Beginner BJJ in Pleasanton — your first Fundamentals class
If you have 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 trail class, and show up.
What class you actually take
We do not run a separate “intro only” hour. Fundamentals is the beginner class, and it remains useful after you are 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 guy or gal. We understand that meeting you at your level will maximize your growth rate, and we need good training partners for our own jiu jitsu to improve. We want to you to get better along 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 for 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 do not, wear a fitted athletic shirt and shorts or athletic pants without zippers, belt loops, or open pockets. You do not need to buy a uniform before the trial.
No-gi class. Rash guard or a fitted shirt, plus shorts without pockets and hardware. Bare feet on the mat; shoes off before you step on.
Arrive a few minutes early so you can find Suite F and say you are on a trial. If you have a medical or mobility question, contact us or call/text (925) 400-8805 before you come.
What the first night feels like
You will not 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. The habit is the same: name the principle (base, leverage, where the weight actually is), then make you feel it. Can’t remember the exact steps? Then rely on fundamental principles from physics and anatomy… like control the center of mass. That is 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. It’s not about the numbers or who looks experienced. It’s about personal growth, and that starts on night one. If something feels wrong — pace, contact, an uncomfortable movement — just let us know.
Ready to take the leap? I’d love to welcome you to the mats for a free trial class.
Ground Rules Academy
7034 Commerce Circle, Suite F
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 400-8805
groundrulesacademy.com
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