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Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
At Alchemy Defense, our Brazilian Jiu-jitsu program emphasizes practical techniques, control, and leverage to help practitioners of all levels. Training includes individual skill development, grappling sessions, and tailored coaching to foster confidence, discipline, and self-defense capabilities. Whether you?re a beginner or an experienced martial artist, our classes are designed to enhance your physical fitness, mental resilience, and technical mastery in a supportive environment.
History of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling art with roots in Japanese Jujitsu, Judo, and Catch Wrestling. Beginning in the 1920s, Brazilian practitioners adapted and refined these techniques with an emphasis on leverage, positioning, and control. The result allows smaller, lighter practitioners to effectively defend against and control larger, stronger opponents through skill and technique rather than strength alone.
"Gi" vs "No-Gi" Jiu-jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is practiced in two primary styles. In Gi Jiu-Jitsu, practitioners wear the traditional gi - a jacket and pants secured with a belt - which can be gripped and used for control and submissions much like everyday clothing. In No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, students wear athletic clothing and cannot use clothing for grips. Each style offers unique advantages, and many practitioners train in both.
Learn from the Best
Coach Justin White brings nearly three decades of martial arts experience to every class, including a 1st Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and extensive experience as a competitor and instructor. His background spans world-class BJJ and MMA gyms, military combatives instruction, and years of teaching students at every skill level.
Scholarship Ready!
Alchemy Defense is an approved provider for Step Up for Students, making it easy to use eligible scholarship funds for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction. Simply select Alchemy Defense in the provider marketplace, reserve the appropriate service, and we can invoice the scholarship directly - without you having to pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement.
A Class to Fit Your Family
As homeschool parents ourselves, we understand that every family's schedule and needs look a little different. Choose from regularly scheduled classes, private lessons for your family, or small-group instruction at a parent-arranged location to find an option that works for you.
Commonly asked questions
How do I use my child's Step Up for Students scholarship to pay for classes?
After contacting us to enroll your child, you can log in at stepupforstudents.org and search for Alchemy Defense LLC in the provider database. From there, you can reserve time for your child in whichever service you?d like to use. After you reserve the service, we can invoice your child?s scholarship directly without any money having to directly leave your hands.
Do I need prior experience to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
No. Beginners are welcome, and no previous martial arts or athletic experience is required. We?ll introduce you to the fundamentals and help you progress at a pace appropriate for your experience and ability.
Do I need to be in good shape before I start?
Not at all. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to improve your fitness, but you don't need to get in shape before coming to class. Your strength, endurance, coordination, and mobility will improve naturally as you train.
What?s the difference between Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu?
Gi Jiu-Jitsu is practiced in the traditional jacket, pants, and belt, and the uniform itself can be used for grips and techniques. No-Gi is practiced in athletic clothing without clothing grips. Both teach the same core principles of leverage, positioning, and control, and training in both can help you become a more well-rounded grappler.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable, close-fitting athletic clothing is perfect for your first class. If you already own a gi, feel free to bring it. Avoid clothing with zippers, pockets, loops, or anything that could catch on another student, and please remove jewelry before stepping onto the mats.
Will I have to spar or ?roll? on my first day?
No. New students are introduced to training progressively, and you won?t be expected to do anything you aren?t prepared for. Our goal is to help you learn proper technique and become comfortable on the mats before increasing the intensity of your training.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu good for self-defense?
Yes. BJJ teaches you how to control an opponent using leverage, positioning, escapes, takedowns, and submissions. It can be particularly valuable when a confrontation goes to the ground or when you need to control someone without relying solely on size or strength.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu safe?
Like any contact sport, BJJ involves some risk, but we emphasize controlled training, proper technique, and respect for your training partners. Students learn to recognize submissions and "tap" before injury, and instructors supervise training to help maintain a safe environment.
Am I too old to start Jiu-Jitsu?
Probably not! Adults begin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at many different ages and fitness levels. Training can be adapted to your abilities, and you don't need aspirations of becoming a competitor to enjoy learning the art.
Can I try a class before signing up?
Absolutely. We offer a free trial class so you can meet the instructors, see the gym, and experience Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for yourself before deciding whether it?s right for you.