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Ocean State Studios BJJ

5 ★★★★★ 9 Google reviews · BJJ gym in East Providence, Rhode Island

BJJ gym Affiliated

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.

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 9 Google reviews — in their own words.

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“He goes to an excruciating level of detail to make movements and techniques clear to all participants regardless of rank or experience.”

From the reviews

OSS BJJ is a phenomenal training facility and has the best learning environment I have ever experienced across any discipline or activity. Jimmy Connor, the owner and instructor is highly experienced knowledgeable and personable.

★★★★★ — Marcus, Feb 2022

Jimmy Connor has been my instructor, friend, and brother in Jiu Jitsu since I started in 2010. He is an incredible martial artist and teacher, utterly dedicated to the Arte Suave of Jiu Jitsu, and to the technical and martial arts development of his students as well as anyone who walks in trough the doors of Ocean…

★★★★★ — Carlos, Sep 2025

I have been training martial arts for a few years now, only striking until recently. I quickly fell in love with grappling soon after trying it out, and when I walked through the doors to OSS I knew I was going to be spending a lot of my time here.

★★★★★ — Nick, Jul 2025

I met one of the instructors had a job recently down in Rhode Island. super humble very informative. Very approachable! None of this Joe Rogan cauliflower, Jump in an ice bath bullshit. Having real people as instructors super important to any endeavor especially martial arts 10 out of 10.

★★★★★ — Bolt, Mar 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 9 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Ocean State Studios BJJ

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Ocean State Studios BJJ

89 Valley St, East Providence, RI02914

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.