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Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 53 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Waterford, Connecticut
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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule crossroadsbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 860-912-1235
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 2:30–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 2:30 am–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 2:30–9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 2:30–9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 2:30–9:30 pm |
The classes they run
“The children learn Jiu Jitsu, respect and focusing in an environment that is fun and welcoming!”
“Whether you are just starting, or experienced, there to compete or just to have fun- Dustin just makes it so easy to get out on the mat, train, and improve your game.”
“I did both a private lesson with my friend and a beginner lesson with a small group.”
“Dustin has developed a system that allows beginners and recreational attendees to train with and learn from much more experienced competitors that train at CR BJJ.”
Other martial arts here
“Dustin gives top notch instruction and creates a safe and fun place to learn BJJ or Muay Thai.”
What members say
“Dustin is an incredible instructor who keeps the gym environment laid back and fun, but still competitive and challenging.”
“Dustin has developed a system that allows beginners and recreational attendees to train with and learn from much more experienced competitors that train at CR BJJ.”
“The children learn Jiu Jitsu, respect and focusing in an environment that is fun and welcoming!”
“Starting with an excellent instruction period, an intense "warm up", and an hour to spar and learn techniques hands-on.”
“If you are looking for great exercise, self-deffense, and/or a good social group check out his studio.”
“Whether you are just starting, or experienced, there to compete or just to have fun- Dustin just makes it so easy to get out on the mat, train, and improve your game.”
From the reviews
Of all the things I loved and now miss most about Connecticut, Crossroads is the number one. Since moving away and having to search for a new gym, I have reached the conclusion that’s there is definitely no place quite like Crossroads.
My son has been a member of Crossroads BJJ for over a year now. It is one of the highlights of my son’s week. (He voluntarily gives up screen time to go to class, twice a week.) Coach Dustin is wonderful with kids.
Crossroads is definitely the best place in the area for BJJ. I had been training for some time prior to moving to the area and came in after checking out the other gyms around, and Crossroads is the way to go by far.
I can't recommend this place enough. I moved from Longisland to CT and trust me when I say, It wasn't easy for me to just walk into just any gym. I knew I had to find the right fit, the right instructor, and the right group of people on top of it.
New to BJJ? Start at Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu 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 Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
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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