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What is Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (often shortened to BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport based on ground fighting (ne-waza) and submission holds. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling one’s opponent, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.

Why should I train in Jiu-Jitsu?

Learning how to defend yourself and gaining physical strength/endurance are some of the initial reasons why people chose to train. But the deeper benefits of Jiu-Jitsu are found in the disciplined mindset and heightened levels of confidence that come from training consistently. 

Jiu-Jitsu demands a full body muscular and cardiovascular workout, but Students of the Game build fitness by pushing their minds and bodies in new, challenging ways. In combining fitness and mental health, the SOTG lifestyle creates a lasting, positive impact on the emotional wellbeing of its students.

Through mindfulness, thoughtful reflection, and community building, Students of the Game create a space where strength and compassion coexist. To read more about being a Student of the Game, click here.

Who can come to the beginners Jiu-Jitsu classes?

Fundamental Jiu-Jitsu classes are beginner friendly and a good way to stay sharp on the basics.

Jiu-Jitsu is a fully inclusive sport and SOTG Lifestyle welcomes everyone to class — no matter age, ability or background. Book a 3-day trial if you want to sample classes before committing.

Do I have to be fit and athletic to train Jiu-Jitsu?

No, you don’t have to be fit and athletic to train Jiu-Jitsu. New students of all levels of fitness, athleticism and experience are welcome to SOTG Lifestyle.

Jiu-Jitsu is not all about overpowering and defeating others through brute strength. It is also about the importance of yielding to an opponent’s force and utilizing their momentum to neutralize a situation, rather than fighting fire with fire. Success in Jiu-Jitsu is the combination of patience, efficiency and control—not physical advantages in size or strength. This philosophy extends to the variety of unexpected challenges life throws our way.

Read more about Coach Derrick’s approach to different philosophies in the SOTG Lifestyle blogs.

If you’re worried about joining because you don’t think you’re fit enough, just try it out. Stick with it for a few months and you’ll realize how mental wellness can be just as important as physical training.

What should I expect at your beginners Jiu-Jitsu class?

Expect a good challenge. You’ll work out muscles you didn’t know existed and you may feel uncoordinated for the first few months.

Creating community is also an important part of the process so expect levels of social interaction, both with our coaches and other students.

Expect a warm welcome and an inclusive class. One of the SOTG Lifestyle core values is community, and this shines through in training. Being a Student of the Game means to practice respect, tolerance and acceptance for every individual.

The community and SOTG Lifestyle coaches work hard to create a safe space where anyone can come to learn, train and grow—no matter your level of confidence, fitness or expertise.

Everyone is welcome, as long as you honor the craft and practice respect, tolerance and acceptance of every other student.

When are your classes?

Jiu-Jitsu classes are held at Omni Movement Gym, 678 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, CA.

Students of all levels are welcome to join classes on Monday-Friday mornings, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM.

Monday nights are women only Jiu-Jitsu classes.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are NoGi from 9 AM to 10:30 AM.

Classes based on pure Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals, which are also best suited to beginners, take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 8pm.

Kids Jiu Jitsu is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:15 PM to 5 PM and Saturdays from 10:15 AM to 11 AM.

Click here to view the full schedule of classes.

What do I need to bring for my first class?

If you have a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gi or kimono, you can wear it to classes. If you don’t own a gi or a kimono, you can buy or loan one at the class.

If you’re thinking about starting off with the free 3-day trial and don’t want to buy one until you’ve made a longer term commitment, you can come in comfy shorts and a t-shirt.

What is a Student Of The Game?

A Student Of The Game is one who honors their craft. A Student Of The Game is one who brings a white belt attitude and a black belt mentality to every class. An individual who is determined to better themselves, 1% at a time. 

Being a Student of the Game means self-improvement on a daily basis— in your sport, your relationships, your reading, your diet, your sleep, or your peace and contentment with yourself. 

Click here to read more about what it means to be a Student of the Game.

Why should I choose SOTG Lifestyle for my Jiu-Jitsu training?

SOTG Lifestyle understands the environment and time students need before they can flourish. Coach Derrick’s passion to help others accomplish their goals of physical and emotional wellbeing supersedes any other coach in the game.

In addition to SOTG Lifestyle’s unique philosophies, Coach Derrick has a successful track record. Read more about Coach Derrick.

He has been training in Jiu-jitsu since 2005, receiving his black belt under Sergio Silva. As ​​a professional mixed martial artist, his fight record was 8-3, fighting with organizations including Dragon House, Conquer FC, Impact MMA and URCC. He trained MMA under UFC veterans like Darren Uyenoyama, and was coached to a championship by Tyson Griffin.

Leadership is key to good coaching. Through his study of Jiu-jitsu to black belt, followed by his professional MMA career, Coach Derrick is blessed and well-equipped with the authority to lead enriching classes.