Welcome to beginner Blueprint

What to expect

Nervous? Don’t worry. It’s natural to feel a little nervous about trying something new. The Beginner Blueprint Program is specifically designed to help complete beginners get started with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, in the safest way possible.

You’ll be practicing one-on-one with an expert instructor who is there to guide you every step of the way.

During your lessons, you won’t need to memorize complicated steps or perform moves that require special athleticism. You’ll be able to learn, explore, and play at your own pace.

Read on for a guide to getting ready for your first lesson.

Getting Ready at Home

You can wear comfortable athletic clothing that you already own. Though you will not need a uniform, it is important to wear clothes that are suitable for grappling.

We recommend a t-shirt on top (long sleeve or short sleeve is ok, but no sleeveless shirts or tank tops). Please make sure your top has full torso coverage (no chest exposure or bare midriffs). On bottom you can wear long leggings or pants.

For safety, please make sure that your clothing does not have zippers, pockets, or buttons.

If you do not have clothing that meets these requirements, you may borrow them from us for your first lesson. Please notify us by text in advance of your appointment.

During the lesson, you will be barefoot on the mats with no socks.

Long hair must be tied back securely. Please also remove any makeup, jewelry, or watches, and make sure finger- and toenails are trimmed short before you arrive.

We recommend bringing water to stay hydrated. No other equipment is necessary.

Arriving at Renzo Gracie Pasadena

We are located at 464 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91101.

There is metered street parking around the school. For more information about additional parking options, see our parking guide here.

Submit your waiver online before arrival.

Your first Lesson

The Beginner Blueprint Program is a series of eight 30-minute private lessons. You will be training directly with the instructor, who will guide through a series of simple Jiu Jitsu “games.”

Through these games, you will start to develop real grappling skills such as: how to use your body to control another person, how to get to the safest positions you can be in a fight, and how to escape when someone is trying to control you.

You will also learn “how to learn” Jiu Jitsu by remaining calm, increasing your awareness, and moving with intention.

Be ready to get a great workout and have fun!

Payment & Next Steps

The Beginner Blueprint Program is $100 per session (pay-as-you-go). Please be ready to process payment at the conclusion of your lesson. We accept all credit and debit cards.

After your first session, the manager will help you reserve your next appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Beginner Blueprint Program is a series of 8 half-hour private lessons. Each lesson covers a fundamental skill, and teaches you about the main positions and objectives of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

  • With the Beginner Blueprint, you can truly go at your own pace. A popular option is to take one lesson per week. This allows your body and mind to get acclimated to training Jiu Jitsu, with plenty of rest and recovery time in between.

  • The Beginner Blueprint is taught by the black belt head instructor, Alex. We also have a female brown belt instructor, Sally, who specializes in working with women and kids.

  • The Beginner Blueprint Program is a series of 8 half-hour private lessons, at $100/session. You can pay-as-you-go, and choose to start and stop at any time.

  • Yes. After the Beginner Blueprint, you can choose to either transition to group classes, continue learning through private lessons, or a combination of both.

    Approximately 15% of our adult students learn Jiu Jitsu exclusively through private lessons, without attending group class.

  • You can choose to transition to group classes when you feel ready. Some students will attend group classes simultaneously, along with taking the Beginner Blueprint. Others choose to complete the Beginner Blueprint Program first, and then decide whether they would like to join the group classes or continue on with private lessons.