Gi and no-gi classes for complete beginners and seasoned grapplers alike. Start in Gi Basics, build real technique and train alongside an IBJJF-ranked black belt, whether your goal is fitness, self-defense or competition.
Two tracks
Start with the fundamentals, then grow into the full game. Both tracks are taught with the same attention to detail.
Start here
A curriculum built to teach the core concepts of jiu jitsu. Perfect for new students, or anyone upgrading to the most modern, effective style.
Gi & No-Gi
For those with experience who want to go further: intricate technique, development of your individual game, and competition preparation and analysis.
Ages 14+ · Tue & Thu 6:00 PM
Never trained? Good.
You don’t need experience or to be in shape. Adults start in Gi Basics, your conditioning builds naturally, and your training partners want to see you succeed.
“I started Jiu Jitsu at age 38, with trials at a few local gyms before I landed at Shonen. Easily the best decision I could have made!”
“I am 53 with zero experience and have been going for 3 months. The teaching and training has been extremely phenomenal and the students are extremely helpful and caring.”
Women’s jiu jitsu
Shonen offers a safe environment for women to learn and feel empowered: learn to protect yourself, build awareness and grow your confidence, while taking your fitness to the next level. The women’s jiu jitsu community is growing fast. If you’ve tried jiu jitsu elsewhere and had a negative experience, give our program a chance. We’re confident it will win you back to the mat.
“…the community at Shonen is characterized by remarkable kindness and a warm welcome including an amazing girls group, alongside a clean and well kept environment.”
Inside a class
Every class follows a clear structure, so you always know what comes next.
Movement drills that prepare your body for grappling.
The position of the day, broken down in detail.
Reps with a partner, with instructor feedback as you go.
Start from the day’s position and work it against resistance.
Timed rounds against a resisting partner, at the level you’re ready for.
Ask questions and get personal feedback on your game.
Meet the Coach
First-degree black belt · Mendes Brothers lineage
Professor Lee is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under the legendary Mendes Brothers and a former kids and adults instructor at the world-renowned Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, California. Still an active IBJJF black belt competitor, he’s passionate about pushing himself and his students past their limits: the King Midas of teachers, turning his students’ goals into gold.
FAQ
No. Most of our students walked in with zero grappling experience. Adults can start in Gi Basics, which runs Monday through Thursday at 7 PM and focuses on fundamentals, and your conditioning builds naturally as you train.
The uniform is the main difference. In gi classes, the collar and sleeves can be used for grips, control and submissions, which rewards patient, technical play. No-gi, sometimes called submission grappling, is trained in a rash guard and shorts, so it’s faster paced and closely resembles wrestling. Both share the same fundamentals, and training both makes you a more complete grappler.
Yes. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was developed as a way to defend yourself against an attacker who is larger, stronger, faster and more aggressive, using leverage, grappling and submission holds to level the playing field. Royce Gracie proved it at UFC 1, and BJJ has since been adopted into the defensive tactics curriculum of every major branch of the US Armed Forces. It’s an excellent martial art for realistic self-defense.
Yes. We’re focused on community, so everyone is welcome at Shonen.
Your first class is free
Pick a program and we'll text you to lock in a time. Every class on the schedule is open to first-timers, and a clean gi is waiting for you.
Prefer to talk? (443) 304-8884