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JTR Jujutsu International
4.9 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Washington, District of Columbia
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 (ages 4–11) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule jtrjujutsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 202-203-8056
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I have seen him benefit from developing self-discipline and perseverance as well as leadership skills as he has become an assistant instructor for the junior program.”
“If you are looking for self-defense classes that give you strength, practical real-world tools, and mental wellbeing then, you should check out JTR.”
“The atmosphere is respectful, disciplined, and welcoming whether you’re a beginner or have prior martial arts experience.”
What members say
“Whether you’re looking to bolster your own safety or seeking a supportive, skill-building environment for your children, I highly recommend JTR Jujutsu International.”
“The coaching staff is highly skilled, professional, and uniquely adept at teaching complex techniques to children in an accessible, safe manner.”
“Through these classes my kids have gained greater confidence, self-discipline and physical balance.”
“I recently attended the Women’s Self-Defense workshop at JTR Jujutsu International in Tenleytown, and it was both empowering and eye-opening.”
“When I first came here as a troubled young adult, I needed more than just physical training — I needed discipline, structure, guidance, and positive role models.”
From the reviews
I’ve had a great experience training at JTR Jujutsu International. The instruction is detailed, professional, and rooted in real traditional Japanese jujutsu—not just sport-focused techniques. The atmosphere is respectful, disciplined, and welcoming whether you’re a beginner or have prior martial arts experience.
"This school sets a high standard for martial arts instruction. The coaching staff is highly skilled, professional, and uniquely adept at teaching complex techniques to children in an accessible, safe manner. They foster a respectful, supportive, and motivating environment on the mats.
I have learned so much in the little time that I’ve spent here. The instructors are highly motivated to see you succeed and practice martial arts in a way that builds confidence and skill.
Master Don and all the instructors at JTR are amazing with kids. The dojo doesn't just teach physical skills, but also mental strength and respect.
New to BJJ? Start at JTR Jujutsu International
JTR Jujutsu International 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 JTR Jujutsu International
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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