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Spaulding Fit
5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · BJJ gym in St. Petersburg, Florida
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule spauldingfit.net — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (207) 239-9874
Hours
| Monday | 7:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“As a woman I was very apprehensive in beginning my journey in BJJ because I saw it as a man's sport.”
“As a beginner, I didn't know what to expect, but James was patient (even though I was super uncoordinated!”
What members say
“I have the privilege of working with professor James & he is very knowledgeable in the craft of BJJ.”
“As a beginner, I didn't know what to expect, but James was patient (even though I was super uncoordinated!”
“Not only have I noticed a significant improvement in muscle definition, but my confidence in both my abilities and overall stamina has skyrocketed.”
From the reviews
I have the privilege of working with professor James & he is very knowledgeable in the craft of BJJ. As a woman I was very apprehensive in beginning my journey in BJJ because I saw it as a man's sport. I'm glad I have the opportunity to work with him. I feel comfortable and confident learning with him and others.
I've been training under the guidance of James for a few months now, and the results speak volumes. Not only have I noticed a significant improvement in muscle definition, but my confidence in both my abilities and overall stamina has skyrocketed.
I was nervous to try something new, but I must say I am thoroughly enjoying these classes. James is very knowledgeable in this sport and you can see his passion during his teachings. James has been very patient when teaching which is great because I am able to make sure I am performing correctly.
What a great experience! My 1st time trying jiu-jitsu, I was looking for a fun way to work out because I get bored so easily with other workouts. As a beginner, I didn't know what to expect, but James was patient (even though I was super uncoordinated!) and I feel confident in my ability to learn this.
New to BJJ? Start at Spaulding Fit
Spaulding Fit 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 Spaulding Fit
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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