Testimonials

I have known Bart Smith since my first time training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu back in 1995. Bart and I trained together from 1995 to 2000. His passion for the art is rivaled only by his knowledge of it. Over the years, I have trained with and learned from legends in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. During the course of my travels to Brazil and across the US, I have had the privilege of training in several different academies with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt World Champions as well as UFC fighters. Learning from and training with them was an amazing experience. In my 16 years of BJJ, I have received instruction from some very good instructors and some great ones too. My friend in Spokane falls into the “great” category. Bart has dedicated himself not only to learning perfect technique but to teaching it as well. Bart truly has the heart of a teacher, and his love for the art and his students is contagious. You will see what I mean after your first class with him. You could spend your time running around the Spokane area looking for a place to train and never find the right spot. I'm telling you that I would recommend BJJ Spokane to anyone who is looking to become a better person, make good friends, get in shape, and have some fun doing it. And don't forget, you will learn real, effective self-defense in the process. And one more thing, parents, I trust Bart to teach my own kids. I know he is going to teach them proper technique while keeping them safe as well as increase legitimate self-confidence. What could be more dangerous to a person than a false belief in their ability to defend themselves? So, stop wasting time and stop making excuses, go to BJJ Spokane see for yourself!

Aaron Hullinger
Phoenix, Arizona
BJJ Black Belt
Mica Cipili / Rigan Machado

Bart and I trained and competed together from 1998-2000 in Orem, UT. In addition to being one of the most decent men I know, Bart Smith is also one of the most technical Jiu-jitsu instructors I have come across. He has a unique gift for understanding and applying both basic and complex techniques, and an uncanny ability to convey his insights in a clear and concise manner. If you are in Spokane and are serious about learning Jiu-jitsu for self-defense, competition, or MMA; Bart is definately the guy to see. Aloha!

Ronn Shiraki
BJJ Blackelt
Relson Gracie- Hawaii

I’ve been a member of Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu of Spokane since 2007. My time here has enriched many aspects of my life. Through training, teamwork and competition I have improved my fitness, my confidence and reduced stress all while learning a martial art that can be applied to real life self defense. As a working Police Officer and Police Academy defensive tactics instructor; I have used the skills I learned on the mats at BJJ countless times in the line of duty to keep myself and my community safe. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Spokane will be a tradition in my family for years to come. Join us and discover who you are.

Jeff Walther
CdA PD
BJJ Bluebelt

Training at BJJ Spokane has been the best experience I’ve ever had. Training there has giving me more confidence in myself than I could of ever achieved doing anything else. The workout to me has to be some of the most fun I’ve ever had and the reward is becoming physically fit, which is what everyone wants. The team, are some of my best friends, and nothing makes me happier than training with them every night. When you get to see your teammates go into that cage and give everything they have to win, it’s a really good feeling to be there to support them and for them to trust you in their corner to help them succeed. Bart Smith, the professor is one of my heroes because he has brought the team together and has always had faith in every one of us and treated the newest guys just as he would treat some of the veterans of the gym. He taught us all the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and it’s great to be able to represent him. The striking coach Daniel Zarate is also one of the best coaches I’ve had and he might be hard on you in training but he teaches great stand-up. Some of the role models besides Bart that I’ve gained since being at the Gym are a lot of the Purple belts like Eaglebear, Julio, J.T., and Mick, who have always been there to teach me or help me along the way. Joey Becker, Josh Rettinghouse, Keith Hanson and Kasey Eslick also help me strive to be better. Training at BJJ Spokane has made the last 2 ½ years of my life way better and there’s nothing I'd rather keep doing.

Kelly Sandall
BJJ Green belt
15yrs old

February 2, 2010, was the day that my liife changed for the better. I walked into Bart Smith's Brazilian Jiu jitsu gym. From that moment on, my self esteem is 100%, my personal life is soaring, my faith is stronger then its ever been.

Before

After

I started out at a unhealthy 248 lbs, right now i`m 178lbs and not done losing waight. My daily routine is waking up an hour and a half before work and working out, then right after work I will workout again. I eat small meals every 3 hours right on the dot, drink water and suger free drinks. Allthough I can only make it to Jiu-jitsu class once a week, I'm very thankful that God continues to make my path to practice, I'm thankful that Bart Smith is in my life and I thank God everyday. I thank everyone I've ever rolled with or sparred with, all of you have made me a better person, a stonger person!

"Brazilian Jiu-jitsu = a balanced, healthy, strong and humble life. Jiu-jitsu!"

James Nomee
BJJ Blue belt