Do you offer a free trial?
Yep! We offer a week free to make sure we’re the right fit. If you'd like to keep training with us after that week, we ask that you join as a member.

Where are you located?
We're located at 755 Bellevue Ave E, in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, WA.

When are classes and how much does it cost?
See our Schedule and Pricing pages respectively.

Do I need to make an appointment for every class?
No, only for your first class. This allows us to ensure all paperwork is taken care of, the instructor is expecting you, etc.

Do you offer children's classes?
Not at this time. All participants must be at least 18 years old.

I’m LGBTQIA+. Will that be a problem?
Of course not! Come train.

I might need to consistently arrive late or leave early.
That’s fine—you have a life. Just come train.

Is jiu-jitsu good for self-defense?
No martial art really is, despite what their marketing may try to sell you. In a modern world full of guns, multiple attackers, and legal consequences, the best method for real self-defense is to avoid violence altogether. What jiu-jitsu can provide is confidence with physicality and knowledge of your own physical limitations. We implore you to consider trying jiu-jitsu because it's a fun sport, or to make friends, or to improve your fitness level. Competence in an unarmed altercation is a fringe benefit that we hope you'll never have to see.

Do I need to be in shape before starting jiu-jitsu?
Nope. Doing jiu-jitsu itself is a great way to get in shape. Just come train.

Do you offer beginner classes?
We do not currently offer beginner-specific classes, and instead focus on all-levels classes, in which complete beginners are welcome and usually paired with an upper belt. While we understand that stepping on the mat with experienced practitioners can feel intimidating to beginners, our philosophy is that it's simply safer and a better learning experience for beginners to practice with someone who already knows jiu-jitsu.

What should I do before my first class?
Sign our waiver, review our gym rules, and then let us know when you would like to swing by. Come with a clean body and trimmed fingernails and toenails (we allow GEL or SHELLAC nail polish ONLY to avoid permanently marking the mats). You’ll need to remove all jewelry, so make sure you have a place to keep it safe. We recommend wearing a dry-fit athletic shirt and require shorts or pants without zippers, pockets, or buttons (e.g., Rugby shorts or yoga pants).

What is the difference between gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu?
You can see this excellent explanation, but in short: in gi jiu-jitsu you wear a cotton uniform and can grab the clothes while training; in no-gi you wear a form-fitting uniform and cannot grab the clothes during training.

Should I do gi or no-gi?
You should train both in order to maximize your time on the mats.

What gear do I need to keep training?
A mouthguard is highly recommended. During your free trial, you do not need a gi to participate in the gi classes. After your free trial, if you choose to become a member and we have a donated gi available in your size, you can have it. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a gi—we can point you to some good, affordable options. For no-gi, you will need a rashguard and grappling shorts.

Can I get injured in jiu-jitsu?
Yes, but severe injuries are rare. We strive to prevent injuries (through gym culture, encouraging protective gear--especially mouthguards, keeping the intensity low for beginners, etc), but jiu-jitsu is a full-contact combat sport that is practiced at full-resistance (much like judo and wrestling), so injuries inevitably do occur. That being said, most injuries are minor sprains or bumps and bruises that could have occurred in any other full-contact sport.

Is there a mat fee for drop-ins?
No, and there never will be. If you're visiting, we ask that you consider donating (as a small nonprofit, every little bit helps), or leaving us a review on Google, Yelp, Reddit, etc. If you would like to train with us regularly, please join as a member.

Do you have loaner gear?
No, sorry. Please bring your own gear to come train.

What are your classes like?
Classes typically consist of 10-15 minutes of warm-up (usually movement drills with a partner), followed by about 30-45 minutes of technique instruction and drilling, and then an hour of specific, positional, and/or free sparring.

What is your "style" of jiu-jitsu?
We primarily focus on modern, sport-oriented jiu-jitsu.

Can I cross-train here?
Yep! Just come train.

What gi colors can I wear?
Whatever color you want (just wash it first so dye won’t transfer to the mats). Just come train.

What if my gi has an old school or affiliation patch on it?
Just come train.