FAQ &
CONTACT.

Head to the Get Started page. It walks you through what to expect, what to wear, and how to book your first class.

No prior experience required. Many of our students start with no background in martial arts or grappling.

Tasks are scaled to your level — beginners train safely while experienced practitioners stay challenged. Everyone trains on the same mat.

We're at 525 E Liberty St in downtown Ann Arbor, near the Michigan Theater and Graffiti Alley.

Parking options:

• Street parking — free mornings and evenings on surrounding streets
• Liberty Square Structure — closest paid structure to the gym
• Thompson Parking Structure — 508 Thompson St, free after 6:00 PM

Need help finding parking? Text us at 734-215-5870.

Our gym is No-Gi. Training is done in athletic gear — rash guards and shorts or spats. Some students wear gis occasionally, but there's no specific Gi class on the schedule.

We promote through the IBJJF ranking system. Belts come when the skill is there.

For your first class, basic athletic clothing is perfect. A t-shirt or rash guard with athletic shorts or sweatpants works great. Just avoid clothing with zippers, pockets, or hard buttons.

Once you decide to continue training, we'll help you get proper No-Gi attire.

We coach using the Constraints-Led Approach and Ecological Dynamics — modern frameworks grounded in motor learning and skill acquisition research.

Students develop skill through structured tasks, problem-solving, and live interaction with training partners. The method challenges new students in a good way — they're learning to think on the mat from day one — and keeps experienced students engaged with deeper problems to solve.

Read more on the Our Method page.

Adult and Youth (10–13) membership is $149/month. Kids 7–9 is $129/month. Kids 4–6 is $100/month.

All plans are month-to-month with no long-term contracts.

Full details on the Membership page.

We train 7 days a week with multiple class times for adults, youth, and kids. Morning, midday, and evening options Monday through Friday, plus weekend classes.

Full schedule on the Schedule page.

We offer programs from age 4 through adult:

• Kids 4–6: foundations, movement, and group participation
• Kids 7–9: increased task complexity and skill development
• Youth 10–13: dedicated program designed for this age group
• Adults 14+: full training schedule, all levels welcome

Learn more on the Programs page.

For new students we recommend 3 days a week. Staying active and consistent in the first few months is what builds skill and keeps progress moving.

That said, do what best fits your schedule — training twice a week is better than not training at all. If you need help deciding what cadence works for you, talk to the coach.

For students looking to compete or maximize improvement, we recommend 4+ days per week.

Competition is optional. Some students enjoy competing in local and national tournaments — others train purely for personal development, fitness, or recreation. Both paths are fully supported.

For students who do want to compete, see the Competition page for upcoming events the team is attending.

Let your coach know before class. Training tasks can be scaled or modified to work around most injuries and limitations.

For anything significant, check with your doctor first. We'll make sure your training is safe and productive within whatever constraints you're working with.

Yes — drop-ins are welcome for experienced practitioners visiting from out of town.

Email us at info@annarborbjj.com ahead of time and we'll get you set up.