X2 Fitness — Attraction in Minneapolis

Out of all of the bjj gyms in the twin cities, I have never felt more comfortable as a queer person and a smaller bjj player. When I switched to this gym, I felt like my understanding of bjj skyrocketed. The instruction is thorough and detailed, mixed in with jokes and cues to help you remember the moves, with an emphasis on the fundamentals. The atmosphere is a combination of playfulness (jokes, friendliness) and traditional customs (formally addressing the instructor as "professor" or "ma'am") which was an adjustment for me but so worth it.

While the gym centers women (which is incredibly important, especially in bjj spaces), it is a welcoming environment for all genders and identities. Plus, it is evident that the men who attend this gym have intentionally chosen to be in a space led by women. The students and instructors are good people on and off the mats. It was clear to me that the instructors were invested in my growth and development both in jiu jitsu and in my day to day life. They emphasize effort, safety, and teamwork. They empower you to think and advocate for yourself. They also help and encourage you to modify moves to accommodate for injuries, disabilities, and variety in bodies.

If you want to push yourself both physically and mentally and have lots of fun along the way with instructors and teammates you can trust, this is a great...

I've had the honor of training under Gina for nine years. The journey from receiving my purple to brown belt has been transformative, and much of that credit goes to Gina's unwavering commitment to her students. Her dedication is so profound that even when I lived abroad for five years, I chose to remain ranked under X2. No matter where I trained globally, I always felt my true home was at X2.

The training room at X2 is vibrant, thanks to a diverse group of instructors. Coach B's classes are a delightful blend of humor and expertise, making every session engaging. Coach S's journey from a reserved white belt to a deeply thoughtful instructor is truly inspiring. Coach A, despite her petite stature of 4'11", brings an intense energy to the room, pushing everyone to embrace a more dynamic style of Jiu-Jitsu. And then there's Coach "Doctor Prof.", whose expertise in technical leg locks and experience with MMA fighters has added a fresh dimension to our training.

Having trained in 13 countries and at over 75 gyms, I can say with absolute certainty that X2 Fitness is unparalleled. It's not just a gym; it's a community, a family. The diverse tapestry of individuals, all coming together with a shared passion, makes X2 a truly unique and special place. If you're looking for more than just training, but a place to belong, grow, and thrive, X2 Fitness is the...

Giving my honest and transparent feedback of X2 fitness. There was an interaction I had with another student (who is a male) that was very uncomfortable and it was not handled professionally or with much sensitivity at all. I do not recommend training here as a women or someone who appears to be a women (non-binary, GF, etc). If you have any problems with a male student, it will likely be minimized and communication about issues will be disappointing and not centered around your preferences/ needs/ safety. Do not expect thorough communication with issues...