Authentic Jiu Jitsu is led by Professor Ben; a second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under fifth degree black belt Josh Russell. Benjamin’s passion for the grappling arts led him to Gracie Barra Calgary (currently JR Academy) in 2007 to learn the “gentle art”. While studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Ben also graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in education (master of teaching program) and has worked in Alberta as a public school teacher. Ben is adept at blending his professional knowledge of teaching with his extensive experience in Jiu Jitsu to create an environment that is enjoyable, challenging, and designed to optimize the potential of all students.

Professor Ben has spent the past 16 years studying, training, coaching, and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the local, regional, and international level, however, he is most happy witnessing his own students progress in the art and experience their own success on and off the mats.

Jiu Jitsu Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jr. > Josh Russell > Benjamin Kool

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport and self-defence system that focuses on grappling skills such as throws, takedowns and ground fighting. The “gentle art” was built on the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger opponent. This can be achieved by using proper technique, leverage and most importantly taking the fight to the ground and applying a dynamic range of joint locks and choke holds.

Authentic Jiu Jitsu's schedule offers programming seven days a week and includes:

• Cubs (ages 5-8) and youth (ages 9-15) gi and no-gi programs,

• Fundamental skill development classes,

• Advanced (competition) training sessions,

• No-gi grappling classes,

• Women’s only instruction,

• Private lessons,

• Weekly “open mats” for members to utilize the training space at the academy for drilling technique and/or rolling (sparring). 

At Authentic Jiu Jitsu we take pride in providing members a dynamic selection of classes that all operate in a welcoming, clean, and safe environment.

Authentic Jiu Jitsu offers technical and authentic instruction for all ages and all walks of life. AJJ members train for a variety of reasons such as: competition, self defence, enhancing physical fitness, building confidence and life skills, making new social connections, and most importantly, fun. Please visit or contact the school for additional information or to inquire about a free introductory lesson and tour of the academy with Professor Ben.

At AJJ, you can always expect to experience our positive community that is built upon mutual respect and inclusion, professional instruction designed to help all members meet their goals, and lastly, an updated facility that is meticulously taken care of and cleaned regularly.

Annual commitment membership plans are the most cost effective way to take advantage of training at Authentic Jiu Jitsu, however, you must commit to a year of studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Month-to-month commitment membership plans offer all the benefits of training at Authentic Jiu Jitsu but with the flexibility to change your membership plan (14 days notice is required).

The women’s only program includes access to women’s only class on Sunday and all open mat times throughout the week. All women’s only memberships are easily transferable to annual or month-to-month memberships if more mat time is eventually preferred.

Private lessons are a great way to fast track technical development in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and/or schedule mat time outside of normal operating hours of the academy. Private lessons are booked individually as appointments with available Authentic Jiu Jitsu instructors.

Authentic Jiu Jitsu takes pride in providing members with a selection of high quality BJJ uniforms, training equipment, select natural health products, and a variety of premium clothing items.