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We are immensely grateful for every review we get. Each one reflects our team’s dedication to making the Academy and every single class a world-class experience. Your feedback helps us continue to transform lives through the power of martial arts.
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THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!!!
Special Thank you To These Awesome Students That Already Left a Review
"Amazing group. They were very welcoming and professional. Tough group who really knew their stuff."
"All the coaches are approachable and easy to talk to. Communication is great."
"I just wrapped up a 6-week Jiu Jitsu program, and it's the real deal. Whether you're a rookie or a grappling guru, this thing is a game-changer."
"Amazing coaches, great programs for kids. Brought my kids here, and everyone is like family here."
Egley Train Academy Reviews — Boise, Idaho
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 211 Google reviews. Egley Train Academy is one of the highest-rated places to train American Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Meditative Arts in Boise. Below are real, unedited reviews from our students — kids and parents, total beginners, women, lifelong grapplers, and visitors dropping in from out of town. Read what training at the Academy is actually like, then come see it for yourself.
Try a Free Private Lesson45 minutes · One Coach · Zero pressure · Beginner-friendly
Adults & Total Beginners
Most people who walk into the Academy have never trained before. Our beginners consistently describe a welcoming, no-ego room where coaches break techniques down step by step and training partners help you learn.
“I came in two months ago with zero martial arts background and signed up for the beginner program. Six weeks of structured classes gave me a solid foundation before I had any idea what I was doing — and when I showed up to my first regular no-gi class, the apprehension I expected was gone pretty quickly. The other students were patient, welcoming, and genuinely helpful in a way you don't always find in a gym setting. The coaching has been excellent throughout. If you're in Boise and on the fence about trying BJJ, especially as a complete beginner — this is the place to start.”
— Travis Hunt, May 2026
“If you're looking for a welcoming and stress-free training space, Egley has you covered. The coaches are attentive, knowledgeable, and patient. They articulate all the moves and focus on technique in a step-by-step tutorial and practical manner. Everyone adapts to your speed and level, and are patient with new students. You couldn't ask for a better environment to train, bond, and compete in!”
— Amanda Wentz, November 2025
“I've been a member of several Jiu Jitsu gyms over the years. Egley Train is far and away my favorite. Welcoming atmosphere and expert instruction that people of all experience levels can gain a lot from. Highly recommend trying it out.”
— Rick Schimkat, December 2025
“Joining Egley six months ago was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I walked in not knowing what to expect, and now I can't imagine my life without it. The coaches are top-tier — knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in your growth. More than just learning Jiu Jitsu, Egley has helped me build confidence, discipline, and accountability in ways that have impacted every area of my life.”
— Jonah Carleton, June 2025
Kids, Teens & Families
Parents choose the Academy for more than technique. Our kids and teens programs build confidence, discipline, focus, and character in a safe, coach-led environment — and there's a free intro class so your child can try it first.
“What really sets Egley apart is how well they work with kids. My daughter has gained so much more than just jiu jitsu skills. Her confidence has grown, her discipline has improved, and she can't wait to get to class each week. If you're looking for a place that develops both skill and character — for yourself or your kids — I can't recommend Egley Jiu Jitsu enough.”
— Travis Pruitt, April 2026
“Egley Train Boise Jiu Jitsu has been an incredible experience for my 9-year-old. The instructors not only teach the technical aspects of Jiu Jitsu but also emphasize discipline, focus, and other important tenets of martial arts. If you're looking for a school that balances skill-building with character development, I highly recommend Egley Train Boise Jiu Jitsu.”
— James Miller, January 2025
“My daughter began the 4-7 yr old class at Egley. Coach Emily and Coach Anthony are amazing coaches. They are very patient and break things down so she is able to participate and train. If you are thinking of getting your child into jiu-jitsu, I highly recommend Egley Boise! Full of awesome coaches and staff. Very clean, friendly, and welcoming.”
— Chandler Volker, November 2024
“Absolutely the best investment I made for my two kids this year! All the staff are so intentional and encouraging. My kids are learning more than just physical training — they are learning powerful tools to incorporate in their day to day life & how to maturely interact with peers and adults.”
— Constance Bostaph, August 2025
“Emily is wonderful! My son seems to really like it! The best part is you can come to a class for free to see if your kiddo vibes and likes it!”
— Justin Abbott, February 2026
Women & First-Timers
Walking onto the mats for the first time takes courage. Our students — including women trying martial arts for the first time — describe a supportive room where they felt safe to learn.
“A surprising experience — I was expecting yoga but it turned out even better. I was able to be uncomfortable and do some wrestling while I learned some jujitsu. First timer and it was awesome, so much fun! Learned from some badass world athletes. I really missed wrestling and this place made it come true.”
— Hilda Garcia, February 2025
“Such an amazing facility with incredible coaches. I was very intimidated to start as a beginner but everyone has been so kind and welcoming. Everyone takes care of one another and you can tell they really want to help you get better. It's like joining a family. Truly cannot recommend this place enough.”
— Gracie Whipple, August 2024
“All the coaches are approachable and easy to talk to. Communication is great.”
— Egley Train student
Muay Thai & Fitness
The Academy isn't only jiu-jitsu. Students in our Muay Thai and fitness programs come for striking skill and conditioning — and often leave with real, life-changing results.
“This is THE place to train. I joined the Muay Thai classes and was very nervous to do so. I was on a weight loss journey and hadn't been remotely fit in a while. However coach Doug and Kenny and my classmates were super supportive and I learned so much. I lost 25 lbs in 2 months and felt better than ever and even made it to the advanced class after 5 months. If you stick with it, it truly is one of the best things you'll ever do for yourself.”
— Syed Anees, April 2025
“I've trained boxing and jiu jitsu at a handful of gyms across the country, and my experience at Egley has been the most consistently high quality. The coaches are all top notch with versatile backgrounds. Whether you're looking for a fun way to get in shape, want to learn self defense, or have dreams of competition podiums and gold medals, Egley Train is where you want to be!”
— Matt Chandler, July 2024
“Coach Doug Collins is my Muay Thai / Kickboxing coach and sheesh, that class is a good one. Endorphins flowing immediately. You feel so POWERFUL! Plus it's super fun and engaging. Come check it out, you won't be sorry.”
— Taylor Beagley, June 2024
Visiting Boise? Drop In
Traveling grapplers from across the country make the Academy their home away from home. If you're passing through Boise, you're welcome on the mats.
“I'm from Austin, Texas and out here in Boise for work. I've been to a lot of jujitsu gyms — Austin is the Mecca for BJJ. But it has been an honor and truly a blessing to come train at Egley Train. The environment, attitude, and camaraderie is amazing. The coaches are all skilled and passionate. The teammates are so kind, welcoming and helpful. I highly recommend this gym for anybody who wants to condition themselves, learn self-defense, or pursue combative sports.”
— Candelario “Chachi” Davila, August 2025
“I've had the privilege of knowing Professor Michael for almost a decade. On my way to Las Vegas I finally got to visit Egley Jiu Jitsu and it was a wonderful experience. The academy was without a doubt one of the cleanest I've trained in, and the No-Gi class taught by Michael was exceptional. His attention to detail and the way he articulates the techniques is world class. I highly recommend Egley Jiu Jitsu to BJJ athletes of all levels!”
— Christopher Galliher, July 2025
“A great place with great people. A nice mat space, and always a friendly and welcoming environment with players of all levels. My top choice of places to train when I'm passing through Boise. Thank you Coach Egley!”
— Sebastian Spada-Nightingale, July 2025
More Than Martial Arts
Again and again, students tell us the Academy changed something bigger than their grappling — confidence, resilience, community, and a place to belong.
“Incredible people, facility, community. Sometimes people just say 'this place is like family,' but Egley really lives it. You belong to this community forever once you're here, and you feel so genuinely supported and rooted for. No pressure, just improving alongside each other. Best choice we've ever made.”
— Mary Katherine Powell, April 2026
“Egley is helping me with my anxiety… I found jiujitsu because of a friend and I don't plan on looking back. Join Egley, it will help you too. I've been here just 2 months and I feel better for the first time in a long time. Thanks.”
— Tanner Currie, December 2024
“Mike Egley and his team don't just know jiu jitsu — they know how to teach it. The community here is something special. It's welcoming, supportive, and full of people who push each other to grow — whether you're a first-timer or competing at a high level. If you're looking for a place to train jiu jitsu in Boise, this is the one to stick with.”
— Grace Lawson, June 2025
Egley Train Academy Reviews: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Egley Train Academy good for total beginners?
Yes. The majority of students start with no martial arts experience. Beginners consistently describe a patient, step-by-step teaching style and a no-ego room where training partners help you learn. As student Travis Hunt put it after starting with zero background: “If you're in Boise and on the fence about trying BJJ, especially as a complete beginner — this is the place to start.” New students can begin with a Free Private Lesson or the 6-Week Beginner Course.
What do parents say about the kids martial arts program?
Parents report growth in confidence, discipline, focus, and character — not just technique. One parent of a 9-year-old wrote that the instructors “emphasize discipline, focus, and other important tenets of martial arts,” while another said it was “the best investment I made for my two kids this year.” Kids and teens classes run for ages 3 and up, and you can try a free intro class before enrolling.
Is the Academy a good place for women and first-timers?
Yes. Women and first-time students describe feeling safe, supported, and welcomed. The Academy also runs a women's-only self-defense class. As one first-timer wrote, “I was very intimidated to start as a beginner but everyone has been so kind and welcoming… It's like joining a family.”
Do you offer Muay Thai and fitness classes, or only jiu-jitsu?
Both. The Academy offers American Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Meditative Arts (tai chi, qigong, breathwork). Muay Thai students train striking and conditioning in a beginner-friendly, high-energy room — one student lost 25 lbs in two months and progressed to the advanced class.
Can I drop in to train while visiting Boise?
Yes — visiting grapplers are welcome. Traveling students from Austin, Las Vegas, and beyond regularly drop in and describe a clean facility, skilled coaches, and welcoming teammates of all levels.
What's the difference between American Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?
American Jiu-Jitsu delivers the same highly effective submission grappling as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — but stripped of ego, dogma, and rigid hierarchy. We integrate heavy wrestling and judo for complete grappling (takedowns, not just guard), keep a flat, ego-free room led by approachable coaches rather than “professors” on a pedestal, and build the training around your goals instead of the art. If you searched for BJJ in Boise or Mountain Home, you'll get every skill you're looking for — delivered through a different culture. Read the full breakdown: American Jiu-Jitsu vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Why We Train Differently.
What makes Egley Train Academy different from other Boise jiu-jitsu gyms?
Students who have trained at multiple academies point to three things: world-class, detail-focused coaching led by Coach Michael Egley; an exceptionally clean facility; and a genuine community that supports you on and off the mats. The Academy teaches American Jiu-Jitsu — a grappling-based martial art that builds on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with wrestling and modern self-defense — and operates with training programs rather than memberships, focused on transforming lives through Excellence, Trust, Compassion, and Stewardship.
How do I get started?
Book a Free Private Lesson — a one-on-one session with a certified coach for kids, teens, or adults. There's no pressure and no obligation; it's the easiest way to experience the Academy culture and find the right training program.
45 minutes · One Coach · Zero pressure · Beginner-friendly