Deep Blue Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a community-focused academy in Caledonia, Michigan, affiliated with world-renowned champion Lucas Lepri. Founded by Ben Van Doren and Brian Queen, the gym is committed to making Brazilian Jiu Jitsu accessible to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. The academy serves students ranging from 4 to 66 years old, from diverse backgrounds, all united by the transformative power of Jiu Jitsu.
The training philosophy at Deep Blue emphasizes structured progression through a detailed curriculum designed to guide students from their first day to mastery. The academy offers specialized programs for different age groups and skill levels, following an academic-style progression system (100-level for beginners, 200-level core training, 300-level competition focused, and 400-level advanced). The dedicated coaching team shares a common mission: to empower individuals through the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, fostering both physical and mental development.
Head instructor Ben Van Doren is a black belt under Lucas Lepri, promoted in July 2023, and also holds a brown belt (Sankyu) in Judo under Jim Murray. Ben began his journey in 2013 under Clint Crabtree at Grand Rapids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu before co-founding Deep Blue. His background includes a B.S. in Economics and certification as a personal trainer. Co-founder Brian Queen is a purple belt who began training in March 2017, balancing his roles as an ER physician, devoted husband, and father of five. Both instructors are passionate about creating a welcoming environment where students can experience the progressive transformation of mind, body, and spirit through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Head instructor Ben Van Doren is a black belt under Lucas Lepri, promoted in July 2023, and also holds a brown belt (Sankyu) in Judo under Jim Murray. Ben began his journey in 2013 under Clint Crabtree at Grand Rapids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu before co-founding Deep Blue. His background includes a B.S. in Economics and certification as a personal trainer. Co-founder Brian Queen is a purple belt who began training in March 2017, balancing his roles as an ER physician, devoted husband, and father of five. Both instructors are passionate about creating a welcoming environment where students can experience the progressive transformation of mind, body, and spirit through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Up to 3 classes per day, 1 days a week
Head Instructor
Hours
monday
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
tuesday
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
wednesday
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
thursday
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
friday
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
saturday
Closed
sunday
Closed
Photos
No photos yet
Class Schedule
Monday (3 classes)
KJJ: 6-8yrs
Gi
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM (45 min)
all_levels
kids
Introduces submissions, live sparring, and deeper understanding of BJJ positions. Age where kids begin developing competition interest.
KJJ: 9-13yrs
Gi
5:45 PM - 6:30 PM (45 min)
all_levels
kids
Comprehensive Jiu Jitsu curriculum transforming foundational movements into precise martial art. Includes competition class option.
BJJ 101
Gi
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (60 min)
Mike Critzer
beginner
adults
14-week beginner curriculum introducing all major positions and techniques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Includes online classroom for video reference. No live sparring.
Pricing information coming soon
Location & Directions
Address
Street Address
9175 Cherry Valley Ave SE Suite K
Location
Caledonia, MI 49316, United States