Exciting stuff on the horizon, folks!
We have one small schedule tweak to tell y’all about — the Sunday nogi/competition class is moving to a noon start time — and there are some classes you haven’t seen before. The full schedule is now in Zenplanner, too, and online at bellinghambjj.com/schedule!
First bit of news: Our Self Defense program kicks off another 10-class sequence this Tuesday, and JT will be teaching a free seminar that’s open to the whole community on this Saturday, Jan. 10, starting at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome at that — and yes, if you’re in Intro to BJJ, you can come to these self defense classes too. In fact, I’d encourage it!
All members can come to these classes, and all your friends can check the seminar out for free. If you know someone who’d like to try our self defense program, the details are at bellinghambjj.com/selfdefense.
Next, we’re also starting an Intro to Striking class: This class will combine solid striking fundamentals with our already excellent wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu instruction. The curriculum will begin with a strong focus using strikes for self defense and then integrating those skills with wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu to create a comprehensive system. We’re soft launching this on Tuesday, and the class itself begins in February. Just like the Self Defense classes, if you’re a member, you can come to all the classes for free. You just need gloves and shin guards, which are available in the academy. If you know someone who’d like to try Intro to Striking, the details are at bellinghambjj.com/striking. These classes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Here’s an important note from Jesse Lang, who launched this program:
“Community and environment matter. Bellingham BJJ has always been a place where we build each other up and look after one another. As an instructor, my top priority is your safety. That principle guided the entire development of this curriculum. When you attend these classes, I’m not concerned with how tough you are. I’m looking for people who can be safe, have fun, and build community.”
Jesse will be working with LJ, Syd and Dylan on these sessions. Check them out! Soft launch starts next week, official classes begin Feb. 10.
FINALLY, the great Pete McGregor will be back tomorrow, and he’ll stay for a couple of weeks. Pete will be leading the Wednesday Office Hours sessions, and we might get him to teach a special workshop or two. He’s also going to be speaking to my History of Martial Arts class at Western. Good times all around.
We also have the following upcoming seminars:
- Nate Swanson, Takedowns for BJJ, Feb. 8 (free!)
- Jerry “J-Shap” Shapiro, March 7 ($30 members, $50 non-members)
- Gi to Sea, featuring Bernardo Faria, June 4-8.
Thanks for reading this tome, and thanks for being here. See y’all soon!
– Jeff, Betsy, Jesse, Pat and everyone at Bellingham BJJ