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Ruffhouse Jiu Jitsu Columbus
4.9 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Gahanna, Ohio
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.
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 4–14) — 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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- 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 ruffhousecolumbus.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (614) 769-1533
Hours
| Monday | 5:15–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 6:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 6–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 5:30–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I’ve been training with Ruffhouse for three and a half years and my son has been involved since he was four in the children’s classes.”
“Class times are great and there are many options for GI or nogi.”
“A variety of experience ranging from newcomers to ADCC competitors who helped me sharpen my skills.”
“Classes run the gamut from self defense to sport/competition emphasis, early morning to later classes to suit your lifestyle, and also the kids classes are popular!”
“Highly recommended for both first timer and experienced bjj enthusiasts who want to have a good time and learn a lot.”
Other martial arts here
“Whether your looking for Jiu Jitsu, striking/mma, or just a gym to call home.”
What members say
“Coach Larkin has created an amazing family environment, with student's that are eager to help you improve!”
“Everything from my first day knowing absolutely nothing, to helping me get ready for competition, everyone at the gym is so welcoming and helpful!”
“Everything from my first day knowing absolutely nothing, to helping me get ready for competition, everyone at the gym is so welcoming and helpful!”
“The class/teaching structure is excellent as it helps build muscle memory through repetition and then allows you to apply those techniques through different scenarios.”
“Classes run the gamut from self defense to sport/competition emphasis, early morning to later classes to suit your lifestyle, and also the kids classes are popular!”
“Nothing feels better than watching your little one feel empowered to take care of him/herself and see that confidence grow :)”
From the reviews
I had the pleasure to start learning bjj with Chris and the ruffhouse family, and had an amazing experience. Chris or the other higher belts are really good teachers and the group you will be working with is pretty amazing.
I've been training at Ruffhouse for a little over a year, and I couldn't be happier with my decision to start training here. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed by a friendly and passionate team of instructors and fellow practitioners. The atmosphere here is inspiring and motivating.
The Ruffhouse team were not only very proficient and knowledable, they were also friendly and made each class fun. Coach Larkin is a veteran of the sport and loves sharing his knowledge. He makes great sacrifice for his team and knows how to coach everyone on an individual level that they can understand.
I've been training at this gym coming up on a year now. Coach Larkin is very knowledgeable and eager to teach. His passion for Jiu Jitsu really shows in every class. He has fostered a great team and family focused environment! I have felt welcome from the very start. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
New to BJJ? Start at Ruffhouse Jiu Jitsu Columbus
Ruffhouse Jiu Jitsu Columbus comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Ruffhouse Jiu Jitsu Columbus
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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