GROUND RULES ISN’T A PLACE
it's a lifestyleA culture built on elite grappling and an uncompromising standard of learning.
Forged by 20 years of global instruction under Professor Russ Jenson, for people who demand a deeper understanding of the art.
Anniversary Sale
Offer ends September 15.
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Get a full year of training for $1,500 prepaid—just $125 per month instead of $2,100.
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Get six months of training for $900 prepaid—just $150 per month instead of $1,200.
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Not ready to commit long-term? Start training and receive 50% off your first month.
Our storyFounded by Professor Russ Jenson after more than 20 years of teaching around the world, Ground Rules combines decades of experience with a deep understanding of physics, biomechanics, leverage, and movement. Every technique is broken down to reveal not only what to do, but exactly why it works.
What followed was a new approach that helped beginners learn with greater clarity while leading advanced grapplers to discover details they had been missing for years. The result was faster development, sharper technique, and a deeper understanding of the art at every level.
Ground Rules isn’t defined by a location, schedule, or label. It’s a standard for how we learn, how we train, and how far we’re willing to develop.
Welcome to Ground Rules Academy.
GRA began in 2024 for those seeking positive change.
Update on "Ground Rules: Simple Physics for the Grappling Arts"
We're excited to share progress on "Ground Rules: Simple Physics for the Grappling Arts", a book that explains introductory physics concepts like force, leverage, torque, friction, and pressure for grapplers. Designed to help BJJ practitioners understand the mechanics of grappling, it breaks down how these principles apply to highly effective positions, submissions, transitions, and strategies. The complete draft, including illustrations, is finished, and we're nearing publication on Amazon. Stay tuned!
Class Descriptions
BJJ Sprouts (Ages 5-7)
Spark a lifelong love for jiu-jitsu with our littlest Sprouts! This class turns playtime into powerful foundations, blending fun with essential skills to boost coordination and self-assurance.
- Core Focus: Basic movements, coordination, and skill development.
- Builds: Physical strength, confidence, and a sense of achievement.
- Activities: Basic movement drills, grappling games and supervised light sparring for safe, joyful exploration.
BJJ Buds (Ages 8-13)
Elevate our budding grapplers with deeper dives into jiu-jitsu essentials. This program fosters skill development, strategic thinking, and resilience through engaging, high-energy sessions.
- Core Focus: Basic principles, techniques, movement patterns, and strategies with age-appropriate rigor.
- Builds: Coordination, strength, confidence, and grappling skills.
- Activities: Movement and technical drills, grappling games, and supervised sparring for fun, self-defense, and competition.
Fundamentals
Master the building blocks of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a streamlined curriculum crafted by experts. Efficient, effective training that gets you rolling from day one — suitable for teens and adults of all levels.
- Core Focus: The effective application of grappling skills, principles, and techniques.
- Training Style: General and technical warmups, classic drilling, live/situational reps.
- Progression: Culminates in live sparring to solidify skills.
Advanced Class
Train like a black belt in an environment built for refinement and innovation. Here, we dissect challenges, build personalized systems, and roll with purpose—your input shapes the session.
- Core Focus: Development and optimization of cohesive systems.
- Training Style: Intensive situational drilling and sparring.
- Community: Open Q&A—suggest topics, collaborate, and troubleshoot with fellow grapplers.
Open Mat
The ultimate free-flow space to experiment, connect, and evolve. No agenda, just mats, partners, and pure jiu-jitsu—perfect for sharpening what you've learned or discovering something new. Drop-ins welcome!
- Core Focus: Self-directed practice and collaborative rolling.
- Training Style: Grab a partner and dive in—drill, spar, or flow as you like.
- Benefits: Builds adaptability, friendships, and that intuitive edge.
