VISIT
Come see how we practice
Whether you're new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, returning after time away, or looking for a new academy, we'd be happy to meet you.
The best way to get to know us is to visit, meet some of the people who train here, and join us for an evening of practice. You don't need previous experience or a clear idea of what you're looking for. Get in touch, ask your questions, and we'll help you work out where to begin.
Finding the Right Practice
People come to jiu jitsu with different backgrounds and goals. We offer a few ways to get started, depending on your experience and what you're looking for.
New to jiu jitsu?
You can begin with regular adult practice or join one of our Foundations courses. Offered periodically throughout the year, these small-group introductory courses give newcomers time to learn basic movements and become familiar with training before joining regular practices.
Returning to training or coming from another school?
You're welcome whether you've trained for a few months or many years. Tell us a little about your background and what you're looking for, and we'll help you find a suitable practice. We also welcome visitors from other schools; please contact us before coming by so we can coordinate your visit.
Planning Your First Visit
A little preparation is all you need.
When to arrive
Plan to arrive about fifteen minutes before practice begins. That gives us time to show you around, introduce you to the instructor, and answer any questions before training starts.
What to wear
Comfortable athletic clothing is fine for your first visit. Avoid zippers or hard details that could catch on a training partner. If you already own a gi, you're welcome to bring it. If you're unsure what to wear, just ask when you contact us.
What to bring
Bring a water bottle and plan to train barefoot on the mat. You don't need to know the terminology or understand the techniques beforehand. We'll explain how the practice works and help you get settled.
A Place to Practice
Since opening in 2013, Renzo Gracie Portland has welcomed beginners, experienced practitioners, families, competitors, and visitors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Before practice, people catch up, prepare for the evening, and help one another get ready to train. Afterward, conversations often continue as people ask questions and talk through what they've been working on. You don't need to know anyone when you arrive. We'll help you feel at home in the room.
Whether you're interested in training regularly, visiting from another academy, or simply seeing the space, we'd be glad to meet you.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You don’t need fitness or athletic experience. Conditioning and mobility develop through the practice, and the pace is set so you can build gradually. That shared experience creates a different rhythm than regular practice.
You’ll always control your own pace. If anything is uncomfortable, you tap your partner or the mat, and they stop immediately. You’ll learn to tap in your first class.
It happens. Because the classes build on each other, we’ll help you catch up, and the Saturday review is a good place to go over what you missed.
You’ll move into our regular all-levels adult practices, already knowing your classmates and the core mechanics.
Yes. If you’ve trained before or taken a long break and want a clean, structured base, Foundations works well as a reset. Not sure where to start? Write to us and we’ll help you decide.
Not at all. You are welcome to join regular practice from day 1. This path is just offered as an alternative for those who prefer a more guided beginning.
Plan Your Visit
Tell us a little about yourself, and we'll recommend the best place to begin. If you're not sure which practice is right for you, just ask. We'll help you decide before you ever step onto the mat.
CLASS SCHEDULE
