also push you to be your best if you’re more experienced. Their mentorship goes beyond the gym, and the lessons I’ve learned here apply to more than just Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. They have curated a family, a community, and a place to turn yourself into a lethal weapon all in one. Judah is a black belt in BJJ and a former pro fighter; Keren is a BJJ purple belt — so they know what they are talking about. There’s also a sauna... What more is there to say?

I used to train with Keren and Judah at North Star. She has become a very dedicated athlete, and Judah is an amazing instructor. The two of them create a dynamic atmosphere to train. I love that there are women-only nights!

Head coach is a phenomenal martial artist in the deepest sense. He understands combat deeply and is an exceptional teacher. The Garden MMA is a welcome addition to the Jiu Jitsu community.