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Laird's Academy of Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 7 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Santa Cruz, California
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 4–6) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule lairdsacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (831) 459-8901
Hours
| Monday | 3:15 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:15 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:15–7 PM |
| Thursday | 3:15 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 3:15–7 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The head instructor Mike is amazing, extremely knowledgeable in Martial Arts and Self Defense.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“I got 2 black belts in HKMS and competed in World Class competitions through this school.”
“He and his fellow instructors create an atmosphere of respect, discipline, and friendship.”
From the reviews
I love training at Lairds academy. I got 2 black belts in HKMS and competed in World Class competitions through this school. The head instructor Mike is amazing, extremely knowledgeable in Martial Arts and Self Defense. He and his fellow instructors create an atmosphere of respect, discipline, and friendship.
Great for the youngsters and for the older adults, great workout and you come out learning how to defend yourself
Laird is an amazing teacher and great with hands on! My daughter love coming here thank you!!!
Great for kids and adults. Very fun, engaging, and you learn something practical with it.
New to BJJ? Start at Laird's Academy of Martial Arts
Laird's Academy of Martial Arts 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 Laird's Academy of Martial Arts
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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