We deliver exceptional instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi) and Submission Grappling (No Gi). Our programs are tailored for students of all ages and experience levels, with dedicated classes for Kids, Teens, Women, and Men. In addition, we offer Private Lessons, Self-Defense training, and physical fitness conditioning, ensuring that every individual can find their path—whether training for fun, fitness, competition, or personal growth.

 

col·lec·tive
/kəˈlektiv/
A collective is a group of individuals that share and are motivated by a common interest and work together to achieve a common objective.

The Gentle Art Collective, is more than just a name, it is a declaration of who we are and a testament to the principals of how we live. 

"The Gentle Art" is a direct translation of "Jiu Jitsu," which reflects the core principles of the Martial Art. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu dances on the delicate line of composure and combat. It is the art of yielding, where strength is tamed by the wisdom of technique.

We embrace the paradox in which we train: a fierce softness that conquers the unmovable with calm, quiet resolve. The unexpected balance, where the smallest can subdue the mighty, and the powerless learn to wield power.

This philosophy is not confined to only the academy- it represents the battles we face both on and off the mats, and the mindset we adopt to conquer them. We look to challenges not as a deterrent but a teacher, embracing them with humility and courage. Every training session, every drop of sweat, and every lesson learned helps to transform us into our best selves. 

The Gentle Art is not for the soft; but the subtle. The practice of Brazilian jiu jitsu itself is like a flame. It begins as a small ember, but has the potential to grow into a powerful force when nurtured. We feed this fire by consciously choosing a lifestyle rooted in resilience, respect, and continuous self-improvement.

At The Gentle Art Collective, we see ourselves as the keepers of that flame. Our training isn’t just about mastering techniques or winning matches; it’s about shaping character, fostering community, and building a strong, supportive team. On our mats, we learn to push our limits, embrace our vulnerabilities, and celebrate our triumphs, no matter how small. After all, it is an act of courage in itself to tie your belt and step onto the mats.

fundamentals

BEGINNER - WHITE BELT

  • The fundamentals class teaches new students (or those who need a refresher) the foundational techniques, positions, and concepts that are essential for grappling.

    This includes:
    1.Basic Positions: Mount, guard, side control, and back control.
    2. Essential Movements: Shrimping, bridging, and hip escapes for mobility and defense.
    3. Sweeps and Escapes: Techniques to reverse positions and escape from being pinned.
    4. Submissions: Basic joint locks (example: arm bar) and chokes (example: rear naked choke).
    5. Grips and Control: How to establish control through proper grip and leverage.
    6. Positional Strategy: Understanding how to transition between positions and maintain control.
    7. Safety and Etiquette: How to train safely with a partner and follow the etiquette of the academy.

  • The objective of our fundamentals class is to introduce students to the core techniques and principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Once students build a strong foundational understanding they will be able to safely and adequately participate in more advanced training and techniques.

advanced

BLUE - BLACK BELT

  • The advanced class has students build upon their foundational knowledge and learn more complex techniques, strategies, and transitions.

    Key areas of focus include:
    1. Advanced Techniques: Refined submissions, sweeps, and transitions, including leg locks, advanced chokes, and intricate joint locks.
    2. Sequenced Attacks and Transitions: Linking techniques together fluidly for continuous offensive and defensive sequences.
    3. Positional Strategy and Control: Mastering more nuanced control and pressure from dominant positions like side control, mount, or back control.
    4. Situational Sparring: Practicing specific scenarios with a focus on applying advanced techniques under resistance.
    5. Conceptual Strategy: Deepening understanding of concepts like timing, leverage, distance management, and grip fighting.
    6. Advanced Guard Work: Learning a variety of guard systems like De La Riva, spider guard, and inverted guard with specific sweeps and submissions from each.

  • The objective of our advanced class is to refine and expand upon the foundational skills of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, by pushing students to enhance their technical precision, strategic thinking, and adaptability. The class aims to elevate the student's game by focusing on more advanced principles, preparing them for high-level competition, or mastery in their overall Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
(GI)

ALL BELT RANKS 14Y+

  • The traditional Gi (kimono) class is for all levels. Students of various skill levels will learn a mix of fundamental techniques to intermediate and some advanced.

    Key areas of focus include:
    1. Gi-Specific Grips: Understanding how to use the gi for control, such as lapel, sleeve, and collar grips to gain positional advantage.
    2. Basic and Intermediate Techniques: Teaching core techniques like sweeps, escapes, and submissions (example: collar chokes, arm locks) that apply in gi grappling.
    3. Positional Drills: Practicing control and transitions from fundamental positions (mount, guard, side control), with more complex variations for intermediate-advanced students.
    4. Guard Passing: Learning a range of guard-passing techniques, from basic knee slices to more advanced passes that require grip work.
    5. Grip Fighting and Breaking: Techniques to establish or break grips that dictate control and attacks in gi grappling.

  • The objective of our Gi class for all levels is to provide comprehensive training that accommodates practitioners of varying skill levels while focusing on developing both technical and practical aspects of gi-based grappling. The class aims to foster continuous growth for students of all levels, encouraging technical proficiency, adaptability, and practical application of gi-based techniques.

SUBMISSION GRAPPLING
(NO-GI)

ALL BELT RANKS 14Y+

  • The submission grappling (no-gi) class is for all levels. Students learn grappling techniques without the use of the gi, which emphasizes speed, leverage, and body control.

    Key areas of focus include:
    1. Grip and Control: Learning how to control an opponent using body grips instead of relying on gi grips.
    2. Positional Techniques: Working on maintaining and escaping from key positions like guard, side control, mount, and back control without the gi for leverage.
    3. Submissions: Practicing submissions such as guillotines, kimuras, and rear naked chokes, which are more common in no-gi grappling and do not require gi for execution.
    4. Takedowns and Wrestling: Incorporating wrestling-based takedowns like single-leg and double-leg techniques, which are often used in no-gi.
    5. Transitions and Scrambles: Training to move quickly between positions, using agility and timing to capitalize on scrambles and fast exchanges.

  • The objective of the submission grappling (no-gi) class for all levels is to teach students how to effectively grapple without the traditional gi, focusing on techniques that utilize natural grips and body control. The class aims to build a well-rounded skill set that is effective in both sport grappling and self-defense situations without the gi, catering to students of all experience levels.

KID’S 4-8Y

GI
SUBMISSION GRAPPLING
WHITE BELT+

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KID’S 8-13Y

GI
SUBMISSION GRAPPLING
WHITE BELT+

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KID’S COMPETITION

GI
SUBMISSION GRAPPLING
WHITE BELT+

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SELF DEFENSE

ALL BELT RANKS 14Y+

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KID’S BULLYPROOF

ALL BELT RANKS 4Y+

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womens only

GI
SUBMISSION GRAPPLING (NO-GI)

ALL BELT RANKS 14Y+

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GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It teaches practitioners how to use leverage, technique, and submissions to control and submit opponents, regardless of size or strength.

  • Benefits include improved physical fitness, increased strength and flexibility, better cardiovascular health, enhanced self-defense skills, stress relief, and the development of mental resilience, problem-solving skills, and discipline.

  • In your first class, expect to learn basic movements, positions, and techniques. You'll likely start with a warm-up, followed by drilling techniques with a partner and possibly light sparring. Instructors and coaches, and partners will help guide you.

  • BJJ focuses primarily on ground fighting and submission grappling, relying on leverage and technique rather than striking or brute force. Unlike many martial arts, it emphasizes real-life, live training through sparring.