Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.

36 Essential Techniques:
​Although the art of jiu-jitsu consists of over 600 techniques, studies of real fights conducted by members of the Gracie Family have shown that 36 techniques have been used more often and with greater success than all the other techniques combined. Originally developed for the U.S. Army, Gracie Combatives is the only course that is entirely dedicated to the mastery of these 36 essential techniques. You need absolutely no experience to start this program. Our instructors conduct all classes in a cooperative training environment and are committed to ensuring that every new student has an informative, enjoyable experience regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability.

Step 1: Learn the Techniques
​We have divided the 36 Gracie Combatives techniques into 23 one-hour classes so that you can complete the course at your own pace. We designed each lesson so that you can start at any point in the course. As a result, you can complete the 23 lessons in any order without feeling overwhelmed or confused. Upon enrolling, we will issue you a Gracie Combatives attendance card on which we will track your progress every step of the way.

Step 2: Develop Your Reflexes
Once you complete each of the 23 Gracie Combatives lessons twice, you will qualify to participate in the Reflex Development (RD) Classes where you will learn how to combine the 36 techniques to address the most common occurrences in a real fight.

Step 3: Earn Your Gracie Combatives Belt
Once you complete each of the Gracie Combatives lessons three times, and you’ve completed at least 12 Reflex Development Classes, you are eligible to test for your Gracie Combatives belt! We will administer a 25-minute test to assess your ability to execute the 36 essential techniques individually and in combination. If your reflexes are sharp and your performance meets Gracie University standards, you will qualify for promotion, and you will be ready to transition into our advanced program, the Master Cycle.

Free Online Training Access & Privileges
In addition to live classes, every Gracie Combatives student receives a subscription to Gracie University Online, which gives you unlimited online access to the Gracie Combatives streaming instructional video archive. Use this resource to review past lessons, learn new techniques, and prepare for future belt tests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from any computer or mobile device! Take advantage of this powerful tool and take your technique to the next level!

Discover where your Jiu-Jitsu journey begins with a 10-day free trial.

Do I need to be fit for this?
There are zero fitness requirements to be able to start our beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes! One of the benefits of BJJ is that it relies on technique and timing rather than strength, speed, or athleticism.

Our students start at all different fitness levels, however, you will find that you do enhance your fitness by doing our Saratoga BJJ classes. Isn’t that the point though? A fun workout that gets results!

I have no experience, what do I do?
Just show up! Upon arriving, you will be given a uniform (called a “gi”) and will be given a focused introductory lesson by one of our instructors before you join in the group class.

Every beginner class is taught with no previous experience necessary, so you will not feel left behind.

​Our program is structured by class number (23 group classes), so you will always know exactly what techniques you will be learning on any given day. You could even check out the techniques of the day on GracieUniversity.com before class to get a head start!
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​I’m not very sporty or coordinated. Will that be a problem?
Not at all. In fact, many students starting in our adult martial arts classes may have described themselves like that before they started. There is absolutely no experience necessary for any of our beginner classes. You will fit right in!

​Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at what your body is capable of, and how much you can improve! Our certified martial arts instructors are trained to keep their teaching simple, effective, and beginner-focused. So even the most uncoordinated person will develop ‘ninja-like’ skills! Come see for yourself!
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​How do I claim your limited-time offer?
We only have a certain amount of space in our martial arts training area. To take advantage of our limited time offer, the fastest way is to click on the button and fill out the form on this page!

​Additionally, you can always give us a call. We would love to chat with you about what we do, and to help you determine if our Saratoga martial arts classes would be a great fit for you and your family!
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​Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for women?
Absolutely! Specifically because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has proven reliable in defending against larger opponents for nearly a century, it is the perfect martial art for women.

Many women train in our co-ed Gracie Combatives classes, however we also have women-only classes available if that is preferred.

​We love seeing the physical confidence develop in our female students as they gain self-defense skills on the mat!
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​What do I need to bring to my first Martial Arts Lesson?
Upon arriving for your first jiu-jitsu class, we will provide a uniform, called a gi, for you to wear. We recommend comfortable undergarments or leggings, and a t-shirt or rashguard that you can wear under your gi. We will also have training attire available for purchase after your class.

​Be sure to bring a water bottle to your martial arts classes, as you will be working up a sweat!

Are you ready to discover your potential? Experience Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Saratoga with our '10-Day FREE TRIAL.' It's the perfect opportunity to master self-defense and boost your confidence, starting from the basics.