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ZenDo Ju-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · BJJ gym in New Milford, Connecticut
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule zendojujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 860-262-2404
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:30–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5:30–10 pm |
| Friday | 5–9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The attention and care that Sensei Sean shows in a well organized and thoughtful dojo is doing wonders for my kids.”
“My husband also attends for an intense beginner level program on Thursday evenings.”
Other martial arts here
“I highly recommend ju-its u over a typical karate class.”
What members say
“Sensei Sean is an amazing instructor and teaches children structure, focus and defense techniques.”
“My husband also attends for an intense beginner level program on Thursday evenings.”
“Sensei Sean and the rest of the academy was very welcoming I highly recommend it.”
“Ever since we've seen her confidence grow not only in class, but outside as well.”
From the reviews
Our daughter has been a student for close to 2 years. We signed her up because she is petite and was feeling insecure because of her smaller size. After 2 years she has gained confidence and become stronger. Sensei Sean is an amazing instructor and teaches children structure, focus and defense techniques.
My kids (currently ages 11 and 13) have been attending jujitsu here for several years. They've both grown in strength and confidence dramatically in that time. I love that it provides a non-competitive environment where students have some choice in how intensely they want to train.
My daughter started ju-jitsu just before her 7th birthday back in December. We went for a trial night to watch and when Sean asked if she wanted to join in she sat back and watched for a bit, but soon slipped off her shoes and socks and joined in. She's never looked back since and it's been an awesome experience.
My son has been attending Zendo JuJitsu in New Milford for nearly 5 years. The level of instruction that he receives is incredible. Sensei Sean not only instructs his students in jujitsu but also develops strong relationships with them and their families.
New to BJJ? Start at ZenDo Ju-Jitsu
ZenDo Ju-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 ZenDo Ju-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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