Believe in Your Jiu-Jitsu
With an emphasis on competition, SRJJ will help you conquer your goals. Whether you are training to become a professional athlete or striving to build the best version of yourself, SRJJ will empower you to make this a reality.
Only through disciplined, arduous training can you gain the most self-improvement. Experience how practicing competition jiu-jitsu results in personal growth, health and self-confidence as you work to achieve your goals.
Head Instructor
J. Andrew Thomas, World Champion Black Belt
Self Reliant’s head instructor is world champion black belt, Jonathan Andrew Thomas, student of the 10-time world champion Mendes brothers. He is known for his powerful yet technical jiu-jitsu. He has coached multiple students to Pan-American and national titles. Andrew lives in Boise and when he's not teaching or training he spends his free time with his wife, Marie, and their two daughters, Morgan and Emma. His recent personal accomplishments include:
2022 IBJJF PanAm Champion Gold Medalist (superheavy class)
2021 IBJJF NoGi World Champion Double Gold Medalist (superheavy & open class)
2021 IBJJF PanAm Champion Double Gold Medalist (superheavy & open class)
2021 IBJJF Masters World Champion Silver & Bronze Medalist (superheavy & open class)
2021 IBJJF NoGi American National Champion Gold Medalist (superheavy class)
2020 IBJJF NoGi PanAm Champion Gold & Bronze Medalist (heavy & open class)
2020 IBJJF American National Champion Gold Medalist (heavy class)
2020 IBJJF American National Champion Silver Medalist (open class)
The Academy
Upon entering SRJJ, members are welcomed into an immaculate facility highlighted by 1,400 square feet of pristine white mats*. Students are transported to a space where jiu-jitsu is their central focus.
Self Reliant Jiu Jitsu members enjoy a modern martial arts academy featuring dynamic lighting, a streamlined aesthetic, fully integrated technology, and the highest standards for health and cleanliness.
SRJJ offers over 30 hours of group instruction per week, with group classes scheduled for youth, beginner adults and advanced adults. Private lessons are available – please inquire separately.
Self Reliant Jiu-Jitsu’s purpose is to deliver a professional training environment with coaching from world, pan, and national champion instructors that will enable its members to reach their goals while simultaneously building a supportive community.
*White gi required
Highest Standards for Health and Cleanliness
SRJJ provides standout amenities to deliver a next level jiu-jitsu experience.
- Brand new HVAC system
- Filtered water dispenser
- Private dressing rooms
- Shower - soap and shampoo provided
- Towel service
- Hand sanitizing stations throughout the academy
- Attentive front desk staff
SRJJ Origins
When the world shut down in 2020 and athletes were forced to train jiu-jitsu in garages instead of academies, SRJJ's journey began. Being unsure of his future as a black-belt competitor and wanting a change of scenery, Andrew and Marie decided to move to Idaho and open a jiu-jitsu academy.
While the plan was being formulated Andrew set up training in his garage, and from those lessons he went on to win world titles. Now the next phase of the dream has begun. What started as a journey for the truth became the realization that we are at our best when we have only ourselves to rely on.
