Two adults practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on mats in a jiu jitsu gym located in Brooklyn Heights

Explore the art of brazilian jiu jitsu

Beginner Friendly training in iconic brooklyn heights

Location

151 Montague Street, Suite B Brooklyn, New York, 11201

Phone

650-686-8967

Email

brooklynheightsjiujitsu@gmail.com

Visit Us

Mon - Thurs

11:30AM - 12:30PM Afternoon

5PM - 8PM Evening

Fri - Sat

Closed

Sun

1PM - 2:30PM

Academy Hours

 

Our Programs

Two men practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during a jiu jitsu class, with the instructor demonstratng a jiu jitsu technique. Three students watch.
  • Our adults Jiu Jitsu classes are taught with intention, and designed for all walks of life. Each session follows a clear progression. movement training, technical instruction, skill-building games, and live sparring. you’ll build strength, confidence, and composure at your own pace, in a stress free environment. This is Jiu Jitsu as a long term practice, focused on efficiency, problem-solving, and learning how to stay calm under pressure. Strong coaching, small group attention, and a grounded community are at the core of everything we do.

  • Our youth jiu jitsu program helps kids build confidence, coordination, and resilience in a safe and supportive environment. Classes emphasize body awareness, balance, and basic grappling skills while teaching important life lessons like focus, discipline, and respect for others. We keep things engaging and age appropriate, blending structure with play so kids stay challenged without feeling overwhelmed. The goal isn’t just learning technique. It’s helping kids develop self confidence, emotional control, and a healthy relationship with physical activity that carries beyond the mats.

  • Private instruction offers the most personalized way to train. Sessions are fully tailored to your goals, whether that’s accelerating your learning, improving specific positions, or understanding concepts. One-on-one coaching allows for focused feedback, customized pacing, and deeper understanding of technique and strategy. Private sessions are ideal for beginners who want extra guidance, experienced students looking to refine details, or anyone who prefers a more individualized training experience.

Head coach of Brooklyn Heights Jiu Jitsu gym smiling to the camera.

Meet our Instructor, Coach Garrett

Hi, I’m Coach Garrett. Im a Brown Belt under the legendary Marcelo Garcia. I started Brooklyn Heights Jiu Jitsu because I believe jiu jitsu is one of the most effective tools we have for building strength, confidence, and clarity, both on and off the mat.

My Jiu Jitsu style combines the technical pressure of Marcelo Garcia with the modern, creative versatility of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, creating the perfect synthesis for the modern bjj athlete. I have spent over 17 years refining my craft alongside world class grapplers including Marcelo Garcia, Matheus Diniz, Alan Sanchez, Adam Sachnoff, and Geo Martinez.

But more than anything, I care about how jiu jitsu is taught. Clear structure, attention to fundamentals, and an environment where people feel supported enough to stay consistent long term.

My coaching style emphasizes technical precision over intensity, patience over aggression, and progress over performance. Whether someone is stepping on the mat for the first time, or refining their game, my goal is to meet them where they are and help them build real skill at a sustainable pace. Brooklyn Heights Jiu Jitsu is meant to be a third space. Somewhere to train hard, think clearly, and feel grounded. A place where people show up stressed and leave lighter. That’s the environment I’m committed to building.

About
Brooklyn Heights jiu Jitsu

Brooklyn Heights Jiu Jitsu located at 151 Montague Street Suite B, in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Our goal is to offer world class jiu jitsu in a calm, welcoming environment where people of all experience levels can train safely and confidently, while still challenging themselves. We believe jiu jitsu works best when its taught with structure and intention. Classes emphasize fundamentals, positional understanding, and intelligent movement rather than chaos or aggression. Brooklyn Heights Jiu Jitsu is meant to be a third space: a space to unplug, build confidence, and strengthen your spirit with a grounded and supportive community.

Picture of jiu jitsu class members huddled together and smiling for the camera after jiu jitsu class.
  • You do not need to be in shape to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

    Getting in shape is something that happens through training, not a prerequisite for it. Many people start BJJ specifically because they want a sustainable way to improve their fitness, mobility, and confidence without doing something repetitive or intimidating.

    At Brooklyn Heights Jiu Jitsu, classes are scaled to your experience level, and you’re always encouraged to work at a pace that feels right for you. If you can show up and move, you can start.

  • Your first class will be structured, welcoming, and beginner-friendly.

    Here’s what to expect:

    • A short warm-up focused on mobility and coordination

    • Clear, simple instruction on 2-3 fundamental techniques

    • Partner drilling and positional sparring at a controlled pace

    • Optional light sparring (never required!)

    No one is thrown into the deep end. You’ll be guided step by step, and questions are always encouraged. The goal of your first class is to learn, feel comfortable, and leave feeling better than when you arrived.

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pricing varies depending on location, membership type, and coaching quality.

    Most academies offer monthly memberships, and some offer discounted rates for longer commitments or founding members. At Brooklyn Heights Jiu Jitsu, we focus on transparent pricing, small class sizes, and hands-on coaching rather than packing rooms.

    The best way to understand cost and value is to try a free class first and see if the environment feels right for you.

  • For most people, earning a blue belt takes about 1.5 to 2.5 years of consistent training.

    That timeline can vary and is based on:

    • Training frequency

    • Coaching philosophy

    • Individual learning pace

    • Attitude

    More importantly, belt progression isn’t a race. The focus is on building real skill, confidence, and understanding. It’s not about checking boxes. When the fundamentals start to become second nature, the belt usually follows.

  • The main difference between gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is what you wear and how grips are used.

    • Gi Jiu-Jitsu uses a traditional uniform and emphasizes grips on the jacket and pants. It’s methodical, technical, and great for learning control and fundamentals.

    • No-gi Jiu-Jitsu is practiced in athletic wear and focuses more on movement, faster pace, and body positioning.

    Both styles teach the same core principles. Training either (or both) builds well-rounded grappling skill.

  • Choosing the right academy matters.

    Look for a gym that:

    • Is beginner-friendly and safety-focused

    • Has a clear teaching structure

    • Encourages questions and learning

    • Maintains a positive, respectful culture

    • Makes you feel comfortable from day one

    The best academy is one where you feel supported, challenged, and excited to come back. Trying a free class is the best way to know if a gym is the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions