Frequently
Asked

Yes. About half the people on our mats started with zero martial arts background. Our Gi Level 1 class is built specifically for new practitioners, with a structured curriculum that walks you through fundamental positions, escapes, and submissions.

Your first class is free. Reserve a trial and a coach will meet you at the door.

Arrive about 15 minutes early. A coach will meet you at the door, have you fill out a waiver, walk you through the academy, and introduce you to training partners. During class you'll warm up, learn a technique, drill it with a partner, and do light positional sparring if you're comfortable.

No sales pitch afterward. If it feels right, we'll talk memberships. If not, no hard feelings.

Not for your first class. We have loaner Gis at the front desk. If you decide to train regularly in the Gi program, you'll want to buy your own within a few weeks. Any standard BJJ Gi works.

For No Gi classes, wear a rashguard and shorts or spats.

For Gi classes: we'll loan you a Gi. Bring a t-shirt or rashguard to wear underneath.

For No Gi classes: a snug-fitting t-shirt or rashguard and athletic shorts without pockets, zippers, or buttons.

No shoes on the mat. Trim finger and toe nails before class. Remove jewelry and piercings.

No. We regularly see people start in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Jiu jitsu rewards technique and patience, not youth and explosiveness. The training scales to your level, and you'll find partners across every age group on the mat.

For meaningful progress, 2-3 times per week is the sweet spot. Consistent weekly training beats occasional marathon sessions. If you're new, start with 2 classes a week and add from there.

Our memberships are unlimited, so train as much as your body allows. Rest days matter too.

Gi classes are trained in the traditional kimono (Gi), which allows for grips on the collar and sleeves. The Gi game is technical, patient, and heavy on grip-based control.

No Gi classes are trained in a rashguard and shorts or spats. Without cloth to grab, No Gi is faster, slipperier, and emphasizes body-lock control, wrestling entries, and leg entanglements.

Most of our members train both. See our programs.

Belts and stripes are awarded by the head coaches based on skill, attendance, and how you carry yourself on the mats. There's no set timeline. Blue belts typically take 2-3 years of consistent training. Rank is a milestone, not a goal.

Open mat is an unstructured training session where members (and often visiting guests) drill and roll at their own pace. No instruction, just time on the mats. Autore runs regular open mats for Gi and No Gi, and guests from other academies are welcome. Check the schedule for current times.

If they can follow basic instructions and work with a partner for 30 minutes, they're ready for the Youth 3-5 class. Older kids tend to drop right in. If you're unsure, book a free trial. The coaches will tell you honestly whether your child is a fit and which age group is right.

Absolutely. We have a viewing area at the edge of the mat. For children under eight, a parent or guardian must remain on the premises during class.

Most kids are shy on day one. By week two they're usually running into class. The coaches are experienced at meeting kids where they are, and the class structure gives shy kids a clear set of expectations so they always know what to do.

The opposite, actually. Jiu jitsu is a control-based grappling art with built-in rules for safety (the "tap"). Kids learn self-discipline, emotional regulation, and how to be a good training partner. The confidence they build on the mat tends to reduce conflict at school and in life.

Current rates are posted at the front desk and shared with you after your free trial. We offer unlimited monthly memberships for adults and youth, with family and multi-month discounts available. We keep pricing transparent (no hidden sign-up fees).

Yes. Your first class is free, with no sales pressure afterward. Reserve a trial and we'll confirm your spot.

Email info@autorebjj.com or stop by the front desk at least five business days before your next billing date. Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing cycle. No long-term contracts, no cancellation fees. Full policy is in our Terms of Service.

Yes. Members can hold their membership for up to 60 days per calendar year for travel, injury, or medical reasons. Longer holds are considered case-by-case. Email us to set it up.

Jiu jitsu is a contact sport, so injury risk is real. It's also one of the safer grappling arts because submissions are controlled and there's an explicit "tap" system. At Autore, coaches supervise training intensity, match partners thoughtfully, and we emphasize tapping early and often. Most injuries come from ego. Leave yours at the door.

Tell a coach before class. We can modify drilling and sparring to work around most injuries. For anything significant, please consult your physician first. You'll complete a waiver noting any relevant conditions.

Yes. Separate men's and women's changing areas with lockers and showers. Bring a lock if you want to secure your gear.

Street parking is available on Montana Ave and the surrounding blocks. Watch the signs for time restrictions and street cleaning days. A few spots are time-limited during daytime hours.

Yes, and we're proud of it. We run a monthly Ladies Open Mat in addition to our regular classes. Women make up a meaningful portion of our membership across every belt level, and coaches actively work to pair training partners appropriately.