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GROUNDWORKS Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · BJJ gym in South Pasadena, California
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 3–9) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 groundworksjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (626) 692-5232
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–12 PM, 4–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 3–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–12 PM, 4–10 PM |
| Thursday | 3–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“My son has been coming here for over a year now, and it's become his favorite thing to do.”
“I've been training no-gi jiujitsu at Groundworks for a few months now, and I can confidently say that my experience with Coach Rich has been nothing short of phenomenal.”
“I've been training no-gi jiujitsu at Groundworks for a few months now, and I can confidently say that my experience with Coach Rich has been nothing short of phenomenal.”
“I’ve met hobbyists, competitors, former athletes, and complete novices like myself who join for self defense.”
“I’ve met hobbyists, competitors, former athletes, and complete novices like myself who join for self defense.”
“Coaches Rich and Avi are great at adjusting their teaching to each class and training with students of all levels.”
What members say
“Coaches Rich and Avi are great at adjusting their teaching to each class and training with students of all levels.”
“Jiu jitsu is a great grappling martial art that gives smaller players a chance in a fight against a larger player, given good technique.”
“Ladies, this review is for you!”
From the reviews
I've been training no-gi jiujitsu at Groundworks for a few months now, and I can confidently say that my experience with Coach Rich has been nothing short of phenomenal. From the moment I stepped into the academy, I felt welcomed and encouraged to push my limits.
Today my 6 yr old son tried Jiu Jitsu... and asked to stay for a second class! So far, so good!
My son has been coming here for over a year now, and it's become his favorite thing to do. Coach Rich has created a great jiu jitsu school for kids. His pricing is beyond fair, and the ability for your child to take as many classes as you want is amazing.
Coach Rich is an awesome person. His coaching and attention to detail are second to none. Every kid should be so lucky to have him as a coach. Forever grateful
New to BJJ? Start at GROUNDWORKS Jiu Jitsu Academy
GROUNDWORKS Jiu Jitsu Academy 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 GROUNDWORKS Jiu Jitsu Academy
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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