Classes & Programs
Training
Classes
Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a variety of classes and programs to suit the needs of beginners to advanced as well as classes for children and women including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA.
Schedule
Intructors
RPBJJ is proud to have some of the finest bjj professors and instructors in the U.S. We always strive to deliver the best quality classes, allowing students to become adept on their feet or on the ground.
Philosophy
The practice of Jiu-Jitsu transcends the execution of chokes, joint locks, immobilizations and throws. A true understanding of the Jiu-Jitsu philosophy prepares individuals for life, showing them paths to a healthier and happier lifestyle through efficient use of physical, mental and spiritual strength.
Classes For
All Levels
Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy offers a great opportunity for students to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, improve their ground game, and get quality training from one of the finest BJJ instructors in the United States. At Rodrigo Pinheiro BJJ, you are sure to become the best fighter you can be.
Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a variety of classes and programs to suit the needs of beginners to advanced as well as classes for children and women including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA, taught by MMA & UFC fighter Pete Spratt. See available programs below:
DELUXE 1 - STRIKING PACKAGE
Our Deluxe 1 Package gives students unlimited Muay Thai Kickboxing and MMA classes, including Muay Thai Fundamentals. These classes focus heavily on striking. Students will learn proper stance, footwork, punches, leg kicks, elbows, clinch, knees, fight strategy, etc. In addition to learning technique, students will participate in light sparring and fight simulation. Our program also includes strength and conditioning training. Students will complete circuits that target all areas of the body-abs, biceps, thighs, etc. – using kettle bells, medicine balls, jump ropes and stability balls. Circuit training boosts endurance and strength, while providing a great cardio workout.
Our Muay Thai and MMA program is led by professional fighter, Pete “Secret Weapon” Spratt. Prior experience is necessary for all Advanced Muay Thai and MMA classes; however, students with little to no experience may start out in our Muay Thai Fundamentals Program. At RPBJJ, our goal is to give every student the tools necessary to grow and succeed through quality, personalized instruction.
- Beginner: White, White/Yellow, Yellow, Yellow/Blue, Blue
- Intermediate: Blue/Purple, Purple, Brown, Brown/Red
- Advanced: Red, Silver, Black/Red/Silver
DELUXE 2 - GRAPPLING PACKAGE
Our Unlimited Grappling Package encompasses all Jiu-Jitsu (Advanced 1 & 2), No-Gi Submission Grappling, and Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals Classes, as well as all Open Mat Sessions to give students a complete and multi-dimensional ground game. Students are taught takedowns, takedown defense, key positions (side control, mount, taking the back, etc.) and a wide variety of submissions (chokes, holds, locks and joint manipulations). Our grappling program gives students the ability to grip, handle and absolutely control an opponent without the use of strikes, thus effectively ending a fight while minimizing damage. With a large majority of fights ending up on the ground, it is not only practical but very important to be well-versed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Here at RPBJJ, we teach traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our grappling program is directed by World Champion Black Belt, Rodrigo Pinheiro, from the Gracie Humaita camp in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The techniques taught in our classes apply the principles of leverage, allowing smaller individuals to gain an advantage and even defeat a larger opponent. The techniques are extremely effective, allowing for maximum results and immense success. Furthermore, our grappling classes target an assortment of muscle groups, leading to an excellent full-body workout. In class, after technique is taught, students are partnered up to “roll,” which can be likened to sparring on the ground. Timed grappling matches build cardio endurance and strength, while enhancing techniques.
Each of our grappling styles provide unique benefits, giving our students a comprehensive ground game.
Jiu-Jitsu: Students will learn takedowns, takedown defense, and how to obtain advantageous positions over an opponent. In addition, students will be trained to execute an array of submissions, including chokes, holds and locks. All Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes utilize the traditional gi, or uniform, to complete techniques. As a matter of fact, students will even become skilled at how to use their own gi, as well as their opponent’s gi, as a weapon.
No-Gi Submission Grappling: Similar to Jiu-Jitsu, in that the focus is grappling on the ground without the use of strikes, No-Gi slightly differs because gripping of the clothes is prohibited. Furthermore, the gi is not worn in Submission Grappling. Rather, students will wear normal workout attire, such as a t-shirt or rash guard and athletic shorts. No-Gi Submission Grappling concentrates on handling, gripping and controlling an opponent using the body (i.e. wrist control, etc.). The aim of No-Gi, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is to obtain a submission, effectively ending the match.
In addition to unlimited grappling classes, our Deluxe 2 Package includes unlimited Open Mat Sessions. Open Mat provides students with the exceptional opportunity to practice and review techniques with one another that they may be struggling with or unsure about. Open Mat sessions are not formal classes, instead, they offer free time for students to come to the dojo and use the space to work on whatever they choose, resembling a group study session.
Student success in our Jiu-Jitsu classes is measured using a ranking system. We adhere to the traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu graduation system as defined by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF).
For a more detailed explanation of the graduation system please refer to http://ibjjf.org/info/graduation-system/.
BULLY FREE PROGRAM FOR KIDS
Every day in the United States, an estimated 150,000 kids miss school due to fear or intimidation of bullies. Furthermore, that very fear of bullying leads to low self-esteem and depression in children and adolescents alike. Making matters worse is the fact that bullying goes virtually unaccounted for, with less than 15% of children actually reporting the abuse.
Bullies rely on fear tactics, coercion and intimidation to gain power. They assert dominance over their victims through repeated acts of aggressive behavior, inflicting both physical and mental harm. Though it is common knowledge that the only way to defeat bullies is to stand up to them, most children feel incapable of confronting their tormentors because of an overwhelming concern for their personal safety. At RPBJJ, we instill the confidence necessary for a target of bullying to face his/her aggressor, thus neutralizing the situation and restoring the balance of power.
Our approach is simple and straight forward. We equip our students with the tools necessary to defend themselves against physical attack, which, in turn, revitalizes confidence, leading to a healthy physical and mental state of being. While most martial arts programs rely on striking the attacker with violent punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, our Bully Proof Kid’s Program utilizes the unique and highly effective approach of using purely defensive techniques. The focus of our curriculum is self-defense with no striking necessary for success. In addition, our students are taught how to defuse confrontations with words and never to initiate physical aggression. If attacked, our students are prepared to defend themselves with techniques that non-violently neutralize the threat and allow them to gain control of their opponent. At RPBJJ, we operate under the belief that the most effectual way to fight fire is with water.
THE BULLY PROOF PROGRAM HAS FOUR KEY OBJECTIVES:
Instill Confidence: Bullies are far less likely to target self-confident children. We promote confidence in our students through the use of effective self-defense techniques, based on principles of leverage. These techniques give our children the ability to neutralize the attack of a larger opponent.
Increase Awareness: Abuse from bullies ranges from verbal insults to physical aggression, and can be dispensed at various intensity levels. In each class, we focus on teaching your child to recognize and respond to customary bully behaviors.
Ensure Readiness: Your child can only find freedom from the persecution of a bully, once he/she makes it perfectly clear that the harassment will no longer be tolerated. We prepare our students for every common contingency.
Character Development: In addition to providing instruction on how to deal with the complications and challenges of bullying, our Kid’s Bully Proof Program develops the essential character traits that will lead to your child’s success in all areas of life. The principles and philosophy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu transcend the dojo and encompass every aspect of our daily lives.
We dedicate time in each class to address fundamental values like respect, loyalty, discipline, family and honor, encouraging and inspiring each child to make character changes in their daily lives – on their own!
Class Schedule:
Though our Bully Free Kid’s Jiu-Jitsu program is available to all children ages 4-12, students are placed into specific age groups to determine class time, allowing our professors to deliver more focused and personalized attention to each student. At RPBJJ, we are committed to providing quality instruction that fosters growth and development.
PREMIUM - ALL ACCESS
A Premium Membership directly translates to absolutely UNLIMITED access to our facility and class schedule. Our Premium Package offers limitless Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, No-Gi Submission Grappling, MMA, Fundamentals and Open Mat Sessions, which equates to an astounding 25+ classes per week that students can attend.
For more extensive information on our classes and programs, please see Deluxe 1 Striking Package and Deluxe 2 Grappling Package.
PRIVATE LESSONS - ONE-ON-ONE
COMPETITION TEAM - TOURNAMENT PREPARATION
For those interested in tournaments, RPBJJ boasts an impressive competition team that is open to all of our students. Our team participates in local, state, national and international tournaments, and is well-known and highly respected. Our athletes work hard to succeed, while demonstrating good conduct and sportsmanship. Extra classes , training sessions, training camps and competition-specific workouts are added to the schedule for our competition team before each tournament. Students must acquire instructor approval before registering for any tournament under the RPBJJ team name.
FUNDAMENTALS - FOR BEGINNERS
Our fundamentals classes are perfect for beginners, as well as experienced students who wish to brush up on technique. We offer both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing fundamental classes. Instruction will focus on building a solid grappling and striking foundation. Students will learn and drill the principles of each respective martial art, taking the time to break down and perfect each technique. Classes will also include light rolling/sparring, as well as conditioning.
F.A.Q.
We answer some common questions that our members have. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out and ask us a question!
WHY RODRIGO PINHEIRO BJJ?
Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides a multi-dimensional approach to martial arts cross training by offering instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No Gi Submission Grappling, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts. With the various arts taught, all aspects of self-defense are covered to include striking, clinching, throws and proper application of submission holds. This type of training environment will give students the necessary tools to truly protect themselves in virtually any situation. It provides a common-sense approach to self-defense, while remaining fun and providing an invigorating workout.
WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU (BJJ)?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the fighting art developed from traditional Jiu-Jitsu by the Gracie family of Brazil. Even though BJJ contains standup techniques for winning a fight, it is famous for its devastating ground fighting techniques. BJJ was specifically developed to allow a smaller person to defeat a larger person by sophisticated application of leverage and technique. Gaining a superior position on your opponent and applying a myriad of chokes, holds, locks and joint manipulations is the foundation of this martial art. BJJ is normally practiced in a gi, which serves as a tool to give the student a greater element of control.
WHAT IS SUBMISSION GRAPPLING?
Submission Grappling is basically BJJ without a gi. Submission Grappling focuses on the gripping, handling, and controlling of an opponent without the use of striking. The aim is to obtain a submission, much like BJJ.
WHAT IS MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA)?
MMA is a sport in which two competitors attempt to achieve dominance over one another by utilizing a wide variety of permitted martial arts techniques, including striking and grappling. Well-known MMA organizations include the UFC and WEC. MMA is also sometimes referred to as “No Holds Barred” (“NHB”) or “Vale Tudo” (Portuguese for anything goes).
WHAT DOES YOUR MMA CLASS OFFER?
Our MMA classes cover 3 main ranges or “games” of combat:
Standup: Derived from elements of Western Boxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing.
Clinch: Derived from takedown and control elements of Judo, Greco-Roman Wrestling & Muay Thai.
Ground: Derived primarily from BJJ, but also includes grappling elements of Judo, Russian Sambo, and Greco-Roman Wrestling. Ground fighting is trained with strikes.