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BJJ for Beginners in Staten Island
8 gyms in Staten Island, New York show real evidence — from their own sites or students' reviews — of being a welcoming place to take your very first BJJ class. That first class is simpler than the nerves suggest: you don't need to be fit or flexible, you won't be thrown into hard rolling, and a patient coach walks beginners through technique with a partner at their own pace. Wear comfortable athletic clothes, bring water, and expect a warm-up, some movement drills, and a few positions and escapes learned slowly — most academies lend a gi so you don't need to buy anything yet. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 8 beginner-friendly options in town, it's worth calling ahead, saying it's your first time, and asking which class on the schedule they'd start you with.
1. Tiger Schulmann's Martial Arts (Tottenville, Staten Island NY)
4.9 ★★★★★ 147 reviews
2. Codella Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 131 reviews
“Codella Academy is truly one of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools around. The instruction is top-notch, with coaches who not only have incredible knowledge but also know how to…” — Joseph
3. Staten Island Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 125 reviews
“I love this place. I’m coming from another BJJ place on the island but this school is different. I have nothing bad to say bout anyone else but this school is for fighters.…” — Henry
4. Tiger Schulmann's Martial Arts (New Dorp, NY)
4.9 ★★★★★ 125 reviews
“Had both my kids in here and they both learned a lot in a short amount of time! John and the teachers are great! My step daughter who is very shy and timid was learning karate and…” — Joseph
5. Staten Island Judo Jujitsu Dojo
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
“Great dojo. My son has been here about 8 months and we’re extremely happy with it. The senseis are the real deal—firm, structured, and clear with expectations, but still patient…” — Vincent
6. Castle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
4.8 ★★★★★ 34 reviews
“Great new jiu jitsu academy with an awesome atmosphere. Clean facility, knowledgeable instructor and a very welcoming environment for all skill levels. You can tell a lot of…” — Steven
7. Renzo Gracie Staten Island
4.8 ★★★★★ 26 reviews
“Best Jiu jitsu place on the island. Art and Buck are great teachers. Extremely helpful with everything and very welcoming.A membership is well worth it.” — Matthew
8. Richmond County Jiu-Jitsu
4.5 ★★★★★ 17 reviews
“Professor Chutan is a pillar in the Renzo Gracie community and the boxing community. You will learn a lot and enjoy your experience. Affordable, welcoming to all, pro all first…” — Derek
Booking your first class in Staten Island: practical notes
- Call ahead and say you're new. Ask which class they'd start a beginner with — many gyms have a fundamentals or all-levels class that's a gentler introduction than the main floor. A good front desk loves this question.
- Ask how rolling works. You won't be made to roll hard as a beginner; find out how and when a gym introduces live rolling so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
- Keep gear simple. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most academies here lend a gi, so you can try BJJ before buying anything. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Go at your own pace. Being winded the first time is normal and expected. Take breaks, drink water, and let your fitness build over your first few weeks — nobody expects a beginner to keep up with the regulars.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the cheapest, lowest-pressure way to find the room that fits. See free BJJ trial classes.
Beginner BJJ near Staten Island
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