Welcome to Haven Jiu Jitsu

At Haven Jiu Jitsu, we learn to fight by playing simple, one-on-one Jiu Jitsu games. We don't teach techniques, or play the whole game of Jiu Jitsu all at once. Instead, we set up specific, live-action Jiu Jitsu situations that give you the chance to find your own innate movement solutions. Every game we play has clearly defined objectives for each player, and you get to choose the level of intensity you want to play with.

Haven Jiu Jitsu is a unique approach to martial arts training because of our focus on nervous system regulation. In class, we oscillate between the intensity of fighting, and pausing to connect with our breathing and heartbeat. This keeps everyone feeling grounded and safe.

Our training is grounded in polyvagal theory, which describes how the nervous system shifts between states of safety, activation, and shutdown. Many of us have learned to shutdown in the face of intensity as a survival strategy. When we learn to fight, we teach our bodies that it is safe and possible to protect ourselves and escape from harm. Learning to fight in a safe, structured space can gradually rewire the survival strategies of freeze and dissociation, and we can learn to be fully present in our bodies. We can practice getting comfortable with discomfort, and build trust in ourselves and our ability to respond to whatever life brings.

Haven Jiu Jitsu is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of your previous experience, age, physical fitness, or limitations. You are invited to move at your own pace, and choose your level of intensity at any moment. Anyone can begin from exactly where they are.

Currently offering classes in Nelson, BC

for all ages and abilities.

Our Approach

Haven Jiu Jitsu is an intentional, playful approach to training Jiu Jitsu, where you can explore physical contact, pressure, intensity and competition in a consciously held, safe space. Haven Jiu Jitsu offers the opportunity to find new movement solutions that will free you from old patterns of freeze and dissociation, and give you a new sense of embodied presence and inner power.

Check out our beautiful brand new mats!!!

”I was lucky enough to participate in one of Haven Jiu Jitsu’s introductory sessions and I loved it. What struck me immediately was the obvious passion, kindness and integrity that Haven brought to the space; it felt very safe to be there, to participate at my level of comfort and explore some of my edges. My kids were there too and they were fascinated! I had never experienced Jiu Jitsu before and felt at ease knowing I was being guided through the process in such a caring, considerate and gentle way. The few exercises I did participate in immediately made me aware of the kinds of challenges a Jiu Jitsu practice might make me face - namely placing and respecting boundaries, close physical contact with people I don’t know very much, feelings of helplessness and allowing myself to fight back. I could really feel into the value and potential of such a practice for personal growth, trauma resolution and increased personal freedom. Thanks for opening my eyes to this, Haven! I look forward to participating in your offerings at Haven Jiu Jitsu!”

- Margaret G.