Island Jiu Jitsu Michigan

At Island Jiu-Jitsu Michigan you can expect to have a great time. We fully believe in the art and lifestyle of Jiu-Jitsu. We rely on the principles of exercising the body (workout) and the mind (technique).

We teach both Gracie self-defense and sport jiu-jitsu (for those who choose to compete) and are always striving to learn new techniques to implement on the mats/street!

A typical class will include 20-30 minutes of warm-up and exercise, 30-45 minutes of technique drills, and then the rest of the evening to roll (spar) and try the techniques we just learned.

Our instructors are:

Jason Vigil (bjj black belt, head coach)

Jason quickly discovered his passion for teaching, and began teaching his friends in his garage in 2004. Island Jiu-Jitsu was formed in 2010 in the backyard of a home in Hawaii Kai as a jiu-jitsu club. In 2012, after the birth of his first daughter, Jason decided to open a formal jiu-jitsu school in Honolulu, Hawaii. Jason received his Black Belt in 2013 from Jason Izaguirre (Owner/Coach of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua). Jason believes students need to learn both the basics of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu self-defense, and the new techniques that world champions use today. Training at Island Jiu-Jitsu means that you will learn all of the details to positions, regardless of your belt rank or experience. Everyone is supported and encouraged to perform at their best.


Nick Jones (BJJ Brown Belt)

Nick has been training jiu-jitsu for several years now. After a few years of tearing up the white-belt divisions and tackling some of the odds of being both an instructor and student, Nick was awarded his blue belt in 2013. Since then Nick has elevated his game to a new level and has incorporated a heavy "top game, guard passer" presence on the mats, taking gold at his first few blue belt tourneys. Nick is known for his flying armbar finishes, which he always says "I never practice them, they just come." In 2015 Nick was awarded his purple belt. He went on to win his next tournament with a massive 27 points scored and 0 scored against in 3 matches. Nick earned his brown belt while visiting HQ in March of 2017.

Gary Rose (Judo Black Belt, BJJ Blue Belt)

Gary started grappling like most teens do. He watched some UFC re-runs on TV and thought it was pretty cool. So for a year or so it was primitive "learn it in the backyard" grappling. Then once college came into play, he took his first judo class. From there he was hooked. Going on he won several local judo tourneys and was given his black belt in judo in 2011. He took a hiatus from competing to start teaching judo. Then in 2013 after starting to train with the guys at Island Jiu-Jitsu Michigan, he competed and won the 2013 Meijer State Games of Michigan, securing gold with an armbar. Since then he was fully sold on his new home at IJJ MI and became a judo instructor with the team and also teaches the kids grappling classes. He has also had early success as a white belt in jiu-jitsu and has podiumed in every tournament he has fought in (white and blue belts)

Shane Callison (TKD Black Belt, BJJ Blue Belt)

Shane started as a TKD blackbelt who was looking for something more. He started doing jiujitsu with us full time in 2014 with his family. In 2017 Shane earned his blue belt and began teaching fundamentals morning classes. He is known as the sloth/librarian for his slow style and his "book" sweep game

Matt Purtee (Amateur Boxer, BJJ Blue Belt)

Matt Purtee has been on the scene for awhile now. Grinding and working all over West Michigan. He has some Muay Thai fights and boxing bouts under his belt. He is also a bjj blue belt with plenty of tournament experience. Matt currently teaches a kickboxing fundamentals course and hosts an open mat on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We train both gi (kimono) and nogi (rash guard and shorts) so come prepared for both. If you have no gi, please come and hang out with us still and we can help you down the route of find a kimono for you!

Private Lessons are also encouraged. Please contact Nick Jones (231-730-0313), Gary Rose (231-726-8332). Of course private lessons will come at additional cost, just talk with whomever you contact and they will talk you thru the process.

We are excited for the possibility to have you as apart of our team! We compete, fellowship, and grow together as a single driving force for jiu-jitsu in our community! OSS!