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Ultimate Defense Bristol
4.8 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Bristol, Rhode Island
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 5–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bristolultimatedefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (401) 474-1502
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“It’s been 4 years now, and my son is more confident, has more self control, is more focused, and able to defend himself if ever needed.”
“He met with her one on one to give her an insight to what classes would be like and then invited her into a class to try it out.”
“I would definitely recommend this program to those seeking not only knowledge and skills in self defense but also looking to be within just an all around positive environment.”
“The dojo is always clean and sensei has such patience with all levels of kids.”
Other martial arts here
“He really enjoys it especially learning newer techniques like kickboxing and ju-jitsu.”
“My son has been attending karate at ultimate defense for a couple of years.”
What members say
“It’s been 4 years now, and my son is more confident, has more self control, is more focused, and able to defend himself if ever needed.”
“Worth it in so many ways.”
“Sensei Austin and his team are very committed to teaching the students self- discipline, leadership, self-defense, confidence and other important tools.”
From the reviews
It is a privilege to be apart of this organization! The main focus in the martial arts program is teaching kids how to be a Black Belt physically and mentally! There's constant praising and positive reinforcement to help boost kids' confidence!
Ultimate Defense has been amazing! It’s been 4 years now, and my son is more confident, has more self control, is more focused, and able to defend himself if ever needed. It was recommended by our pediatrician at a young age, and I’m so glad we started when we did.
Sensei Austin took my daughter in with open arms about a year and a half ago. He met with her one on one to give her an insight to what classes would be like and then invited her into a class to try it out. At the time, she was shy and a bit reserved.
My two kids absolutely love it here. They came from another school and the difference was night and day. This school renewed their motivation and dedication to the process. It’s more than learning karate, it’s also a healthy dose of life lessons.
New to BJJ? Start at Ultimate Defense Bristol
Ultimate Defense Bristol 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 Ultimate Defense Bristol
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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