Partner by size
"I'm a 125 lbs. person regardless of whether I'm male or female." Bigger partners are mindful of their weight and strength, and rolling with a lighter partner is a chance to work technique instead of muscle.
Women's jiu jitsu in Milwaukee
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for women in Milwaukee
Co-ed, beginner-friendly jiu jitsu in Walker's Point, where women are training partners, coaches, and the person at the front of the room.
Why White Lotus
A room where women belong
"Diverse gyms lead to safe and thriving communities."
Meghan Wagner, owner of White Lotus
At White Lotus, women train at every level, from their very first class to black belt, and the number keeps growing. We have a variety of instructors, including Meghan, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt who teaches co-ed classes every week.
We teach concepts and principles, not just moves. Precision is what makes jiu jitsu work for everyone in the room, not just the strongest person in it.
A woman at the front of the room
Representation matters.
"What I see as a simple solution is to have women be instructors for coed classes. This puts a woman at the front of the room, and creates the norm for students that women have an equal standing in the gym."
Meghan Wagner
How we train together
Leveling the playing field
A few years ago Meghan wrote about what gyms can do so women feel like an equal part of the jiu jitsu community. These are the ideas we train by. Read Meghan's full article.
Women are training partners
"They are there to learn jiu jitsu, just like you." Nobody should be the last one standing without a partner. Ask anyone to drill or roll, and respect anyone who isn't ready yet.
No "girl push-ups"
Doing something "like a girl" isn't an insult here. "Consciousness in language is a major tool in removing perpetuated norms," so we're intentional about how we talk on the mats.
Come for whatever brings you
Not every woman starts jiu jitsu for self-defense. Meghan started because she grew up in martial arts and wanted something more aggressive, plus a community. Whatever your reason, it's a good one.
What women say
White Lotus is an amazing, positive, playful gym that focuses on foundations and teamwork. As a woman I was nervous to get started, but Meghan and Josh were so welcoming and made me feel completely comfortable. The amount of women training here is always growing, which is awesome!
Beyond our mats
Part of a bigger community
Meghan has trained all over the country and as far away as Estonia, in co-ed rooms and women's camps alike. White Lotus is affiliated with BJJ Globetrotters, a community she loves for one big reason:
"I never feel like I'm treated differently for being a woman."
That's the kind of room we want White Lotus to be. We welcome visitors from every gym and love having guests, so reach out and let us know what you plan to come to.
See when to visit
Getting started
Your first week
Sign up for a free week
Fill out the short free trial sign-up. Meghan will reach out personally.
Pick your first class
Positional Drilling & Sparring on Mondays at 6:30 PM, or White Belt Methods on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 PM. See the full schedule.
Come as you are
You don't need to be in shape, flexible, experienced, tough, competitive or young.
Made for real life
Training that fits your week
- Kids clubhouse for students who are parents
- 24/7 mat access for Resident members
- Sauna and the Lotus Lounge for after class
- Early, midday and evening classes, seven days a week
- Walker's Point, 420 S 1st St, with parking in the lot
Women's BJJ FAQ
Questions women ask us
Do I need to be in shape to start jiu jitsu?
No. You don't need to be in shape, flexible, experienced, tough, competitive or young. Class builds strength, flexibility and conditioning as you go. Most women start in White Belt Methods, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 PM.
Who teaches the classes?
We have a variety of instructors, including owner Meghan Wagner, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Jay Pages. Our coaching team also includes Joshua Janis, Jeremy Anderson, Joshua Beier and Zach Engsberg. Meet them all on our coaches page.
Will I be training with men?
Yes. Classes at White Lotus are co-ed, and women train here at every level. We think about size, not gender, when partnering up, and you can tap at any time.
Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu good self-defense for women?
It can be. Jiu jitsu is built on leverage, timing and structure, so a smaller person can control and escape a bigger one. But not every woman starts for self-defense. Some want a challenge, a sport or a community, and every reason is welcome here.
I'm a parent. Can I still make it work?
Yes. Our kids clubhouse is there for students who are parents, so you can make jiu jitsu part of your routine.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable athletic clothes with no zippers or hard pockets, plus a water bottle.
How much does it cost?
Your first week is free. The Resident membership is $120 a month for unlimited classes and 24/7 mat access. See all membership pricing.
More questions? See the full BJJ FAQ.