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Ithaca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Ithaca, New York
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ithacabjjschool.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (607) 302-8930
Hours
| Monday | 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 12–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Professor Daniels was awesome, from teaching style and clarity to the balance between fundamentals, advanced techniques, and self-defense.”
“I came a little early and got to witness the kids program down here and I can highly recommend it to other parents in the surrounding area!”
“They teach discipline, respect and standing tall and strong for our upcoming young generation of kids and teens!”
“Professor Daniels was awesome, from teaching style and clarity to the balance between fundamentals, advanced techniques, and self-defense.”
Other martial arts here
“I've really wanted to train in mixed martial arts but Ive had a lot of trouble finding a place to do it.”
What members say
“The atmosphere is welcoming, the people are genuinely friendly, and the training partners are legit.”
“It is really rare to find martial arts instruction where you get highest quality teaching, authentic martial arts, and a family friendly environment all in the same school.”
“He is able to get on the level of his student's and identify their strengths and weaknesses, and as a result can easily help adjust technique and give correction.”
“They teach discipline, respect and standing tall and strong for our upcoming young generation of kids and teens!”
From the reviews
Professor Matt is a master teacher. He leads his classes with care and confidence and takes pride in his students' learning experience. It's a place of learning and growth for all ages. The classes are well-structured and personable. He never hesitates to give individualized attention to his students.
Ithaca BJJ is fantastic! It is really rare to find martial arts instruction where you get highest quality teaching, authentic martial arts, and a family friendly environment all in the same school.
I love this school! I’m a white belt; so just starting out. Matt explains the techniques and why they’re important really well! He also creates a safe learning environment. 🙌🏽 I noticed, when I’ve observed kids classes, that he is really good at communicating with them and teaching them.
I love taking classes at Ithaca BJJ. I've really wanted to train in mixed martial arts but Ive had a lot of trouble finding a place to do it. I heard great things about coach and owner Matt Lee through word of mouth and it all rings true.
New to BJJ? Start at Ithaca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site