FAQ.

We are located in the Covington/Kent area inside Lake Meridian Station at 15423 SE 272nd St Suite 107, Kent, WA 98042. For current class times, visit our schedule on our homepage.

We don't have a strict uniform requirement, but we do have a few standards we ask everyone to follow. For Gi training, rashguards must be worn underneath — no exceptions. We prefer neutral Gi colors: black, white, or blue.

We carry Gis, rashguards, and gear at the academy if you need anything.

No. Athletic shorts and a t-shirt or rashguard are all you need. You will not need a Gi for your trial classes — if you decide to commit to training, we can point you in the right direction from there. We also carry Gis and gear at the academy.

Yes. Reach out to us directly and we'll happily go over everything with you.

Yes — active duty military, veterans, law enforcement, and first responders receive 15% off standard memberships and 10% off retail purchases. Reach out to us directly to get set up.

For our standard rates for adults, youth, and kids, visit our memberships page for full pricing details.

Standard memberships have no contract and no minimum commitment. Founding memberships include a one-year commitment in exchange for the locked lifetime rate and perks. All memberships require 30 days written notice to cancel.

Memberships are billed monthly on the 15th. Your first payment will be prorated based on your start date — after that, billing runs on the 15th of each month. Special pricing and paid-in-full memberships are billed upfront at the time of enrollment.

Yes. Memberships can be paused for injury or medical reasons for up to three months with a doctor's note. No freeze fees — your billing simply picks back up when you return.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art focused on controlling an opponent through positioning, leverage, and technique rather than strength. It emphasizes ground fighting, using joint locks and chokes to force a submission. BJJ was developed in Brazil from Japanese Judo and is widely regarded as one of the most effective self-defense systems available.

Yes. BJJ is one of the most practical self-defense arts because it addresses what happens when a confrontation goes to the ground — which most real altercations do. It teaches you to control a larger opponent using leverage and position rather than size or strength, and to neutralize a threat without striking.

Karate and Taekwondo are striking arts — they develop powerful, precise stand-up techniques including punches, kicks, and blocks. They have deep traditions, strong competitive scenes, and real value for discipline, fitness, and self-defense.

BJJ is a grappling art. The focus is on controlling your opponent through clinching, takedowns, and ground fighting — using joint locks and chokes to force a submission. Where striking arts end the engagement quickly on the feet, BJJ is designed to work when a fight hits the ground, which statistically is where most real altercations end up.

The two approaches solve different problems. Many of the best martial artists in the world cross-train both.

No prior fitness level is required. BJJ training itself will build your conditioning over time. Most beginners find the first few weeks physically demanding regardless of their starting point — that's normal and expected. You will adapt.

No. New students are never forced to roll before they are ready. You will learn techniques, drill movements, and ease into live training at your own pace. Sparring is introduced when you have enough foundational understanding to do so safely and productively.

For your first class, athletic shorts and a t-shirt or rashguard are fine. You will not need a Gi right away. Once you commit to training, you will want to purchase a Gi — a traditional uniform consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt. We can guide you on what to look for.

A Gi is the traditional uniform worn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — a heavy-duty jacket, pants, and a belt that indicates your rank. The jacket lapels and collar are reinforced, because in Gi training your partner can use the fabric itself as part of the technique. Gripping the collar, sleeves, or pants is a core part of the game. Your Gi should be clean every session — this is a hygiene standard as much as a training one.

No-Gi training is done without the traditional uniform. Instead you wear athletic shorts or spats and a rashguard. Without the fabric to grip, the game shifts — you rely more on body position, underhooks, and clinching. Many students train both. No-Gi translates more directly to self-defense situations and MMA, while Gi training tends to develop a more technical, grip-dependent game. Neither is superior — they complement each other.

Yes — rashguards must be worn under the Gi, no exceptions. This is a hygiene requirement that protects both you and your training partners.

Two to three times per week is the recommended starting point. This gives your body time to recover while building retention of techniques. Consistency over intensity — showing up regularly for a year will outperform sporadic heavy training every time.

Intro to BJJ is a 30-minute session held before the main Adult class on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. It is designed specifically for new students — covering foundational positions, movements, and techniques in a structured, beginner-friendly environment. It is the best place to start if you have never trained before.

BJJ has a strong safety culture built around the tap — the signal to stop immediately. Injuries do happen as in any contact sport, but a well-run academy with a respect-first culture minimizes risk significantly. Students are taught to tap early and partners are expected to release immediately, no exceptions.

On average, a blue belt takes one to two years of consistent training — typically two to three classes per week. BJJ belt progression is based on demonstrated skill and instructor assessment, not time alone. It is intentionally slower than many other martial arts, and that is part of what makes each promotion meaningful.

We offer programs starting at age 4. Kids (ages 4–8) and Youth (ages 9–15) train in separate age-appropriate classes. Both programs are built around developing confidence, discipline, and foundational BJJ skills in a safe and supportive environment.

No. Kids and Youth have their own dedicated classes separate from the adult program. The curriculum, intensity, and structure are all tailored to their age group.

Yes. Visitors and observers are welcome with prior notice. Reach out to us via our contact form to arrange a visit. All observers must check in with a staff member upon arrival and remain in designated areas during class.

Yes. Drop-in training is available for a fee of $25 per class. Visitors from out of town please reach out to us via our contact form.