Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes (BJJ) for Beginners in Richmond BC
Beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Teens & Adults: Ages 14+
Art of Kickboxing provides an exclusive Beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program in Richmond BC, Metro Vancouver, where students have the unique opportunity to learn from Coach Joe, a BJJ black belt and professional multi-time BJJ competition champion.
BJJ Membership Program: Pricing & Schedule
Our BJJ classes are included under the standard Art of Kickboxing Teens & Adults Membership (which includes Kickboxing, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Classes). All our membership plans have a one-time $50 enrollment fee.
Class Details:
- Class Size: 2-10 Students
- Class Duration: One Hour
- Class Times:
Tuesday 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM - Class Location: 4471 No. 6 Road, Unit #125a, Richmond, B.C.
- How to Join: Text or Call 604-805-3382, send us a message on WhatsApp, or visit us in-person during our class hours. We provide one free trial class for those who want to try out our classes, no commitment!
Training Details: The Martial Art of Grappling
Self-defence is most complete with both striking and grappling arts. In our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, you’ll learn the principles of grappling, leverage, control, and submissions. This includes training in:
- Positional Awareness – Understanding dominant positions like mount, guard, and back control, and how to transition between them.
- Chokes – Techniques to submit an opponent using blood or air chokes from various positions.
- Joint Locks – Attacks that target the elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles using controlled pressure.
- Escapes and Defence – How to safely and effectively get out of bad positions or submission attempts.
- Sweeps and Reversals – Using leverage to transition from bottom positions to the top.
- Takedowns and Breakfalls – How to bring an opponent to the ground and how to fall safely.
What to Wear: Gi Policy
To minimize barriers to entry, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program will allow first-time students to participate in trial classes in No-Gi attire (e.g. workout clothes). After the first 1-2 classes, students will be informed that a Gi is required to continue. Students will be directed to purchase their own Gis. Art of Kickboxing does not rent out Gis for class use.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi, originated from the Japanese martial art of Judo. Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, developed the gi as a training uniform for his students. He adapted the traditional Japanese kimono, making the fabric thicker and heavier to withstand the demands of throwing, pinning, and choking techniques.
The Gi helps those looking to develop effective self-defence skills, as training in it simulates real-life scenarios where someone might grab you by your jacket, hoodie, or clothing during an altercation.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belt System
Coach Joe is authorized to promote students up to a Brown Belt ranking in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Art of Kickboxing.
BJJ Belt Levels:
- White Belt – Beginner, basic fundamentals
- Blue Belt – Advanced fundamental proficiency
- Purple Belt – Intermediate level, expert technical understanding
- Brown Belt – Elite skill mastery, refinement phase
- Black Belt – Master level, complete understanding of the art
- Red and Black Belt (Coral, 7th Degree) – Expert Master level
- Red and White Belt (Coral, 8th Degree) – Senior Master level
- Red Belt (9th–10th Degree) – Grandmaster, reserved for founders or decades of contribution
BJJ Black Belt & Multi-Time Champion
BJJ Instructor: Coach Joe
BJJ Training With a Competition Black Belt Champion: Coach Joe
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor, Coach Joe, is a black belt in BJJ, with a decorated professional competition multi-time champion background. Joe’s supportive coaching style empowers students to build solid foundations in grappling while gaining the confidence to apply techniques with control and precision. As a proven competitor with a passion for teaching, he is committed to helping others grow through the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Coach Joe’s Accolades Include:
- Three-Time NAGA Champion (2013, 2014, 2015)
- Pan American Champion (2014)
- World Champion (2015)
Build Practical Self-Defence Skills Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Coach Joe’s classes are a great way to learn practical self-defence skills through the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His teaching emphasizes control, awareness, and composure—giving students the tools they need to protect themselves effectively and confidently.
Develop Control, Awareness, and Composure
In every class, students learn how to use leverage, positioning, and technique to stay safe in high-pressure situations. From defending against common attacks to escaping dangerous positions, Coach Joe breaks down each concept in a clear, approachable way—making Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu accessible to beginners while remaining challenging as students become experienced practitioners.
Gain Confidence On and Off the Mats
More than just techniques, students gain the mindset and confidence to respond intelligently and calmly when it matters most. With a focus on practical self-defence, Coach Joe’s training helps individuals of all backgrounds feel stronger, more capable, and better prepared for the mats and the real world.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I sign up or try a class?
You can call or text 604-805-3382, message us on WhatsApp, or visit us in person at 4471 No. 6 Road, Unit #125a, Richmond, BC. We offer one free trial class—no commitment required, simply show up ready to learn!
2. Do I need any experience to join the Beginner BJJ classes?
Not at all! Our Beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is specifically designed for students with little to no prior experience. Coach Joe breaks down each technique step-by-step, creating a safe, supportive environment where beginners can build skills and confidence from day one.
3. Can students earn belt promotions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Art of Kickboxing?
Yes. Belt promotions are available through Art of Kickboxing’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. Coach Joe, a certified BJJ black belt and experienced competitor, is authorized to promote students up to brown belt. Promotions are awarded based on consistent attendance, technical development, and overall progress in class. Coach Joe ensures that every student earns their rank through hard work, solid fundamentals, and a strong understanding of the art.
4. What should I wear to my first BJJ class?
For your free trial class, you can wear regular athletic wear (e.g. gym shorts, leggings, and a t-shirt). After the first 1–2 classes, students are required to wear a traditional BJJ Gi, which can be purchased independently. We do not provide or rent Gis at the facility.
5. Do the BJJ classes involve sparring?
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes are primarily focused on learning proper technique and technical drills with fellow students in a safe, comfortable setting. Sparring (also called “rolling”) will be completely optional and only available to students who have earned a few stripes on their white belt for safety reasons. This ensures students have a solid foundation and understanding of key BJJ concepts before participating in live training.
6. Is 1-on-1 personal training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu available?
Yes. Private BJJ training is available with either Coach Kris or Coach Joe. These sessions are perfect for students who need more support with accessibility, or want personalized instruction, accelerated progress, or specific help with techniques. Contact us directly to book.
7. Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu effective for self-defence in Vancouver?
Yes—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most practical martial arts for real-world self-defence. You’ll learn how to control opponents, escape bad situations, and apply submissions safely and effectively—all while staying calm under pressure. BJJ combined with striking martial arts such as boxing, kickboxing, or Muay Thai, gives students a complete practical self-defence toolkit to protect themselves or others in a self-defence scenario.
In Vancouver, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best martial arts you can learn due to being able to subdue a violent aggressor safely. The issue with many scenarios is that utilizing self-defence techniques in scenarios where you are facing a violent aggressor puts both you and the aggressor at risk of harm. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can safely stop a violent aggressor, however it’s best to run or call for help if possible as the aggressor could have a lethal weapon. The situations in close proximity in Vancouver also make BJJ a great choice, whether you’re in condo hallways, tight sidewalks, on the Canada Line skytrain, or on the many buses in the region.
8. What is the purpose of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi?
The Gi simulates real-world self-defence scenarios where an opponent might grab your jacket, hoodie, or clothing during a confrontation. Training in the Gi teaches you how to control and defend against someone using your clothing, and how to use theirs to apply submissions and escapes. It’s an essential tool for building practical, street-ready grappling skills—sharpening your technique, grip control, and timing under realistic conditions.
9. Is There a BJJ-Only Membership at Art of Kickboxing?
Yes! We provide BJJ-only pricing plans for those who are only interested in learning BJJ, rather than learning kickboxing, boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. Please talk to Coach Kris for more information.
10. What makes BJJ classes at Art of Kickboxing stand out in Metro Vancouver?
Unlike most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) gyms in Vancouver where class sizes can reach 30+ students, Art of Kickboxing provides small group classes with 4–10 students per session. This means more personalized instruction with coaches and a stronger learning environment. Our classes are specifically designed for those completely new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or martial arts in general. Champion Black Belt Coach Joe’s teaching style, coupled with the welcoming environment, creates a supportive and effective space for students to learn and grow.