Thanks for your interest in our Self Defense classes! Everything we do is rooted in self-defense, but we offer several specific options for folks interested in focusing on this aspect of the martial arts.
We offer a 10-class self defense sequence with a rotating curriculum. We think this class is a terrific entry point to self defense using the martial art Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a tool. We’ve developed a class series that covers a lot of bases. You can find the core curriculum for the class sequence here and see some of the techniques on this YouTube playlist. (There may be small changes to this depending on the class composition, experience level, background & interest).
The first class begins on TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. and runs at that same time on Thursday nights. The class happens on Tuesday and Thursday nights for five weeks.
Students will also have access to “Office Hours” from 3-5 p.m. on weekdays Monday through Thursday. During Office Hours, an instructor is always there to answer questions, help with techniques and assist learning. If you miss a class and would like to review material, you can schedule an appointment during these times Monday through Thursday each week.
This class is $150 total per person for the full sequence, which includes all 10 classes and access to office hours.
If you already know you’d like to sign up, here’s the link to do so. If you’re looking for more information, all of the answers are below the pictures!
Existing monthly members of Bellingham BJJ get this class included in their membership, so if you’re a member, you don’t need to sign up for this — just show up. Full membership in the academy covers ALL of our ~35 classes per week. Current Intro to BJJ students: after completing that class, you’re welcome to attend all of these classes, including self defense.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS NOT COVERED BELOW: You can e-mail Jeff Shaw, at jeff@bellinghambjj.com. J.T. Taylor will be leading this class series. You’re always welcome to e-mail with questions or just to say hello. We’ve poured many years of teaching experience into designing this series, so we’re looking forward to seeing you there!
WHEN AND WHERE DOES CLASS HAPPEN?: Classes take place at Bellingham BJJ, 205 W. Holly St., right downtown. We’re a block away from a parking garage (free after 5 p.m. and on weekends), a block from a bus stop, and we have bike racks inside the building for cyclists.
Our program is five weeks of specialized training, so you can try what you’re learning with safe training partners who occupy a range of bodies and body types.
If you are a current member of Bellingham BJJ, you’re welcome to attend these classes at no extra charge. All members get access to unlimited training.
WHEN IS CLASS? The class happens on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6 p.m. for five weeks.
Students will also have access to “Office Hours” from 3-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday. If you miss a class and would like to review material, you can schedule an appointment during these times Monday through Thursday. (You can also just drop in for office hours, but as the head instructor for this class, I want to be sure to be able to be there to answer questions from class if possible!)
The class culminates with a Saturday seminar on Feb. 24 at noon that will review all the material from the previous ten classes. You won’t miss anything if you miss this seminar class, but you’re welcome to come and solidify the learning!
WHAT WILL WE COVER? Introduction to Self-Defense is based on the most common threats reported by RAINN and the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Our curriculum is fueled by lived experience and an understanding of how and why people survive attacks. The curriculum for the course is here and you will notice that it is focused on techniques that anyone can do at any level of fitness. Here’s a basic explanation of what a typical BJJ class will look like.
WHAT WILL I RECEIVE?: The whole Self Defense class is $150 for the 10 class course plus the seminar and the office hours. You are not required to purchase a BJJ gi for this class – although we use loaner gis as well as some t-shirts that we’ll supply to simulate other clothing worn in real-world situations.
These classes are size-limited so we can provide a lot of personalized attention focused on your interests. You’ll also have access to all of the written class notes and video instruction to help you review techniques and clarify anything you miss.
After the Self Defense sequence ends, all students will also have the opportunity to sign up for Bellingham BJJ with no fees so you can continue your training if you’d like. Check out the full schedule here. With no contracts or fees or commitments beyond the 6 weeks, you can come out and train — and see why so many people who try BJJ for self-defense end up loving it for a range of reasons.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO CLASS?: Besides the loaner gi, which we’ll supply for you, you’ll want to wear athletic shorts (like bike shorts, fight shorts, or any secure shorts or leggings without zippers and pockets) underneath the gi. Some people wear a shirt or rash guard under the gi. Many do not. Please trim your nails short and be clean (i.e. have showered) before class— we are in close contact with one another and hygiene is a priority for everyone at BBJJ.
There are four gender-neutral bathrooms which double as dedicated single-person changing area and both men’s and women’s dressing rooms at the academy. We encourage students to use the changing facilities that comport with their needs and gender identities. One of our private washrooms and both group dressing rooms are ADA-compliant.
Here is the school’s values statement. Here are some school policies. We also have a resource for new people called the White Belt BJJ Starter Kit. It’s a series of blog posts about common topics and questions, including basic BJJ academy etiquette. Check it out; we’re adding to it all the time!
AFTER CLASS STARTS, HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
You can see videos of some of our curriculum at the Study Guide online. As you progress through the class, you can check out the “study guide” supplementary resources page we’ve prepared for you, as well as the more expansive Standing Self Defense playlist on our YouTube channel. We encourage you to take notes during classes — even pictures and video if you want. But we also want you to be able to have reminders available online for what we’ve trained.
Again, thank you so much for your interest! We’re looking forward to meeting and training with you.
Jeff (and Betsy and Jesse and everyone at Bellingham BJJ)