Mission Report: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Recon in Portland, Oregon
Date: June 2025
City Visited: Portland, OR
Primary Objective: Conduct covert reconnaissance and live-mat integration at two elite Portland academies to assess viability for traveling operatives seeking high-level training while off-duty.
Mission Overview
I dropped into two high-profile academies in Portland to gather mat-level intel for BJJ travelers and relocating practitioners. The objective: evaluate vibe, instruction quality, mat culture, and travel-readiness.
Targets:
Gear Deployed:
Darkwater Ultralight Jiu Jitsu Gi (War Tribe)
Anaconda Fightwear Knee Supports
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag - 20 L
Diamond MMA Compression Shorts
Main training space at Renzo Gracie Academy Portland
Gym 1: Renzo Gracie Portland
Objective:
Assess instruction depth for hobbyist grapplers.
Location & Entry
Renzo Gracie Portland is located in the Boise neighborhood of North Portland, just south of the popular Mississippi Avenue district. This area is lively, with restaurants and nightlife nearby. Parking is street-based and may require some patience, along with a short walk, but that’s typical for Portland. It’s worth it—the gym is ideally situated for training and then stepping into a great meal or drink afterward.
Check-in was seamless. A black belt greeted me and explained the waiver process. Although they usually charge a drop-in fee, my first visit was complimentary. The gym itself is massive, featuring two levels of training space. The street-level floor offers around 50 square yards of mat space, and downstairs is another full mat area, a gym, and showers. You could easily get lost inside this facility—it’s that big.
Mat Culture
The mat energy was technical and controlled, but with enough competitiveness to elevate the experience. As a visiting purple belt, I felt welcomed immediately—one of the black belts partnered with me for drills, which helped me blend in quickly. They value starting from standing and support all levels of intensity, making it a strong fit for both hobbyists and competitors.
Instruction Quality
Class was led by Kris Reid, a highly technical black belt and student of Aaron Milam. He taught a progression of open guard sweeps against a standing opponent, beginning with De La Riva to single-leg X to full X-guard. He demonstrated five variations, each building on the last. The instruction was tight—concise, efficient, and practical. Kris let us drill, observed, and then made targeted corrections as needed.
Rolling Rounds
We rolled five-minute rounds. I sparred with two black belts, a brown belt, and two blue belts. The black and brown belts overwhelmed me technically, and the blue belts were tough enough that I had to raise my intensity to keep pace. The partners were respectful and focused—no ego, just solid training. My most memorable roll was with brown belt Shawn Dy, who took my back and submitted me, but gave me space to work and troubleshoot along the way. It was a smooth, skillful, and generous round.
Cleanliness + Amenities
The facility is extremely clean. The mats were spotless and they follow strict hygiene rules—no bare feet in the bathroom. Two showers are available for post-training recovery, and there are cubbies for gear storage.
CTA Portland Academy
Gym 2:
Caio Terra Academy Portland
Objective:
Establish rapport with the gym owners and quietly integrate into the advanced gi class on Thursday evening.
Location & Entry
Caio Terra Academy Portland is located at 8334 SW Nimbus Ave in Beaverton, a commercial/light industrial area in South Beaverton. Upon arrival, I met Ben and Monica Duckett. Ben was finishing up teaching the kids’ class and was incredibly supportive and encouraging with the young students. Despite being mid-class, he paused to help me sign a waiver and explained the evening schedule. Monica was welcoming and directed me to the adult class setup. Both made a strong, positive first impression.
Mat Culture
The mat vibe was supportive but competitive enough to push your skills. Ben’s lighthearted demeanor kept the atmosphere friendly, but he made it clear that the training would ramp up in intensity as the evening progressed. A new white belt joined the class that night, and Monica went out of her way to lend him a gi and get him oriented. The class was structured so that people of different skill and fitness levels could train appropriately—Ben divided the group into subgroups with varying intensity levels.
Instruction Quality
Ben led the class, but it was unconventional in that he didn’t start with a technique demo. Instead, we opened with a stand-up drill and quickly moved into positional training. It was more about mat time and less about formal instruction. While I would’ve liked to see a technique breakdown, I appreciated the extra drilling and sparring opportunities. Ben's coaching style is friendly, encouraging, and hands-on, with just the right amount of humor to keep things grounded.
Rolling Rounds
Rounds were 7 minutes—longer than many gyms. I gravitated toward higher belts and had strong, technical rolls. The partners were controlled, precise, and respectful. It was a safe environment where everyone had solid mat awareness. My most memorable rolls were with Monica, whose open guard was excellent, and a skilled athlete with a fast, powerful Kimura game. Both pushed me without crossing into reckless intensity.
Cleanliness + Amenities
The facility is pristine. Brand new mats, immaculate flooring, and a general sense of order and care throughout the gym. While I didn’t confirm a shower, hygiene protocols were in place—no shoes in the bathroom, and gear storage was neatly tucked under wall benches. I noticed a gym area in the back for supplemental training.
Gear You’ll Want for Portland Missions
Recommended Gi: War Tribe Darkwater Ultralight Gi – a great option for travel due to its light weight and durability, although it is no longer IBJJF compliant as of 2024 due to updated weight rules.
Soap: Defense Soap Bar – essential for staying clean after a hard session; I use it immediately post-roll back at the hotel.
Bag: Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag - 20 L – my go-to for travel. It fits all training gear and doubles as a portable washer. Drop in your gear, a detergent pod, and shake it like a washing machine. Rinse and hang dry overnight.
Final Intel Summary: Portland
Spy BJJ Verdict
If you're a grappler moving to or passing through Portland, both gyms offer world-class instruction, thoughtful coaching, and a high-quality training experience. Renzo Gracie Portland leans toward a more competitive, urban, and high-paced feel, while Caio Terra Academy Portland offers easier accessibility, more parking, and an ideal experience for working professionals or hobbyists seeking solid rounds and strong community.
Choose based on your mission:
Need intensity and world-level detail? Renzo might be your spot.
Need flexibility, friendliness, or drop-in access? Go Caio.