About Ice Dragon Academy

Our Story

Ice Dragon Academy was founded by Coach Josh, whose martial arts journey began 17 years ago when, fresh out of college, he found himself overweight and out of shape. Initially drawn to mixed martial arts, he quickly discovered a deep passion for grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Three years into training, Josh’s gym discontinued their Jiu-Jitsu program. Determined to keep practicing, he joined a local Judo club, where a chance meeting with a traveling black belt—who was training the local police department—changed everything. Encouraged by this mentor's offer of support and driven by his love for the art, Josh opened Bismarck’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym in 2010, making it only the second of its kind in North Dakota.

Since then, Ice Dragon Academy has grown into a vibrant community, dedicated to teaching authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai in a supportive, family-friendly atmosphere.

Our Philosophy and Community

At Ice Dragon Academy, our philosophy is simple but powerful: train consistently, share generously, and build from a foundation of strong fundamentals, especially emphasizing defensive mastery. We believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai are more than just martial arts—they’re pathways to self-improvement, confidence, and lasting friendships.

Beyond technique, our greatest pride lies in the family we've built here. The connections at Ice Dragon Academy extend far beyond the mats. We actively cultivate a supportive, tight-knit community where our members come together for more than training sessions—whether it’s helping each other find jobs, teaching new skills, or enjoying casual game nights, we foster bonds that enrich every aspect of our students’ lives.

Our Classes and Programs

At Ice Dragon Academy, we offer a variety of training options designed to suit all ages, skill levels, and goals:

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Adults & Youth)
    Our combined-level classes ensure everyone, from brand-new beginners to seasoned competitors, has something valuable to learn in every session. This unique approach allows beginners to benefit from advanced techniques early on, while experienced students continually refine their fundamentals.

  • Muay Thai (Adults & Youth)
    Learn the art of eight limbs in an engaging environment suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Our classes balance striking fundamentals, conditioning, and strategic training to ensure comprehensive skill development.

  • Competition Team Training
    For those looking to test their skills, our dedicated competition training sessions focus on advanced strategy, conditioning, and mental preparation for tournaments and fights.

  • Private Lessons
    We offer one-on-one coaching sessions tailored specifically to your personal goals, whether that's fine-tuning your technique, developing competition strategies, or simply boosting your confidence and fitness.

  • Seminars and Special Events
    Throughout the year, we host seminars and workshops featuring guest instructors and specialized training opportunities to further enrich your martial arts journey.

Why "Ice Dragon"?

The name "Ice Dragon" honors our Scandinavian Viking heritage, reflecting the northern climate of our home in North Dakota and symbolizing strength, resilience, and community. Inspired by the iconic dragon heads adorning Viking warships, Ice Dragon Academy embodies the warrior spirit, determination, and camaraderie that defined the Vikings.

Achievements

We're proud to have been recognized as Bismarck’s Best of the Best Martial Arts Academy in both 2023 and 2024, a testament to our exceptional instruction, vibrant community, and unwavering commitment to our students’ growth

Two people are practicing martial arts on a padded floor. They are wearing white uniforms with black belts, indicating a level of proficiency. One person is on top of the other, controlling the movement. The setting appears to be a martial arts studio with a minimalistic interior, including white walls and a dark ceiling. A plant is visible in the background, adding a touch of greenery to the scene.
Two people are practicing martial arts on a padded floor. They are wearing white uniforms with black belts, indicating a level of proficiency. One person is on top of the other, controlling the movement. The setting appears to be a martial arts studio with a minimalistic interior, including white walls and a dark ceiling. A plant is visible in the background, adding a touch of greenery to the scene.
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A group of people wearing martial arts uniforms are sitting on a large mat in a spacious room with high ceilings. The walls are adorned with art pieces and there are several potted plants placed around the room. The scene conveys a martial arts training session or class.
A group of people wearing martial arts uniforms are sitting on a large mat in a spacious room with high ceilings. The walls are adorned with art pieces and there are several potted plants placed around the room. The scene conveys a martial arts training session or class.

Ice Dragon Academy transformed my confidence and skills in martial arts. The instructors are exceptional, and the community is incredibly supportive. Highly recommend for all ages!

Soti

Several individuals are practicing martial arts in a gym setting. They are engaged in a grappling exercise on padded mats, wearing traditional white uniforms with colored belts. The room has doors in the background and appears well-lit.
Several individuals are practicing martial arts in a gym setting. They are engaged in a grappling exercise on padded mats, wearing traditional white uniforms with colored belts. The room has doors in the background and appears well-lit.

★★★★★

Gallery

Celebrating our students' journey in martial arts excellence.

Practitioners wearing white martial arts uniforms are engaged in a grappling session on a mat in a training facility. Other participants and an instructor are watching the exercise. The room includes framed photos on the walls and a potted plant in the corner.
Practitioners wearing white martial arts uniforms are engaged in a grappling session on a mat in a training facility. Other participants and an instructor are watching the exercise. The room includes framed photos on the walls and a potted plant in the corner.
Two children wearing martial arts uniforms practice in a grassy outdoor area. One child, with a yellow belt, appears to be in a defensive stance, while the other, with a green belt, executes a high kick. In the background, a multi-story building and some trees are visible, with additional people in the distance.
Two children wearing martial arts uniforms practice in a grassy outdoor area. One child, with a yellow belt, appears to be in a defensive stance, while the other, with a green belt, executes a high kick. In the background, a multi-story building and some trees are visible, with additional people in the distance.
People are engaged in a martial arts training session. Two individuals in the foreground appear to be grappling, wearing protective gear like helmets and gloves. Background participants are also wearing protective gear, practicing various movements. The environment suggests an indoor gym with wrestling mats and a cage-like structure.
People are engaged in a martial arts training session. Two individuals in the foreground appear to be grappling, wearing protective gear like helmets and gloves. Background participants are also wearing protective gear, practicing various movements. The environment suggests an indoor gym with wrestling mats and a cage-like structure.
A person is practicing a martial art form in a lush green natural setting. Surrounded by tall grass and foliage, they hold a poised stance with focused concentration. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
A person is practicing a martial art form in a lush green natural setting. Surrounded by tall grass and foliage, they hold a poised stance with focused concentration. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Children are engaging in a martial arts or fitness class, lying on their backs with legs raised. They are in a gym setting with red mats and practice bags visible in the background.
Children are engaging in a martial arts or fitness class, lying on their backs with legs raised. They are in a gym setting with red mats and practice bags visible in the background.
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Contact

Icedragonbjj@gmail.com

701-226-2205

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