Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy opened on September 5th, 2021, and was the first jiu jitsu school in Westland, Michigan. Founded by black belt Ken Short and his fiancé, brown belt Tabatha Watkins. They had a dream to open their own academy in their hometown, and after Ken received his black belt in April of 2021, everything began to fall into place. Ken and Tabatha aspired to build an academy that would appeal to everyone: competitors, men, women, children, and families. Additionally, they sought to create a family-friendly environment and wanted to radiate positive energy in the academy and community.
In April of 2023, they hosted Caio Terra for a seminar at the academy. Tabatha had always admired Caio’s jiu-jitsu, and at Nogi Worlds 2022, Ken brought Caio over to introduce her to her favorite jiu-jitsu practitioner. Professor Caio was very welcoming and has kept in touch with Ken and Tabatha ever since. In September of 2023, they were notified of the selling of their affiliation and chose to venture out for a new affiliation that would better align with their journey and bring new opportunities for their academy. Without hesitation, they thought of CTA. Ken had purchased the CT curriculum after the seminar, and their students were already benefiting from the lessons. After speaking with Caio and other members of CTA, Westside Jiu Jitsu Academy officially became the first CTA affiliate school in Michigan.
If you are ever in the Westland or Metro Detroit, Michigan area, we encourage you to stop by Westside JJA! They offer classes seven days per week, multiple times a day. All are welcome.
