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Shoshin Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Erie, Pennsylvania
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
- 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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule eriejiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 814-225-8275
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:30–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9 pm |
| Thursday | 5:30–9 pm |
| Friday | 6–9 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Fundamentals are instructed from a Self Defense perspective, and delivered/drilled in a manner that maximizes effectiveness, without sacrificing safety of the members.”
“My daughter was looking for a new challenging experience after 9 years of gymnastics for age 2 to now 11.”
“The way Tony informed me he was planning to structure learning self defense was not to throw you into "free rolling" right away.”
“Fundamentals are instructed from a Self Defense perspective, and delivered/drilled in a manner that maximizes effectiveness, without sacrificing safety of the members.”
“Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, you'll find a supportive environment to grow and challenge yourself.”
What members say
“Very approachable and is a terrific coach. It is amazing how he ties all of the self defense applications together in one class.”
“Tony does a very good job at ensuring a safe and welcoming training environment for his students and visitors alike.”
“Tony does a very good job at ensuring a safe and welcoming training environment for his students and visitors alike.”
“Fundamentals are instructed from a Self Defense perspective, and delivered/drilled in a manner that maximizes effectiveness, without sacrificing safety of the members.”
“The facility is also well maintained and spotless which also is a direct reflection of Tony's commitment to his students.”
“Every adult there has gone out of their way to work with my daughter and help her work through her new skills and gain some confidence.”
From the reviews
If I could give this place more stars I would. From the very second I began speaking with Tony he has been nothing short of a phenomenal coach, and friend. The culture and environment that is being cultivated inside of this gym is incredibly special and it’s only getting started.
A fantastic new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club in Erie. The facility is solid, with brand new mats, but the instruction is much more important. Tony is helping to cultivate a healthy perspective to BJJ while focusing on key self-defense techniques.
I have been to several Jiu-jitsu Schools in my lifetime. Shoshin Jiu Jitsu Stands out and is easily placed at the top of my list. The atmosphere that Tony and the other members have cultivated is amazing! There are people from many walks of life and they are all just as equally helpful and friendly, as the next.
The day I walked through the doors and spoke with Tony White (owner/instructor) I knew this was the BJJ school for me. The way Tony informed me he was planning to structure learning self defense was not to throw you into "free rolling" right away.
New to BJJ? Start at Shoshin Jiu Jitsu
Shoshin Jiu Jitsu 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 Shoshin 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.
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