Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone

I love this gym and it is the best

Dropped in for an open mat while passing through CDA. Another reviewer put it perfectly – everyone is very welcoming and a beast on the mat. Professor Shawn is very down to earth. If you live in the CDA area and are looking to start Jiu-Jitsu you’re lucky to have such a great gym available. I’ve trained in multiple states, CDAJJ is a great environment. Thanks for the chokes and jokes CDA Jiu-Jitsu! 👊🏼

I have been training with Professor Shawn for over 10 years, and both of my boys have trained with him for the same amount of time. The passion he brings to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is truly inspiring, and his instruction is consistently high quality, detailed, and effective. Professor Shawn leads by example both on and off the mat, demonstrating integrity, dedication, and respect in everything he does. What sets CDA Jiu-Jitsu apart is the welcoming and inclusive culture he has cultivated—it’s a family-friendly environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced practitioner, CDA Jiu-Jitsu offers exceptional training in a community that genuinely cares about its members. I wholeheartedly recommend this academy to anyone seeking top-notch instruction in a positive, encouraging atmosphere.

This gym has a direct lineage from the Machado Brothers, and it truly shows in both the technical instruction and the culture. It’s not just a gym—it’s an extended family. Hard work, respect, and focus are core tenets here, embraced by both kids and adults alike. At the same time it’s warm and welcoming and new students are quickly taken under the guidance of established members. I started BJJ late in life, and my skills have grown exponentially under the guidance of Professor Shawn Lawrence and the other 6 black belts the gym has. The instruction is detailed, practical, and rooted in techniques you can confidently apply in real-life situations, not just in competition. Due to the vast knowledge of the multiple black belts, which includes a woman, cross training at other gyms fir variety and growth is unnecessary. This is also a genuinely safe and body-positive environment, especially for women. Everyone is welcomed, supported, and treated with respect regardless of size, experience level, or background. The gym is clean, well-maintained, and has a strong sense of camaraderie that makes training enjoyable and motivating. I won’t train anywhere else. 💙

I had the opportunity to stop in today and roll with the team at CDA Jiu-Jitsu during their Saturday open roll. A really great group of people who were extremely welcoming. Looking forward to visiting again soon.

Incredible gym and atmosphere! Professor Shawn is incredible and brings not only fantastic knowledge but also impeccable instruction no matter your skill set or experience! 10/10 recommend!

I was in Coeur d’Alene on business and wanted to find a good place to train — CDA Jiu Jitsu did not disappoint! Professor Lawrence was extremely responsive and welcoming, allowing me to drop in as his guest. I only had the chance to train once during my trip, but it was a great experience — solid instruction, friendly atmosphere, and a great group on the mats. I’ll definitely be back if I’m ever in town again or move to the area. Highly recommend!

The family atmosphere that has been created at Cda jiu-jitsu is the best by far. You dont just train and learn martial arts, but you become part of the family if you choose to. As part of that family the environment is to learn while keeping each other safe from injuries. Everyone there is very respectful. Students, coaches, and professors.

This gym checks all the boxes for what you look for in a good traing environment. Safe training partners, clean mats, good people, good drilling and rolling time, and a whole lot of fun with like minded friends. Would recommend for anyone starting out or looking for some good rolls from different academy.

As a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with 20+ years of experience, I’ve trained at many different academies, and it’s rare to find a place like CDA Jiu-Jitsu. The environment here is truly special, warm, welcoming, and family-friendly, while still maintaining a relevant level of competitiveness and strong technical instruction. I’m proud to train here and just as proud to have my family on the mats with me. The culture is rooted in respect, growth, and self-improvement, both in the art and as people. As an IBJJF Certified Academy under Professor Shawn Lawrence, there’s a strong foundation of legitimacy and skill, and just as importantly, a genuine sense of encouragement and community. If you’re looking for a place to learn Jiu-Jitsu, whether for yourself, your kids, or your whole family, this is the kind of academy you stay with for a long time.