Home › New Hampshire › Rochester › Sanders Jiu Jitsu
Sanders Jiu Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Rochester, New Hampshire
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule sandersbjjacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (603) 501-7055
Hours
| Monday | 6–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–7 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“Just watching him traing young children is all you need to see to understand his level of expertise and passion for BJJ.”
“Classes are available from 1st day kids & beginners up to top level black belt competition training.”
“To anyone looking to try Brazilian jiu jitsu for whatever reason (fun, fitness, self defense, curiosity, etc.”
“If you’re a beginner interested in trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or already have experience, everyone is always very helpful, respectful and welcoming.”
What members say
“John Sanders is one of the best coaches and teachers in the New England area.”
“If you’re a beginner interested in trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or already have experience, everyone is always very helpful, respectful and welcoming.”
“If you’re a beginner interested in trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or already have experience, everyone is always very helpful, respectful and welcoming.”
“They have all the younger kids play some games that help them learn the techniques easily while having fun.”
“You will find additional mentors within the higher belt students who will provide guidance and support within the school and at the various competitions the school competes at.”
“Sanders BJJ is high quality, competition and sport oriented Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a legitimate lineage and a deep well of experience.”
From the reviews
I've had the pleasure of training with John and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity. His Jiu Jitsu is unmatched and his laid back coaching style make it such a comfortable environment to learn.
I started training here a little over a year ago, and it has been an amazing experience since the beginning. The coaches are amazing at what they do and everyone there is extremely welcoming and helpful. I can speak for myself and many of the other classmates when I say Sanders feels like a home away from home
John Sanders is one of the best coaches and teachers in the New England area. He promotes an open feeling to new and experienced practitioners alike. His students have the same vibe and are extremely welcoming! Highly recommend!
John, is an exceptional example of a true BJJ professional, he has been in the game for a very long time and his commitment to his students is impressive, more often then I can recall I have heard him calling out advise to me when I'm in a less than "optimal" position with another practitioner, regardless of whether I…
New to BJJ? Start at Sanders Jiu Jitsu
Sanders Jiu Jitsu 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 Sanders Jiu Jitsu
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.
More BJJ gyms near Rochester
Four Horsemen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
Kevin Watson Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 70 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Port City Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 81 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site