# 208 Jiu-Jitsu Academy > Nampa, United States ## Overview **Name:** 208 Jiu-Jitsu Academy **Description:** 208 Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a family-friendly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Nampa, Idaho, that implements the TruJitsu system. The academy focuses on practical, effective techniques rather than flashy moves, with concepts that have been proven and tested at the highest levels of competition by athletes at every belt level, fitness level, gender, and age. TruJitsu emphasizes what works in real situations and competitive environments. The academy is led by Professor Sam Campanella, a 3rd-degree black belt, and Professor Melissa Campanella, a 1st-degree black belt. Both instructors come from one of the most established pedigrees in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with lineage through Mitsuyo Maeda, Carlos Gracie, Hélio Gracie, Carlson Gracie, Ricardo Delariva, Iliarde Santos, and Robert Baker. Professor Sam is a former college football player who began training BJJ in 2006 after watching a YouTube highlight of Dean Lister, and he earned his black belt on March 17, 2015. Professor Melissa started training in 2010 after heavy influence from Professor Jill Baker and earned her black belt on December 5, 2020. Both professors have years of successful coaching and competition experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling. 208 Jiu-Jitsu Academy offers a comprehensive schedule with classes for all ages and experience levels, including Adult All Levels classes (morning, afternoon, and evening sessions), Women's All Levels classes (gi and no-gi), Kids classes (ages 4-13), No-Gi classes, Open Mat sessions on Saturday and Sunday, and Competition Prep training as needed. The academy provides a welcoming environment for complete beginners and seasoned grapplers alike, with discounts available for active military, veterans, first responders, teachers, and families. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 8849 Grizzly Ln Nampa, ID 83686, United States **Phone:** (208) 830-0409 **Website:** https://www.208jiujitsuacademy.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://instagram.com/208jiujitsu - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/208jiujitsu ## Instructors ### Melissa Campanella - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Professor Melissa Campanella started training BJJ in 2010 after heavy influence from Professor Jill Baker. Melissa is a fitness fanatic who competes regularly in BJJ and can often times be spotted at a CrossFit gym or outdoors exploring. Professor Melissa received her black belt on December 5, 2020. ### Samuel Joseph Campanella III - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Professor Sam Campanella is a former college football player who gained interest in BJJ after watching a YouTube highlight of Dean Lister. Sam began training BJJ in 2006 and after moving to Bakersfield, CA in 2008 as a blue belt began training under TruJitsu Founder Professor Matt Baker. Professor Sam received his black belt on March 17, 2015. ## Programs ### Adults All Levels **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Open to everyone from complete beginners to seasoned grapplers. Instructors tailor the class to ensure each student can learn, grow, and improve their technique regardless of experience level. **Classes:** ### Women's All Levels **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** A comfortable and empowering space for women of all experience levels to train. Led by experienced female instructors, focusing on practical techniques, building confidence, and creating a supportive community. **Classes:** ### Women's No-Gi **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Women's no-gi grappling class focusing on technique without the traditional gi. **Classes:** ### Kids BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Fun, structured introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children ages 4 to 13. Focuses on building fundamentals, discipline, and confidence through age-appropriate drills and games. **Classes:** ### No-Gi All Levels **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Training without the traditional gi, focusing on the same core principles of BJJ. Challenges students to refine technique, improve body control, and develop faster transitions. **Classes:** ### Open Mat **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Informal training session where students can roll, drill, or work on specific techniques in a relaxed setting with no structured instruction. **Classes:** ### Competition Prep **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Competition-focused training sessions scheduled as needed throughout the week. --- **Last Updated:** March 10, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/idaho/nampa/208-jiu-jitsu-academy)