Real jiu-jitsu for adults and kids in the Roaring Fork Valley. Come for practical skill, a calmer mind, or more confidence. Stay because the room knows your name and wants you to improve.
Students told us they value the same things: clear instruction, honest feedback, safe training partners, and a community that celebrates personal progress. We take the work seriously without making the room intimidating.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all we do — every class, every day. One art, taught in real depth, with our full attention on your game.
Coach Shawn runs the room every class. Real instruction from someone who's lived the art for 19+ years.
Always. You roll when you're ready — not because a clock says so. Beginners and busy adults breathe easy here.
Our members ski, climb, bike, and fish. Jiu-jitsu fits the life you already have — it doesn't replace it.
Get a challenging workout, learn skills that actually work, and become calmer under pressure. You don’t need experience or great conditioning, and nobody expects you to know what to do when you arrive.
A fun, safe, and encouraging program where children build real skill by doing difficult things well. Coaches meet kids where they are, keep the room structured, and care about growth beyond the sport.
You learn the position, the goal, and why the technique works. Every class builds on the last so a brand-new student can find their footing while experienced students keep adding depth.
The base everything stands on. Position, posture, escapes, and the core mechanics that keep you safe and in control from day one.
Why the moves work, not just how. We teach the connecting logic so you can solve problems live instead of memorizing a list.
Where it all gets tested — at your pace. Live rolling is how the art comes alive, and it's always your call when you step in.
Always optionalEvery class at Tribal Society is run by Coach Shawn — a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with 19+ years on the mat and 13+ years coaching. You learn directly from the black belt, every single class.
Shawn has also trained MMA, cornered fighters, and trained in Muay Thai—but jiu-jitsu has always been the throughline. His depth shows in how he teaches: fundamentals first, then the concepts and systems that help students solve problems for themselves.
Students describe Shawn as relatable, patient, direct, and respected by the room. Parents describe him as a role model who notices the individual child. His standard is high, but nobody has to be humiliated to meet it.
Train With Coach ShawnOur members come from up and down the valley — Glenwood to Aspen — because the drive is worth it to them. Centrally located in Carbondale at 500 Buggy Circle, we're an easy run from anywhere on the Highway 82 corridor.
Our home base. Dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults and kids, seven blocks from downtown.
A quick run down Highway 82. Glenwood adults and families train with us for serious, structured BJJ.
Our closest neighbor up-valley. Adult and kids classes, plus self-defense fundamentals.
Mid-valley families make the short drive for a pure jiu-jitsu room with a black belt instructor.
Worth the drive. Aspen athletes train here for legitimate BJJ and a low-ego mat culture.
Serving the lower valley with adult and kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense.
Many members ski, bike, climb, work demanding jobs, or are simply trying to stay capable as they get older. They do not need another activity that takes over their identity. They need one that strengthens the life they already have.
Jiu-jitsu builds body awareness and practical strength, but students talk just as much about the mental reset: showing up after a hard day, focusing on the problem in front of them, and leaving in a better place than they arrived.
"Jiu-jitsu doesn't ask you to build a new identity around a gym. It fits the life you already have — and makes it bigger."— Coach Shawn · Tribal Society Jiu-Jitsu
Drop in for a free week trial or just show up — we'll get you set up. Sparring is always optional, and beginners are welcome at every class.
Schedule subject to change · Latest times always in our GymDesk member portal
“It’s more than a gym, it’s a culture with camaraderie and a true atmosphere to get better and improve your skills.”
“Tribal Society is a community that sucks you in, supports the hell out of you, celebrates your personal victories, helps you grow and always gives you honest feedback about your progress.”
“The community surprised me. When I started, I didn’t think it would become the place where I’m most comfortable.”
“Coach Shawn and the team create a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. The progress in my son’s confidence, discipline, and skills has been incredible.”
“My son is on the autism spectrum and has sensory sensitivities. The first week was challenging, but the instructors were incredibly patient and supportive. Now he looks forward to class every day.”
“Tribal Society has become his family. I love the supportive environment Shawn and Cecily have created and the way Shawn has been a great role model for my son.”
None. You do not need to know the rules, terminology, or how to move. Feeling lost at first is normal. We introduce you to the room and teach from the beginning.
Never. Sparring is always optional at Tribal Society. You train at your own pace and roll when you decide you're ready.
500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO 81623 — centrally located for Glenwood Springs, Basalt, El Jebel, Aspen, and Gypsum.
Coach Shawn — a BJJ black belt with 19+ years of mat experience — teaches every class personally, so you learn straight from the black belt.
Kids classes run ages 6 through 11. The curriculum builds real fundamentals along with confidence, discipline, self-awareness, and comfort working through challenges.
We switch to No-Gi for the summer and train Gi the rest of the year — there's always a way to train.
BJJ is one of the most effective real-world self-defense arts there is. You learn to control, escape, and neutralize threats — skills that hold up outside the gym.
Set a date. That simple commitment helped one of our adult students stop waiting and build training into his routine. Claim your free week, and we will help with the rest.
You do not need to get fit before you begin. Many adults start because they want to stay active and capable as they age. You work at your pace, and sparring remains your choice.
Athletic clothes for your first class. Shorts, a t-shirt, no zippers or pockets. Bring water. That's it. If you decide to stick around, we'll help you pick up the right gear — no pressure to buy anything upfront.
We introduce you to the group, explain the warm-up, and teach a few basics at your pace. You drill with a carefully chosen partner. Nobody tests you, and you do not have to spar.
Yes. Show up during any class time on the schedule, sit on the side, and see what it's like. No signup needed just to watch.
Tell us before class so we can meet your child where they are. Parents specifically praise the patience shown to nervous children and children with sensory sensitivities. We build comfort gradually while keeping expectations clear.
The emphasis is control, awareness, discipline, and safe practice—not aggression. Children learn how to protect themselves while respecting coaches and training partners.
Your first week is free. Tell us whether it is for you or your child, and we will make the first visit clear and low-pressure. Or call (970) 852-0710.