Beginner BJJ in Pleasanton — your first Fundamentals class
If you’ve never done Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, your first class at Ground Rules Academy is Fundamentals. Teens and adults, all levels, built to get you moving on night one. We train at 7034 Commerce Circle, Suite F, Pleasanton, CA 94588.
Look at the schedule, book a free trial class, and show up.
What class you actually take
We don’t run a separate “intro only” hour. Fundamentals is the beginner class — and it stays useful after you’re no longer new: warmups, drilling, live or situational reps, then sparring that matches your ability.
Nobody here is looking for an ego boost by destroying the new person. We meet you where you are so you can grow, and we need good training partners for our own jiu-jitsu too. We want you to get better with us — not burn out from injury or humiliation. This is not a “tough guy” room.
Kids 5–13 have their own track: Sprouts and Buds. This page is the adult/teen on-ramp.
Gi days, no-gi days, what to wear
The live schedule labels the days. Current pattern: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are gi; Tuesday and Thursday are no-gi; Saturday Open Mat is gi or no-gi.
Gi class. Wear a gi if you have one. If you don’t, a fitted athletic shirt and shorts or athletic pants without zippers, belt loops, or open pockets. You don’t need to buy a uniform before the trial.
No-gi class. Rash guard or fitted shirt, plus shorts without pockets or hardware. Bare feet on the mat please; shoes off before you step on.
Arrive a few minutes early so you can find Suite F and say you’re on a trial. Medical or mobility question first? Contact us or call/text 925-400-8805.
What the first night feels like
You won’t be expected to already understand jiu-jitsu. I founded the academy in 2024 after twenty years of teaching. I’m a BJJ black belt, and I still teach chemistry at Las Positas College. Same habit: name the principle (base, leverage, where the weight actually is), then make you feel it. Can’t remember the exact steps? Control the center of mass. That’s also the idea behind The Book. More of my story is on About.
Leave your ego at the door. Fundamentals is a class, not a tryout. Its not about who looks experienced. It’s personal growth — and that starts on night one. If something feels wrong (pace, contact, an uncomfortable movement), just tell us and we’re happy to work with you.
Other classes worth knowing
Women-Only Fundamentals runs Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. in the gi same fundamentals, a room that’s just for women. Details: Women’s Jiu-Jitsu in Pleasanton.
Judo with Coach Greg Prior is Saturday mornings — throws and standup that feed your BJJ. Open Mat (drop-ins welcome) is Friday evening and Saturday. The full grid is on our schedule page.
A couple questions
I’ve never done BJJ - which class do I take?
Fundamentals. There isn’t a separate beginner-only hour; this is the on-ramp.
Do I need a gi for the trial?
No. Athletic clothes without zippers/pockets are fine. Gi if you have one.
Is it a tough-guy room?
No. We want you growing alongside us - not injured, burned out, or humiliated.
How do I start?
Check the schedule, then book a free trial. Or call/text 925-400-8805.
See you on the mats.