New to Golden Jiu Jitsu
Here's how we work and what your first class will look like.
How We Play
Jiu jitsu is a grappling sport. No punching, no kicking. The goal is to control your opponent using your whole body, and if the opportunity comes up, get them to surrender with a submission hold (a joint lock or a choke). When someone is caught, they "tap": a pat on their training partner, the mat, or a verbal "tap," and the round resets. Tapping is how we keep each other safe. It's not losing. It's what lets everyone train again tomorrow.
Most of jiu jitsu is played on the ground. You'll spend time in positions like guard (where your legs are between you and your training partner), pins (where one person is controlling the other), and scrambles (the chaotic transitions in between). Over time you'll learn to recognize these positions and understand your options from each one.
At GJJ, we train no-gi. That means athletic shorts with no pockets and a rash guard (a fitted athletic top) instead of the traditional kimono. If you don't have a rash guard yet, any fitted athletic shirt works fine to start.
We also include more standing wrestling than most jiu jitsu gyms. We think grapplers should be comfortable in all grappling situations, not just on the ground. Above all, we emphasize play. Training is training, not competition.
How We Teach
If you've watched jiu jitsu classes online or trained at other gyms, our format will probably look different. Here's why.
Games, not drills
Most class time is spent playing structured grappling games rather than memorizing step-by-step techniques. Each game has specific rules, starting positions, and goals. You learn by playing, failing, adjusting, and playing again.
Concepts, not sequences
Instead of teaching "Step 1, Step 2, Step 3" for a specific move, we teach you the principles behind why things work. When you understand the concepts, you can figure out solutions to problems you've never seen before.
Both sides of every position
In most classes you'll play from both perspectives: attacking and defending, passing and guarding, pinning and escaping. This builds a more complete understanding than only ever practicing one side.
F Your Jiu Jitsu (FYJJ)
You'll hear us talk about "F Your Jiu Jitsu." It's a game format where the more skilled player deliberately handicaps themselves to keep the game competitive for both people. You'll have real opportunities to practice offense in your first few weeks, and experienced members get to develop parts of their game that need work. Both players learn.
The Programs
GJJ runs adult and youth programs. Here's a quick overview.
Fundamentals
Where new adults begin. Classes run four days a week (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri). Every class includes games from at least two types of grappling, so you're exposed to the full game from day one. There's a rotating curriculum that covers different positions and concepts each week.
Advanced
For grapplers who are comfortable with the Fundamentals format and want to go deeper. The advanced program dives into single positions or topics over multi-week blocks, with more detail and nuance than Fundamentals can cover.
Little Lions (ages 4-7)
Our youngest program is weighted toward physical literacy, movement skills, and fun. Kids play lots of games, work on balance and coordination, and learn how to handle winning, losing, and teamwork.
Golden Tigers (ages 7-13)
More structure and grappling depth than Little Lions, still built around games and development. Kids learn real jiu jitsu while being built up as people first and grapplers second.
MMA
Once a week. Integrates striking fundamentals with grappling through games and touch sparring. Safe, controlled, and open to members with grappling experience.
What to Expect
Your first class
You'll be introduced to the group and paired with a training partner. Coaches will explain the games and check in with you throughout. You won't be expected to know anything. You will be expected to try, tap when you're caught or uncomfortable, and ask questions.
You will lose. A lot.
That's completely normal and expected. Everyone goes through it. Our members are encouraged to show you how playful we are, not how effective they can be against you. Your job in the early weeks is to get comfortable with the format, learn to control your breathing, and start recognizing what's happening around you.
Your first 5-10 classes
These are about becoming a good training partner. That means learning to regulate your intensity, communicating when something doesn't feel right, and understanding that grappling in the training room is a game, not a fight. The technical knowledge comes with time. The training habits matter more early on.
What to bring
Athletic shorts with no pockets (board shorts or grappling shorts), a rash guard or fitted athletic shirt, slides or flip flops for walking off the mat, water, and a willingness to be a beginner.
What NOT to Worry About
We hear the same concerns from almost every new person. Here's the honest answer to all of them.
Being out of shape
You don't get in shape first and then start jiu jitsu. Jiu jitsu is how you get in shape. Show up as you are.
Not knowing any techniques
That's what the classes are for. Everyone walked in knowing nothing once. You're supposed to not know things.
Being too old, too small, or too inflexible
We've seen it all and it doesn't matter. GJJ has members across a wide range of ages, sizes, and fitness backgrounds. The format works for everyone.
Getting hurt
Tapping keeps training safe. We coach new members on how to tap and when to tap before anything else. The culture here is cooperative, not aggressive.
Ready?
Your first class is free. Come see how we train.