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Elevate Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 80 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Exeter, Rhode Island
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 4–65) — 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule elevatedojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (401) 541-5897
Hours
| Monday | 9–11 AM, 3–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9–11 AM, 3–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9–11 AM, 3–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9–11 AM, 3–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 3–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“2 of our kids have been there almost 2 years and have learned so much!”
“As a woman, I’ve not only gained confidence in self defense but also found BJJ and Judo a fun way to stay in shape while making friends.”
“They also host all sorts of talks, events and tournaments year round as well as a myriad of other fun activities.”
“i appreciate the amount of 1 on 1 time i get with instructors, it helps greatly.”
“As a woman, I’ve not only gained confidence in self defense but also found BJJ and Judo a fun way to stay in shape while making friends.”
“elevate has been great for me so far as a beginner.”
Other martial arts here
“Sandra and Brett are extremely knowledgeable in both Judo and Jujitsu and create a wonderful environment for both families and professional athletes.”
“Brett and I practiced Uechi Ryu years ago in RI, since then he has gone on to earn his black belt in karate, judo, and jujitsu.”
What members say
“Brett and Sandra have created such a safe and welcoming environment while maintaining a high level of instruction.”
“Brett and Sandra have created such a safe and welcoming environment while maintaining a high level of instruction.”
“It has been a transformative experience, especially as an adult student with interest in both competition and learning the traditional system and fundamentals of the art.”
“Sensai Brett and Sandra are very nice, helpful, and have really helped my kids have more confidence!”
From the reviews
Elevate Dojo is more than just a jiu-jitsu gym, it’s a place to grow as a person. I’ve learned so much about myself just from stepping on the mats. Training here has given me peace of mind, confidence, and a real sense of purpose.
I have been a martial artist for most of my life and I have been training in Judo at Elevate for the past three years. It has been a transformative experience, especially as an adult student with interest in both competition and learning the traditional system and fundamentals of the art.
Sensei Brett and Sensei Sandra are extremely knowledgeable and supportive, creating an environment that reflects their dedication to their martial arts and business while providing world-class instruction to all skill levels. I found Elevate as a directionless college sophomore.
Been a student since early 2020. First day in is intimidating but it was a warm welcome. Sensei Brett and Sandra are superb coaches, leaders, and friends. They will guide you to go as deep into the sport as you want, hobbyist or competitor.
New to BJJ? Start at Elevate Dojo
Elevate 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 Elevate 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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site