Check out this family-owned jiu jitsu studio opening in Bellingham this weekend
A new jiu jitsu studio is opening in Bellingham this weekend. The new business was launched by a husband-and-wife duo with years of experience and a black belt to prove it.
Endurance Jiu Jitsu will hold a grand opening event Saturday, May 9, hosted by owners Andrew and Kelly Marshall. Andrew Marshall has been training and competing in Brazilian jiu jitsu for 20 years, during which time he earned a third-degree black belt.
“Over the years I have taught and held leadership roles at major academies in Seattle, Portland and Hawaii,” Andrew Marshall told The Bellingham Herald. “I have led multiple youth programs, taught adult classes for many years, provided private instruction, and worked with students ranging from young children to older adults, from complete beginners to high-level competitors. While this is my first time opening my own academy, I bring many years of experience helping lead and run successful gyms.”
“My wife Kelly and I moved to Bellingham in August of 2025 after living in Hawaii for several years,” Andrew said. “We loved our time there, but ultimately felt called to return to the Pacific Northwest to raise our son closer to family and in a place that offered the balance we were looking for. Opening a gym had been something I had considered for many years, and when we chose Bellingham, I told Kelly that if we were moving here, I thought this was the place to do it. With relatively few dedicated jiu jitsu academies in the area, the timing and opportunity felt right.”
But for the Marshall family, Endurance is not just another martial arts studio.
“Our vision for Endurance Jiu Jitsu is to provide more than just martial arts classes. We aim to create a positive, disciplined, and welcoming environment where adults, children, families, first responders, and veterans can come together to improve themselves physically and mentally,” Andrew said.
“For me personally, Jiu Jitsu has shaped my life in profound ways. It has improved my health, given me direction, taught me invaluable life lessons, and brought many of the most meaningful relationships in my life through the people I have met on the mats,” Andrew said. “Our intention is that Endurance Jiu Jitsu becomes a positive community hub in Bellingham. A place where people can build skill, confidence, health, character, and meaningful connection through the art of Jiu Jitsu.”
The studio will offer more than just martial arts classes, as Andrew is also certified as a Strong First kettlebell instructor and has years of personal training experience. The studio will offer functional strength training, conditioning classes, and even private Jiu Jitsu and personal training.
Classes will be offered Monday through Saturday at various times, from youth classes to adult. Guests can also try out the studio before purchasing a membership for a free one-week trial.
“If you feel training with us is the right fit for you, we have a simple monthly membership that provides you and your family with unlimited access to all classes,” Andrew said.
The grand opening event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9 and will include a kids class, a free seminar, a guest speaker and an adult open mat time for guests to use.
Class schedules and membership info can be found on the studio’s website. Endurance Jiu Jitsu is located at 4151 Meridian St. Suite 116.
