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Bushidokai Traditional Martial Arts Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · BJJ gym in East Lyme, Connecticut
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bushidokaidojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 860-739-5482
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 6:45 am–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 6:45 am–9:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Lopriore Sensei has not only brought me increased confidence, health and internal power but has also changed my life deeply and meaningfully.”
From the reviews
Training on the mat with LoPriore Sensei is more than learning a martial art and how to defend oneself. The level of personal growth that I have endured over the past twelve years stretches out into many facets of my life.
I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this dojo 2 years ago. I've always wanted to study martial arts, and, when I walked into the dojo for the first time, there was something about the energy of the space that made me know that it was and is special and right for me.
I have been studying at Bushidokai for 8 years and I am amazed at the depth of knowledge available to students. Sensei LoPriore is always continuing to to learn and hone his craft even after near 30 years of expierience, to continue to provide excellent training and quality martial arts with true old world deep…
Studying traditional Japanese martial arts under the incredible tutelage of David. Lopriore Sensei has not only brought me increased confidence, health and internal power but has also changed my life deeply and meaningfully. I would recommend Bushidokai Traditional Martial Arts Dojo with the fullness of my heart!
New to BJJ? Start at Bushidokai Traditional Martial Arts Dojo
Bushidokai Traditional Martial Arts Dojo comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. 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 Bushidokai Traditional Martial Arts Dojo
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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