About Us
Motion City BJJ takes a personalized approach to training, centering on each student’s unique journey.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all method, we help individuals discover the techniques that best support their progress. Our instructors emphasize a deep understanding of fundamental Jiu-Jitsu concepts, giving students the tools to adapt and develop their own style. Through this process, we grow together – building not only skill and confidence on the mat, but also stronger character off of it.
Meet our
Motion City Instructors
The Motion City BJJ team has spent years training and mastering their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu technique and teaching ability.
Every member has their own unique experience on the mats – providing something different for each student. Take a look at our instructor bios below to read about their journeys.
Aidan Donovan
Co-Owner & Instructor
Coach Aidan started BJJ in 2008 when looking for another means to cardio. He has an extensive background in teaching both adults and youth.
Coach Aidan has a passion for beginners as he’s never lost sight of how hard it was to start.
He has a keen ability to teach concepts in Jiu Jitsu making it easy for all levels to learn. In his spare time, he loves to spend time with his kids, dogs, and wife outdoors, as well as being the family chef.
Michelle Donovan
Co-Owner & Instructor
Coach Michelle started BJJ in 2010 after her husband introduced her to the martial art.
She adapted to the lifestyle and started heavily competing in 2015, most notably becoming a Pans medalist in 2018 and competing at the highest levels. She has a passion for women in Jiu Jitsu, has experience training through 2 pregnancies, and a deep knowledge in competition as well as youth.
Aside from Jiu Jitsu, Michelle loves to stay active with her two kids, two dogs and husband.
Ashley Valdez
Youth Instructor
Coach Ashley started Jiu Jitsu in late 2016 when she was 13 years old with Coach Michelle and Aidan.
She has a unique perspective in that she started when she was a youth so helping to teach kids comes naturally.
Ashley loves learning and doing Jiu Jitsu and is excited to help the new generation love it the same as her.
Alex Philipp
Instructor
Brandon Wilson
Instructor
Youth Assistants
Al Miller
Violet McNab
Ameet Leeder
Jeremy McNab
Level Up with the
Motion City BJJ Team
We are proud to bring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in New Brighton for all types of students. Beginners, competitors, kids, and adults can have a home to work on themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. Sign up with us today for a great experience on and off the mat.
Curious About Starting?
Get 50% Off
Your First Month!
Begin with a full month of unlimited Jiu-Jitsu training for 50% off—it’s the perfect opportunity for you or your child
to experience the mats, learn something new, and see if Motion City BJJ is the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Training FAQs
Comfortable workout clothes for No Gi classes. And for Gi classes, we provide a loaner gi for you during your free week trial.
Not at all! BJJ is designed for all fitness levels and we tailor instruction to beginners. It is recommended for new people to attend our fundamentals classes.
We recommend 2–3 classes per week to see consistent progress, but even once a week is a great start.
No. Competition is optional. Many students train solely for fitness, self-defense, or community.
Yes, when practiced correctly. Safety is our top priority, and we encourage tapping early and training with control.
Individuals earn stripes for attendance, effort, and skill progression. Belt promotions are awarded periodically by instructors.
Membership & Billing FAQs
If you need to pause training due to extended travel, injury, or other reasons, you can request a freeze, 14 days prior to your draft date, and for up to 6 months in a calendar year. Please submit a written freeze request, 14 days before your billing date, to Info@MotionCityBJJ.com
Cancellations require written notice 30 days prior to your draft date/billing date. To cancel, please email a written request to Info@MotionCityBJJ.com. You’ll continue to have access until the end of your paid period.
Memberships are not prorated or refunded once the billing cycle begins, but we can freeze or adjust future billing if needed.
Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade at the start of your next billing cycle.
Yes, open mats are included for all active members.
Kids Program FAQs
Typically ages 5 and up, depending on attention span and readiness, but we are open to 3-4yo – please call to discuss with a staff member.
Yes, kids will need a gi once they officially enroll. Loaner gis are available for trial classes.
Kids earn stripes for attendance, effort, and skill progression. Belt promotions are awarded periodically by the coaching staff.
Contact Us!
Motion City BJJ welcomes everyone in New Brighton and nearby communities including Minneapolis, St Anthony, Shoreview, North Oaks, Arden Hills and more to learn martial arts and fitness in a friendly environment! Join our Jiu Jitsu academy in the Interstate Corporate Centre across the street from Caribou Coffee.