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Rochester School of Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Rochester, Michigan
Plan your first class
- 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 9) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Website & schedule zenmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 248-601-5600
The classes they run
“My son started there first and learned self-confidence, work ethic and concentration; the lessons learned at the dojo built the foundation of him as a young man.”
“I wrestled in high school but that was over 10 years ago so I was pretty nervous to get back into grappling.”
“I always wanted to train in martial arts - striking and grappling for self defense, fitness, mindfulness, etc.”
“I felt a little annoyed in the beginning because every class would cover something new and I felt like it was a lot to take in for a beginner.”
What members say
“This isn’t just a martial arts studio with great instructors and a welcoming community (though it absolutely is that).”
“When you walk through those doors, you can expect a warm and welcoming community who want you to succeed in every possible way - work, play and family life just to name a few.”
“When you walk through those doors, you can expect a warm and welcoming community who want you to succeed in every possible way - work, play and family life just to name a few.”
“Their exercises are a lot of fun and diverse, not only will you learn a lot but you'll also get an amazing workout.”
“My son started there first and learned self-confidence, work ethic and concentration; the lessons learned at the dojo built the foundation of him as a young man.”
“Patrick is extremely knowledgeable, the classes are awesome, and the facility is very clean and well taken care of.”
From the reviews
Great place to train! As a martial arts school owner myself, I can say from experience that this is a quality martial arts school. When martial arts is taught correctly, it is a life changing experience. Sifu Donahue is a great instructor, but also tremendous martial artist himself.
Hands down one of the best 2 schools in metro detroit. Patrick Donahue is an excellent instructor who cares deeply about his students. All levels are welcome and the practice is truly for anyone. I have practiced for 26 years and can’t imagine my life without it.
Rochester School of Martial Arts has given my son something to feel passionate about. Discipline of the mind and body, integrity, and self-control are daily themes in everything they do and teach. The teachers are not only excellent, they are positive and encouraging role models.
The Rochester School of Martial Arts has improved life for my sister Olivia and I tremendously. This school and it's instructors truly care about what they teach, and this school, above any others I have seen, truly pushes kids and adults alike beyond their limits, and teaches them how to overcome and obstacle in…
New to BJJ? Start at Rochester School of Martial Arts
Rochester School 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 Rochester School 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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