Welcome
busy parents

What to expect

Nervous? Don’t worry. It’s natural to feel a little nervous about trying something new. You’ll be stepping into a safe and welcoming space with other parents from our community, who are also beginners at Jiu Jitsu.

This class is specifically designed to be an introduction for folks with zero prior experience.

You won’t need to memorize complicated steps or perform moves that require special flexibility / 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 day.

Getting Ready at Home

For the class, you can wear comfortable workout 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 exposed chests or bare midriffs). On bottom you can wear athletic shorts with leggings underneath, 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 class. 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 make-up, jewelry, or watches, and make sure finger- and toenails are trimmed short before you arrive.

Arriving at Renzo Gracie Pasadena

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

Please make sure to arrive 10 minutes early at 12:50pm, so we can begin on schedule and respect everyone’s time.

Street parking on Sundays is free. For more information about additional parking options, see our parking guide here.

Your first Class

This will be a 1-hour session. During the class, you will be partnered up with another student and guided through a series of Jiu Jitsu “games.”

Through these games, you will start to develop real grappling skills such as: how to control a person on the ground, how to escape when you’re being pinned, and how to make someone let go if they are holding onto you.

You will become familiar with how to get to the safest, most dominant positions you can be in a fight.

Be ready to get a great workout and have fun!

Info Session

The free class will be followed by a 30-minute informational session with Coach Alex.

You’ll have a chance to ask any questions that you have about Jiu Jitsu, how to support your child in their training, and see how it can be part of a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.

Childcare
provided

Coach Sally will be providing childcare (supervised quiet activities) during the class and informational session. Activities include coloring, puzzles, and building with blocks / toys. Art materials and play items will be provided.

You may also choose to bring your own toys or devices for your child to play with. Toys from home must be silent (no electronic toys that make sounds). If you bring any devices, please make sure your child also has their own headphones.

This service is for children ages 3 years old and up.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that teaches you how to use your body to control another person. Unlike many traditional martial arts that focus on punches and kicks (such as karate, tae kwon do, etc.), Jiu Jitsu focuses on grappling or wrestling.

    The literal translation of Jiu Jitsu is the “gentle” or “yielding" art. Rather than meeting force with force, the promise of Jiu Jitsu is that you can use technical skill to defend yourself against someone who is stronger than you.

    It’s called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because the modern art as we practice it today was developed by a family from Brazil, known as the Gracie Family. The Gracies are the most famous martial arts family in the world, and are credited with revolutionizing our understanding of what works in a fight.

  • You will learn fundamental Jiu Jitsu skills such as how to control a person on the ground, how to escape when you’re being pinned, and how to make someone let go if they are holding onto you.

    You will become familiar with how to get to the safest, most dominant positions you can be in a fight.

    Best of all, you will develop realistic combat skills without having to memorize any complicated steps. We use a beginner-friendly teaching approach where you learn by playing Jiu Jitsu “games.”

    You’ll have fun, get a great workout, and experience the joy of Jiu Jitsu from day one.

  • Perfect! This class is specifically designed for folks who have never done any martial arts before and have zero prior Jiu Jitsu experience.

    You’ll be learning alongside other complete beginners and fellow parents.

  • The class is 1-hour long, followed by a 30-minute informational session with Coach Alex.

  • You can wear comfortable workout clothing that you already own. Though you will not need a uniform for class, 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. On bottom you can wear athletic shorts with leggings underneath, 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 class. Please notify us by text in advance of your appointment.

  • Childcare will be provided for children ages 3 years old and up. Any children who are younger than 3 must by accompanied by a supervising, non-participating parent.

  • This free class and info session is for current members of our community only. Parents must have a child enrolled in our Toddler or Kids/Youth Program to attend.

    If you have a friend who is interested in getting started with Jiu Jitsu for themselves, please direct them to our Adult Program.