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Generation Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Portsmouth, Virginia
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
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 generationjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 757-384-3044
Hours
| Monday | 12–2 pm, 4:15–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:15–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–2 pm, 4:15–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4:15–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 5–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | 9–11 am |
The classes they run
“They have an excellent jiu-jitsu program for kids that teaches skills they’ll have for the rest of their lives.”
“The women’s only class is a fun time while learning to be able to defend yourself.”
“Our three children began competing three-ish years ago and have been successful earning medals at competitions in some pretty tough matches.”
“Hit up an open mat, super welcoming & friendly group, rolled with some real high level guys/girls as well.”
“They provide excellent instruction tailored to all levels, creating a welcoming environment for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“They provide excellent instruction tailored to all levels, creating a welcoming environment for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.”
“They provide excellent instruction tailored to all levels, creating a welcoming environment for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.”
“Our family has been training with Colleen and Alan for over 3 years and will continue to train with them for many more!”
“Not only do they teach discipline, confidence, and technique in the classroom, they encourage team building social event invites to reach out to the whole family to be a part of.”
“However, more importantly it has helped in the further the development of our sons discipline and character.”
“Our three children began competing three-ish years ago and have been successful earning medals at competitions in some pretty tough matches.”
From the reviews
Our family has been training with Colleen and Alan for over 3 years and will continue to train with them for many more! The gym has an amazing setup, is very open, and is family friendly. The people here are amazing, and we couldn't ask for a more supportive gym family.
Amazing place to train. The facility is very clean and the instructors are world class. Great kids program as well. Highly recommend you check it out!
I cannot speak highly enough about Generation Jiu-Jitsu located in the Churchland/Western Branch area. My kids and husband have been training here, and the experience has been nothing short of phenomenal. The dedication the instructors put into both the kids' and adult programs is truly commendable.
I am so honored and blessed to call Generation “my gym”. Truth be told, it is more of a family, to me, than a gym. The community is unmatched and the environment is a safe space to grow and learn. My children and I could not be more thankful for the bonds that we share with our Generation family!!!!
New to BJJ? Start at Generation Jiu-Jitsu
Generation Jiu-Jitsu 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 Generation 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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site