Monday
- Adult Gi
- Adult No-Gi
Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Bakersfield
Gi and No-Gi jiu-jitsu for adults of every level, taught by Professors Rocky Brown and Freddy Madera at a TruJitsu affiliate academy.
What you’ll learn
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art built on leverage and position, so a smaller person can control a bigger one. Classes at Rio Bravo follow a simple rhythm: warm up, learn and drill a technique with a partner, then finish with live rolling.
- Escapes and defense from bad positions like mount and side control
- Guard work: sweeps, guard retention and submissions from your back
- Top control: passing, pinning and finishing from on top
- Submissions: chokes and joint locks, practiced safely with tapping
Gi and No-Gi
Gi classes train in the traditional kimono, where grips on the collar and sleeves change the game. No-Gi is faster and trains in a rash guard and shorts, which carries straight over to MMA and wrestling.
New to jiu-jitsu?
Start with Gi fundamentals on Thursday at 7:30 PM, or jump into any adult class. Coaches pair new students with partners who help them learn instead of trying to win.
Women’s jiu-jitsu
Women’s Gi runs Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 PM, led by Rio Bravo’s women coaches. It’s a comfortable place to start, and a strong room to train in: Rio Bravo’s women train together, get promoted together and compete in tournament women’s divisions.
Women are welcome in every adult class too.
Adult jiu-jitsu class times
Gi, No-Gi, fundamentals and Women’s Gi.
Tuesday
- Adult Gi
- Adult No-Gi
Wednesday
- Women’s Gi
Thursday
- Gi fundamentals
Friday
- Adult Gi
- Adult No-Gi
Saturday
- Adult Gi
Belts and progress
Rio Bravo follows the traditional jiu-jitsu belt system. Promotions are earned in class and handed out on the mat in front of the team.
Professors Rocky Brown and Freddy Madera lead the adult program, with coaches Aaron Apodaca, Laura Apodaca and Delia Madera.
Jiu-jitsu questions
Do I need experience to start jiu-jitsu?
No. Every class starts with fundamentals, Gi fundamentals meets Thursday at 7:30 PM, and coaches pair new students with training partners who help them learn. Most members started as complete beginners.
What should I wear to my first class?
Wear athletic clothes without zippers or pockets, like shorts or sweatpants and a T-shirt or rash guard. Take off jewelry, trim your nails and bring water and sandals for walking off the mat. You don’t need a gi for your first visit.
Is there a beginner class?
Yes. Gi fundamentals meets Thursday at 7:30 PM, and every class starts with fundamentals, so beginners are welcome at any adult class.
Is there a women’s jiu-jitsu class?
Yes. Women’s Gi runs on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 PM.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes. Private lessons with a professor or coach are available by appointment.
Try 2 free classes
No experience or gear needed. Call or send your info and we’ll set up your first visit.