THE SKILLS OF JIU JITSU ARE STRONGLY SEQUENTIAL, THERE IS NO MASTERY OF ADVANCED MOVES WITHOUT PRIOR MASTERY OF BASIC ONES. – JOHN DANAHER
Starting a martial arts practice can feel intimidating. Our 4-week Foundations course exists to make those first weeks thoughtful, welcoming, and clear.
Designed for small groups of new students, the course introduces the core principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a deliberate pace. You don’t need any prior experience or a baseline level of fitness, only a willingness to begin.
The Curriculum
Over four weeks and twelve classes, you will explore the essential positions that everything else in jiu-jitsu is built upon.
Week 1: Control & Escape
Learning how to move safely, maintain balance, survive tough spots, and escape from common bottom positions.
Week 2: Closed & Open Guard
Understanding distance, connection, and how to use guard positions to defend, control, and neutralize opponents.
Week 3: Back Control & Submissions
Exploring one of the dominant positions in jiu-jitsu alongside the fundamentals of safe, responsible mechanics.
Week 4: Standing & Takedowns
Practice in breakfalls, movement, grip fighting, and introductory transitions to the mat.
Schedule & Format
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Frequency: 3 days a week (Tuesday & Thursday from 6:30 – 7:30 PM; Saturday review and drilling at 11:00 AM).
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Length: 4 weeks, 12 classes total.
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Structure: Small group instruction designed to be taken in sequence.
- The Saturday Session: While Tuesday and Thursday focus on core cohort instruction, Saturday serves as a dedicated review of the week’s material and a bridge to the broader academy. During Saturday practice, you will train alongside the regular student body. This allows you to experience how the broader community practices as well as provides early exposure to live applications, and a chance to see how these fundamentals unfold across different levels of practice.
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Next Course Begins: Tuesday, October 20th.
Is Foundations Right For You?
This program is built for anyone looking for a thoughtful, structured entry point:
Complete Beginners — You have never practiced martial arts and want a safe, supportive environment to learn the basics.
Those Seeking Depth — You prefer learning alongside other beginners in a small group rather than dropping straight into an open all-levels class.
Returning Practitioners — You have trained in the past, took time away, and want to rebuild your fundamentals from the ground up.
Curious Learners — You are looking for a physical craft that challenges your mind, improves your body, and offers a lifelong practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be in shape before starting Foundations?
A: No. You do not need a baseline level of fitness or prior athletic experience. Conditioning and mobility develop naturally through the practice itself, and the course is paced so you can build at your own speed.
Q: What should I wear to my first class?
A: Just comfortable athletic clothing, such as a t-shirt and shorts or sweatpants (avoiding zippers, buttons, or hard hardware that could catch on a partner). Bare feet are standard on the mats. You do not need to buy a gi (uniform) before starting.
Q: What if I have to miss a class during the four weeks?
A: Life happens. Because the classes build sequentially, missing one isn’t the end of the world. Our instructors will help you catch up, and the Saturday review sessions are a great place to reinforce what you missed.
Q: What happens after the 4-week course is finished?
A: Upon completing Foundations, you will transition smoothly into our regular all-levels adult practices. By then, you will already know your classmates, understand the core mechanics, and feel comfortable navigating the room.
Q: Can I join if I’ve trained in BJJ before?
A: Yes. If you have trained in the past or taken a long break and want to rebuild a clean, structured base, Foundations is an ideal reset. If you aren’t sure whether to start here or in regular classes, just reach out and we’ll help you decide.