Welcome to Sunshine Jiu Jitsu Academy! Our gym is located in Centerville Washington inside the big red barn. We offer Jiu Jitsu classes to all skill levels whether you are a Jiu Jitsu Fanatic, a Jiu Jitsu Hobbyist, or just looking to get in shape and learn some self defense along the way. Sunshine Jiu Jitsu Academy is now open as Klickitat County’s first Jiu Jitsu school. We look forward to seeing you on the mats!
Join us for a free week and see how Jiu Jitsu can transform your fitness journey. There’s no better time to start than today!
Founder Zachary Minteer’s vision for Sunshine Jiu Jitsu Academy is to help his students find their full potential and discover a part of themselves they did not know was there. Our rural location in Centerville Washington gives a unique opportunity to come and train with an experienced Black Belt. To help students efficiently learn, our classes are broken down into three sections: standup, groundwork, and sparring. Competition-focused classes will also be incorporated to teach students the basics of a martial arts competition. Come down to Sunshine Jiu Jitsu and start becoming your best self!
Sunshine Jiu Jitsu Academy is the new place to train in Washington. Founder Zachary Minteer is excited to introduce Jiu Jitsu to the Klickitat County community. Coach Zach has been training for 17 years and has competed extensively, traveling for competitions all over the country. He has placed in the Pan IBJJF Championship and competed in the Submission Underground (SUG). Coach Zach has been teaching since 2020. He loves to see his students find that “light-bulb moment” where everything clicks. He believes that Sunshine Jiu Jitsu Academy offers a unique opportunity for people to find a new passion that pushes them past their own expectations and makes them 1% better every day.
Sign up today and be ready to train tomorrow! Whether online or at the gym, getting started is quick and easy.
My first Jiu Jitsu class was at Gracie Barra under Rodrigo Lopez. I walked in the door thinking I was a pretty tough guy, but after getting pinned down by a 140 pound blue belt who managed to channel the weight of a small car through my unconditioned stomach and then being choked by a 120 pound woman who only used her legs – I knew I had a long way to go!
I started training three days a week and fell in love with the sport. The combination of physical aggression and problem solving fascinated me. I earned my Blue Belt after one year of training. At the beginning of 2009 I moved to Portland and started training at Impact Jiu Jitsu under Michael Chapman and Armand Debruge. I continued to train as a hobbyist for several years earning my Purple Belt in 2011 and my Brown Belt in 2014.
In 2016 circumstances in my life changed and I was able to more fully dedicate myself to training Jiu Jitsu and started training six days a week. The next several years saw my Jiu Jitsu game grow by leaps and bounds. I earned my Black Belt in 2018 and as a next step decided to go on the competition circuit. I competed in many local tournaments throughout 2019. Through 2020 and 2021 I was able to travel all around the country competing in various tournaments including several of the IBJJF Majors (No-Gi worlds, Pans, and Master Worlds) as well as being able to participate in several Jiu Jitsu promotions including the Submission Underground (SUG).
In 2020 I began coaching on a regular basis and found that I truly enjoyed sharing my skillset and knowledge with other people. In particular it is seeing people grow and develop over time and become a version of themselves which they didn’t even think they can be that is the most rewarding aspect of being a coach.
Jiu Jitsu is journey that pulls back the veil on the potential that you have as a person. There are so many lessons it has teach both on and off the mats. All we have to do is show up and be here for it.
Stay up to date on class times! Contact us if you have any questions about our classes.
Want to try us out before you commit? The first week is on us with a free trial! After that you can become a Sunshine Jiu Jitsu Hobbyist (3x’s a week) or a Jiu Jitsu Fanatic (unlimited). We also offer a punch-per-class card system with 10 punches/card as well as a family pass. Join us and bring a new aspect of training to your life!
You’ll learn how to leverage the Gi for techniques like grips, chokes, and submissions, honing your skills in both offensive and defensive positions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, our structured classes will challenge you and help build your confidence on the mats. Join us to sharpen your technique, increase your fitness, and experience the art of Gi Jiu Jitsu!
This fast-paced style emphasizes fluid movement and dynamic submissions, perfect for those seeking a challenge or wanting to cross-train for other martial arts or combat sports. Classes are suitable for all levels, offering a chance to build strength, agility, and submission skills.
Start training No Gi with us today and unlock a new level of athleticism and strategy!
Through fun, engaging lessons, kids will develop essential skills like self-discipline, teamwork, and confidence, all while learning effective self-defense techniques. Classes focus on technique, fitness, and respect, ensuring your child grows both on and off the mats.
Enroll your child today and watch them thrive in a safe, supportive, and fun learning environment!
Sunshine Jiu Jitsu Academy serves the Klickitat County community. Perfect for those living in Centerville, Goldendale, Lyle, and White Salmon. Come check us out in the big red barn at the end of the road!
