Gracie Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective, reality-based fighting systems in the world — and one of the best things you can do for your body and mind as an adult.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) stands as the art of pursuing greatness — an odyssey towards self-awareness, serenity within, and an elevated rendition of oneself: a profound quest towards self-actualization and the realization of one's full potential.
Created by the Gracie Family, the basic premise of Jiu Jitsu is that 90% of fights end up on the ground. As such, Jiu Jitsu is focused primarily on effective ground fighting. The goal is to put an opponent into situations on the ground where joint locks and/or chokes can be applied to force the opponent to submit.
The two questions every adult asks before their first class — answered honestly.
There is no age limit to start Jiu Jitsu. Students train here across every decade of life, and professors adapt training case by case — for competition, for fitness, for longevity, for self-defense. Jiu Jitsu can promote longevity and offers real benefits to seniors.
No. Getting in shape is what the training is for. Fundamentals classes are built for complete beginners, and you progress at your own pace. Cardio, strength, mobility and coordination come as a byproduct of learning the art.
White belts spar only after earning two stripes. Sparring here is meditation, not competition — controlled, technical, and safe for training partners.
Roger Gracie believes training in the gi makes you better at no-gi. Gi training builds timing, control, and calm under pressure. No-gi classes run Wednesday and Friday.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu traces its roots to Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, which were brought to Brazil in the early 20th century by Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka and member of Jigoro Kano's Kodokan.
In 1914, Maeda traveled to Brazil, where he taught Carlos Gracie the fundamentals of Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. Carlos, along with his brothers — especially Hélio Gracie — modified the techniques to emphasize leverage, positional control, and submissions, making them effective for smaller, weaker practitioners against larger opponents.
Throughout the 20th century, the Gracie family refined and spread their art through challenge matches (known as "Vale Tudo" fights), where they tested BJJ's effectiveness against other martial arts. In 1993, Royce Gracie demonstrated the power of BJJ on a global stage by dominating the early UFC events, proving that technique and strategy could overcome size and strength.
Among the many greats in BJJ history, Roger Gracie is widely regarded as the greatest BJJ competitor of all time. A 10-time IBJJF World Champion in the black belt division and a two-time ADCC champion, Roger is known for his flawless fundamentals, technical precision, and dominant submissions. His ability to control and submit elite opponents — often using the most basic techniques — solidified his legacy as the most dominant gi competitor in history. His 2017 submission victory over Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida in his retirement match further cemented his GOAT status.
Today, BJJ has evolved into a highly technical sport with gi and no-gi competitions, belt rankings, and widespread global influence. It is an essential part of MMA training and continues to grow as both a self-defense system and a competitive sport.
No experience or gear needed. Come train once, free — then take a free week to be sure.
