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Watershed Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Fredericksburg, Virginia
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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule watershedbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (540) 693-0176
Hours
| Monday | 6–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6–9 PM |
| Friday | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The mix of gi and no gi classes for both the fundamentals and all levels classes is also really nice.”
“They also provide outstanding instruction in the kids' and adults' programs, and I'm grateful for the experience!”
“The mix of gi and no gi classes for both the fundamentals and all levels classes is also really nice.”
“The mix of gi and no gi classes for both the fundamentals and all levels classes is also really nice.”
“Over the past year and a half of training here, I have not only developed practical skills but also felt like a part of a community.”
“Awesome instruction for all skill levels and backgrounds, I always leave one of Shawn's classes feeling like I've improved my game and deepened my love for jiu jitsu.”
Other martial arts here
“If you are looking for a new gym or haven't tried Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai, this is the place if you live in or around the Fredericksburg, VA area!”
“In addition, he has years of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience to bring to the table; he’s a walking encyclopedia of martial arts knowledge.”
What members say
“I highly recommend this place for anyone wanting train/learn jiujitsu in a safe and welcoming environment with a very knowledgeable instructor.”
“Coaches Shawn and Darcy could not have been more warm and welcoming, and they've done an excellent job kindling a close-knit team.”
“Coaches Shawn and Darcy could not have been more warm and welcoming, and they've done an excellent job kindling a close-knit team.”
“I love that they start off with a warm up, take a technique and turn it into a game for the kids, then the learn a technique where he walks them through it step by step.”
“This is the best decision we’ve made for our kids. We absolutely love Watershed!”
“At both competitions I have competed at Shawn (Head coach) was right there.”
From the reviews
Watershed BJJ is a one of a kind BJJ school in downtown FXBG. Shawn and Darcy are some of the most down to earth and sincere BJJ coaches I’ve ever met. The instruction at Watershed is top notch.
I have known Shawn Maines for a couple of years as a BJJ instructor. I can tell you he does an excellent job breaking down concepts and making them accessible to multiple skill levels. Not only that, but he has a passion to produce quality jiu-jitsu players.
Love this place! Shawn is a top notch bloke who makes BJJ accessible to all levels and individuals. Every time I train, I learn something new and have a blast while doing so. In addition, he has created an environment where everyone feels welcome each time they walk through the door. Highly recommend.
Watershed is a fantastic jits club! Coaches Shawn and Darcy could not have been more warm and welcoming, and they've done an excellent job kindling a close-knit team. They also provide outstanding instruction in the kids' and adults' programs, and I'm grateful for the experience!
New to BJJ? Start at Watershed Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Watershed Brazilian 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 Watershed Brazilian 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 Fredericksburg
Darcio Lira Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site