Island City Jiu-Jitsu is a welcoming Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy serving Winona and the surrounding communities. Founded in 2021 by Winona native and Alliance Jiu-Jitsu black belt Erik Miner, the academy was created to bring world-class instruction and the positive Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle to the community Erik grew up in.
Our goal is to provide a friendly, structured environment where kids, teens and adults can build confidence, improve their fitness, learn practical self-defense and become part of a supportive team. Whether you are an experienced athlete or stepping onto the mats for the first time, you will be welcomed and encouraged to grow at your own pace.
If you have ever considered trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we invite you to contact us and experience everything Island City Jiu-Jitsu has to offer.
Our new class schedule starts Monday, October 19!
There are a few changes to our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class times, so check the flyer and plan your next week of training.
We’re also introducing KICKBOXING at Island City Jiu-Jitsu!
Get active, learn striking skills, and build confidence in a welcoming environment. Beginners are welcome—no experience needed!
Already training Jiu-Jitsu with us? Talk to Erik about adding kickboxing to your membership. New to the gym? Message us to get started!
Help us spread the word—share this post and tag a friend who would enjoy training with you.
Call or text 507-459-6367
islandcitybjj.com
Island City Jiu-Jitsu
131 Harriet Street, Winona, MN
#IslandCityJiuJitsu #IslandKickboxing #WinonaMN #WinonaMinnesota #WinonaKickboxing #WinonaBJJ #WinonaFitness #WinonaState #Kickboxing #BrazilianJiuJitsu #WinonaMartialArts #TrainLocal
🥊 KICKBOXING IS HERE! 🥊
Classes are open to beginners—no previous kickboxing or martial arts experience is needed!
Come learn proper technique, get an incredible full-body workout, build confidence and have some fun in a positive, welcoming environment.
✅ Beginner-friendly instruction
✅ Cardio and full-body conditioning
✅ Practical striking skills
✅ Fun, motivating atmosphere
Come try the first class and see what Island Kickboxing is all about!
📲 Call or text: 507-459-6367
🌐 islandcitybjj.com
Tag someone who should try it with you! 👊
#IslandKickboxing #IslandCityJiuJitsu #WinonaMN #WinonaMinnesota #Kickboxing #KickboxingTraining #MartialArts #MartialArtsTraining #BeginnerFriendly #FitnessMotivation #SelfDefense #TrainLocal
Congratulations on your 1,000th class Amy! You are a great example to all of us on dedication and persistence!
These kids continue to show up, work hard, and get better every time they step on the mats!
Jiu-jitsu teaches far more than techniques. It builds confidence, discipline, resilience, and the ability to keep going when things get difficult.
We’re incredibly proud of the effort, attitude, and consistency our kids bring to training. Keep working, keep learning, and keep growing!
🥋 Technique • Consistency • Discipline
#IslandCityJiuJitsu #KidsJiuJitsu #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJKids #WinonaMN
Erik Miner is a Winona native and Alliance Jiu-Jitsu black belt who began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after moving to the Twin Cities in 2005.
Throughout his competitive career, Erik has competed across the country and earned medals at numerous regional, international and world-level tournaments.
Over the years, he has had the opportunity to train alongside dozens of world champions, Olympic-level grapplers and NCAA national champions. In 2021, Erik returned to Winona with his family to raise their children and open Island City Jiu-Jitsu, where he now shares the culture, knowledge and lifestyle that have shaped nearly every aspect of his life.
Jimmy is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt under Erik Miner and began training in 2021.
He started his training because he wanted to get back into sports while in college and learn a valuable life skill. Jimmy has been coaching the kids class alongside Erik since the start of 2023 and loves working with them and watching them grow! Jimmy’s goals are to continue competing to test his game and grow our community.
A Winona native and one of the first students at our academy, Cameron is a purple belt who began jiu jitsu in 2021.
He brings a unique way of teaching that he learned from his time serving in the Army National Guard as a drill sergeant and recruiter. On the mats, he plays a loose passing game while always hunting for lapel chokes. Off that mats, Cam spends his time with his wife Amanda and his son Carson.
Not at all. Adults begin Jiu-Jitsu at many different ages and fitness levels. There is no need to get in shape before starting—training will help you improve your strength, conditioning, mobility and confidence at your own pace.
No! Most students begin with no martial-arts or wrestling experience. Our instructors will teach you the fundamentals step by step in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment.
No. Beginners are given time to learn basic techniques, movements and safety practices before participating in live training. You will never be expected to do something before you are ready.
Wear comfortable athletic clothing, such as a T-shirt or rashguard with athletic shorts or leggings.
You do not need to purchase a gi before trying your first class. If you decide to continue training, you will eventually need the appropriate uniform. We can help you select the correct size and equipment.
Yes. Our children’s classes are structured around age-appropriate instruction, close supervision and controlled training. Students learn how to practice safely while developing confidence, coordination, discipline and respect. Like any physical activity, Jiu-Jitsu has some risk, but safety is always a priority.
Absolutely. Trying a class gives your child an opportunity to meet the instructors, experience the environment and see whether Jiu-Jitsu is a good fit before making a commitment. Contact us to arrange a first visit!
Gi classes use the traditional Jiu-Jitsu uniform, which can be gripped to control an opponent and perform techniques. No-gi classes use a rashguard and shorts or spats, with techniques relying more on controlling the body rather than the clothing. Both teach effective grappling and self-defense skills.
Yes. We offer special rates for college students and may have discounted options for families with multiple members training. Contact us for current membership information and help finding the best option for your household.
We generally recommend training two or three times per week. That is frequent enough to retain what you learn and make steady progress while allowing your body time to adjust. Consistency matters more than trying to train every day when you first begin.