Private BJJ and Judo Lessons in Pleasanton
Ground Rules Academy offers private lessons in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with Russ Jensen and in judo with Greg Prior, at 7034 Commerce Circle, Suite F in Pleasanton. Russ is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with a PhD in physical chemistry from MIT. Greg spent 10 years on the U.S. national judo team. Private lessons are for adults 18 and over. Each lesson is one hour of one-on-one instruction built around the student's needs, such as an introduction to the basics, a position or throw that needs work, an upcoming tournament, or preparation before joining a class. BJJ lessons may be taught in the gi or no-gi. To request a time, fill out the request form below or call or text 925-400-8805.
What a Private Lesson Costs
- Single lesson: $110 for one hour
- 5-lesson package: $500 ($100 per lesson)
- 10-lesson package: $900 ($90 per lesson)
Prices are the same for BJJ and judo. Each package is for lessons with one coach and cannot be split between BJJ and judo. Packages are valid for six months from the date of purchase.
Prospective students who are unsure whether private lessons are the right fit are welcome to start with a free one-day trial class: book a free trial class.
Who Private Lessons Are For
Beginners. For students who find a group class intimidating, a private lesson offers a way to learn the basics at an individual pace before joining Fundamentals. Students can ask questions and learn how class works. The beginner page describes what the group class looks like.
Experienced students and competitors. Students are welcome to bring a position, a recent competition loss, or an upcoming bracket. The lesson focuses on the student's game, strategy and technical details, with candid feedback from the instructor.
What's Included
- One hour on the mat with your coach, BJJ in the gi or no-gi, or judo
- A plan built around the student's goals, not a prewritten curriculum
- Explanations of why a technique works, in terms of leverage, base, friction and center of mass
- Drilling and, if the student wishes, live rounds with the instructor
- A short list of what to work on afterward
- Use of the mats and the academy; membership is not required
Private lessons do not promise a particular belt or competition result. Students can expect the instructor's full attention for an hour and an honest assessment of their jiu-jitsu.
About Your Coaches
Russ Jensen, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Russ Jensen has more than 20 years of teaching experience in chemistry, English in Japan and math tutoring, and has trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu for 14 years. He teaches chemistry at Las Positas College and explains jiu-jitsu through physics: how force, torque and leverage make a technique work, and what to adjust when it does not. The same approach is the subject of his book, Ground Rules: Simple Physics for the Grappling Arts, which is coming soon to Amazon. Learn more about the academy.
Greg Prior, Judo
Greg leads the Saturday judo class at Ground Rules. He spent 10 years on the U.S. national judo team, won gold at the USA Judo President's Cup, and took bronze at the IJF Veterans World Championships. He is also a world-class competitor in buhurt, full-contact armored combat. Private judo lessons cover throws, grips, breakfalls and groundwork, for beginners and experienced judoka alike. Learn more about judo at Ground Rules.
Scheduling Around Classes
Private lessons are scheduled around the group class schedule. Class times are posted on the schedule, and after a request is received, a time is arranged in the gaps between classes. A lesson booked in advance holds its time, and same-day lessons cannot be guaranteed.
Cancellation Policy
We ask for 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a lesson.
Request a Lesson
Please include your name, whether you would like BJJ with Russ or judo with Greg, your experience level, what you would like to work on, and the days and times that work for you. We will reply to arrange a time.
You may also call or text 925-400-8805, or email info@groundrulesacademy.com. The academy is at 7034 Commerce Circle, Suite F, Pleasanton, CA 94588.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are private lessons? A private lesson is $110 for one hour, for BJJ or judo. A 5-lesson package is $500 and a 10-lesson package is $900. Each package is for one coach and cannot be split between BJJ and judo, and packages are valid for six months from the date of purchase.
Can I take a private lesson in judo? Yes. Coach Greg Prior teaches private judo lessons for adults 18 and over. Saturday judo classes are open to ages 13 and up.
Do you offer semi-private lessons? Yes. Semi-private lessons are for two people, at $75 each per session.
Do I need to be a member? No. Private lessons are open to members and non-members alike. Students who want to train in class can start with a free one-day trial, and the pricing page lists memberships.
I'm brand new. Is a private lesson a good place to start? It can be. A private lesson is a good fit for students who feel nervous about a group class, and they can join Fundamentals when ready. Students may also begin directly in a class: everyone starts in Fundamentals, and there is no separate beginner-only class.
Do you offer private lessons for kids or teens? No. Private lessons are for adults 18 and over. Families can start with the kids jiu-jitsu page, which covers BJJ Sprouts (ages 5–7), BJJ Buds (ages 8–13) and where teens go from there.
Do you travel to students? No. All private lessons are held at the academy in Pleasanton.
Gi or no-gi? Either. Please tell us which you prefer when you book. Students without a gi can wear clean athletic clothing without zippers or pockets, and we will advise on what to bring.
What if I need to cancel? Please give 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a lesson.