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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense Academy
5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · BJJ gym in New Middletown, Ohio
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Website & schedule youngstownjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (330) 782-3869
The classes they run
“Under the leadership of Tony Rinaldi, students are taught extremely technical, fundamental concepts of BJJ, with a focus on technique.”
“I would highly recommend whether you are a competitor, or just trying to get in shape and learn self defense.”
“Here's my take: Ohio BJJ & Self Defense Academy is an amazing place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, wrestling, boxing and MMA.”
“Great instruction, great atmosphere and extremely beginner friendly.”
Other martial arts here
“Here's my take: Ohio BJJ & Self Defense Academy is an amazing place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, wrestling, boxing and MMA.”
“Here's my take: Ohio BJJ & Self Defense Academy is an amazing place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, wrestling, boxing and MMA.”
“Here's my take: Ohio BJJ & Self Defense Academy is an amazing place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, wrestling, boxing and MMA.”
“Here's my take: Ohio BJJ & Self Defense Academy is an amazing place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, wrestling, boxing and MMA.”
What members say
“Great instruction, great atmosphere and extremely beginner friendly.”
“Very welcoming, they will take the time to teach you proper technique.”
“Very welcoming, they will take the time to teach you proper technique.”
“Under the leadership of Tony Rinaldi, students are taught extremely technical, fundamental concepts of BJJ, with a focus on technique.”
“Under the leadership of Tony Rinaldi, students are taught extremely technical, fundamental concepts of BJJ, with a focus on technique.”
From the reviews
I'm a 3 month white belt. Here's my take: Ohio BJJ & Self Defense Academy is an amazing place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, wrestling, boxing and MMA. It is a Pedro Sauer affiliate, with several of the instructors students of Master Sauer himself.
I’ve been training Jiu Jitsu for nearly 12 years, I would’ve never been able to learn this art at any other school. The coaches and instructors at this place are unique and some of the best teachers at anything that I’ve ever met.
Best place around for Jiu-Jitsu. Knowledgeable instructors with a very welcoming atmosphere. A wide variety of class times.
Great instruction, great atmosphere and extremely beginner friendly. I would highly recommend whether you are a competitor, or just trying to get in shape and learn self defense.
New to BJJ? Start at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense Academy
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense Academy
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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