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Dark Horse Combat Club
5 ★★★★★ 111 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Denver, Colorado
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 (ages 7–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 darkhorsecombatclub.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (303) 900-8111
Hours
| Monday | 6–7:30 AM, 4:45–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7:30 AM, 4:45–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7:30 AM, 4:45–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7:30 AM, 4:45–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–7:30 AM, 4:45–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 12–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 3–6 PM |
The classes they run
“She is dedicated to teaching her students the discipline and fundamentals needed for Brazilian Jui Jitsu.”
“More importantly they have the best kids program around because Arianna is a phenomenal instructor!”
“Coach Arianna leads a great women’s class, and the instructors for the co-ed classes are fantastic.”
“Incredibly welcoming to all- gi, no gi, serious competitors, and hobbyists.”
“Incredibly welcoming to all- gi, no gi, serious competitors, and hobbyists.”
“The open mats are like a jolly jiujitsu party every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with people coming in from gyms all over!”
“Whether you are new to BJJ and want to learn self defense and get in better shape or looking for a welcoming gym to continue your training, I strongly recommend Dark Horse.”
“Our coach Arianna encouraged me as a beginner, and from the second lesson I began to understand the technique and reproduce it in practice.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Newbies and black belts alike seem to find their just right level of training and learn from the incredible instructors.”
“Whether you are new to BJJ and want to learn self defense and get in better shape or looking for a welcoming gym to continue your training, I strongly recommend Dark Horse.”
“Whether you are new to BJJ and want to learn self defense and get in better shape or looking for a welcoming gym to continue your training, I strongly recommend Dark Horse.”
“Instruction: Incredible - the organization of the different techniques taught made it easy to understand and open the mind to different options and concepts.”
“More importantly they have the best kids program around because Arianna is a phenomenal instructor!”
“I’ve also built the majority of my friend group through this gym, and they’ve been incredibly supportive as I’ve started to do competitions.”
From the reviews
Stopped in for the advanced class while on business and was instantly made welcome -- everyone was great to train with! Space: They recently got a new space and it's great - clean, well-maintained, with individual(!!) changing rooms and a shower.
Been here for 6 years. I love this place. It has made me. The room is full of people invested in your success. Everyone gives their know-how away freely and willingly. No hardos, no toxic culture. Incredibly welcoming to all- gi, no gi, serious competitors, and hobbyists. Great sense of humor.
Dark Horse has become such an incredible training community. Newbies and black belts alike seem to find their just right level of training and learn from the incredible instructors. The classes are rigorous, but are also tailored to someone just learning.
My son just loves going to class. I have seen an excitement in my son that I haven't seen during any other sport. Everyone is so kind and encouraging. We are very happy to be apart of Dark Horse. Update: my daughter has since joined and loves her coaches and the sport.
New to BJJ? Start at Dark Horse Combat Club
Dark Horse Combat Club 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 Dark Horse Combat Club
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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