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Plus One Defense Systems
4.9 ★★★★★ 189 Google reviews · BJJ gym in West Hartford, Connecticut
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 5–13) — 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule teamplusone.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 860-922-5343
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9:15 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Alberto gave my son a trial private lesson and within minutes understood my sons needs giving him confidence and truly having fun with him!”
“The women-only class is also great opportunity, not only for the technique taught and smaller class size, but also for those who may be unsure about training with men.”
“Whether you’re a beginner, a competitor, or a seasoned martial artist.”
“Alberto gave my son a trial private lesson and within minutes understood my sons needs giving him confidence and truly having fun with him!”
“I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking to obtain their pistol permit or for any firearms or self-defense training.”
“I recently attended the pistol permit and modern weapons class with Darin (through The Tactical Boutique), and it was my first time ever shooting.”
Other martial arts here
“I've trained beginner-level Muay Thai here with three different instructors due to my shifting work schedule.”
What members say
“The professor leading the class gave great instruction and even gave some additional details later on.”
“I recently attended the pistol permit and modern weapons class with Darin (through The Tactical Boutique), and it was my first time ever shooting.”
“Darin and the rest of the Plus One team are so encouraging and inviting, you really feel like a part of a big martial arts family.”
“The women-only class is also great opportunity, not only for the technique taught and smaller class size, but also for those who may be unsure about training with men.”
“Classes are challenging and rewarding, and I'm constantly learning (and getting a great workout, AND having a ton of fun).”
“Whether you’re a beginner, a competitor, or a seasoned martial artist.”
From the reviews
I am having a fantastic time learning BJJ at Plus One. I didn't have any martial arts background, but everyone is so welcoming and helpful. Every question I've had has been quickly and thoroughly answered, by the instructors and by the experienced practitioners, who are eager to see me succeed.
I can't recommend Plus One Defense Systems enough. It's a safe training environment that encourages members to push themselves without having to worry about getting hurt. If you're a beginner looking to train Muay Thai look no further!
This gym is fantastic. I came from out of town and got a week's worth of classes. I immediately felt welcomed and part of the community. The training is safe and the instructors are knowledgeable. They also keep the facility clean. I highly recommend them!
Many martial arts styles. Talented instructors. Large, well kept facility. Always open (even in bad winter weather). My son and I have switched from a month-to-month contract to a long term contract based on the good experience we have had so far
New to BJJ? Start at Plus One Defense Systems
Plus One Defense Systems 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 Plus One Defense Systems
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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