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Breakaway Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense (martial arts)

5 ★★★★★ 99 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Newport News, Virginia

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team

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
  • No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
  • Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule breakawayjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (757) 798-3380

Hours

Monday 6–7:45 PM
Tuesday 8:45–10:15 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Wednesday 6–7:45 PM
Thursday 4:30–7:30 PM
Friday 6–7:30 PM
Saturday 8:45–10:45 AM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Breakaway Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense (martial arts), confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 2 mentions

“Kid friendly and even old dudes like me friendly!”

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🩳 No-Gi

“The gym also offers a variety of classes, including GI and no-GI options, which keeps the training fresh and exciting.”

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🥋 Gi

“The gym also offers a variety of classes, including GI and no-GI options, which keeps the training fresh and exciting.”

All gyms that run gi →

🏆 Competition Team

“Whether you are looking for a new hobby, interested in self defense or want to compete in grappling, there is something great for you here.”

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🔓 Open Mat 3 mentions

“I dropped in for an open mat while I was visiting the area and got to roll with several black belt coaches.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Several of my friends who have participated in it also have very positive things to say about the women's self-defense program that is run a few times a year.”

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🌱 Beginners 6 mentions

“Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll find their guidance both insightful and encouraging.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 99 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“I dropped in for an open mat while I was visiting the area and got to roll with several black belt coaches.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 18 mentions

“If you're searching for a jiu-jitsu gym that combines top-notch instruction, a welcoming community, and a commitment to personal growth, Breakaway Jiu-Jitsu is the gym for you.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 24 mentions

“If you're searching for a jiu-jitsu gym that combines top-notch instruction, a welcoming community, and a commitment to personal growth, Breakaway Jiu-Jitsu is the gym for you.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“Their expertise is evident, but what truly sets them apart is their ability to teach complex techniques in a clear, accessible way.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 5 mentions

“The mats are clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to accommodate all levels of training.”

💗 welcoming to women 3 mentions

“Several of my friends who have participated in it also have very positive things to say about the women's self-defense program that is run a few times a year.”

From the reviews

Love training here with Rob and Cassie. Professor Rob really takes the time to help you learn at your pace. My 5 year old also loves to come train and looks forward to it every time. Best place I’ve ever trained at! Come check it out, you won’t regret it!

★★★★★ — David, Nov 2018

Easy to find , safe area and clean establishment that is top notch. The owners Rob and Kass and staff are super friendly and enthusiastic about teaching this great confidence building and fat burning activity! Whether you're a beginner or experienced in Jiu Jitsu, Breakaway is where you want to go.

★★★★★ — Clay, Jan 2019

Trained here during a business trip. The owner and coaches are very welcoming and knowledgeable. The instruction is well thought out and links positions and movements to key concepts and principles. The school is clean and the students are friendly. I felt right at home immediately.

★★★★★ — Luke, Feb 2025

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been a part of my life for 5 years now, and I am near earning my purple belt. During this time, I have traveled around to various gyms, learning from many blackbelts and training with many different people.

★★★★★ — Trevor, Jul 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 99 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Breakaway Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense (martial arts)

Breakaway Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense (martial arts) 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Breakaway Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense (martial arts)

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Breakaway Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense (martial arts)

11861 Canon Blvd F, Newport News, VA23606

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.