Safe adult Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Riverside, Jacksonville for beginners and hobbyists
Learn, grow and have a good time, even if you’re “old”
✔︎ 1 week trial, unlimited classes
✔︎ No lock-in contracts
✔︎ Built for hobbyists
You don’t need to be in shape first.
You don’t need experience.
And you definitely don’t need to train like a full-time fighter.
At Base Camp, we help regular adults in Jacksonville build real skill, real confidence, and real fitness through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a way that feels welcoming, challenging, and sustainable.
That includes busy professionals, parents, beginners, hobbyists — and plenty of people who never saw themselves as “martial arts people” until they tried it.
Whether you want a better workout, practical self-defense, stress relief, or just something that makes you feel sharp and capable again…
This is a place to start.
Beginner-friendly BJJ for adults who want more than another boring workout
Most gyms want you to train like you’re 22 and chasing medals.
That’s great… if you’re 22 and chasing medals.
Base Camp is different.
We keep things simple:
- Smart, sustainable training
- A chill crew with zero ego
- No pressure to compete
- Real improvements you can feel in and out of class
You’re not here to get hurt.
You’re not here to prove anything.
You’re here to get strong, stay healthy, learn something real, and actually enjoy showing up.
Who this Jacksonville BJJ program is for
This is for you if:
- You want to get in shape, but the gym doesn’t keep your interest
- You like the idea of self-defense, but not getting punched in the face
- You feel stiff, rusty, or less athletic than you used to
- You want hard training without reckless training
- You want something that challenges your body and your mind
- You want to train with good people, not weirdos trying to win every round
- You’re a busy parent and realize… you might want something for yourself too
You do not need to “get fit first.”
That’s backwards.
You get fitter by starting.
Never tried BJJ before? You’re in the right place.
If you’ve never tried BJJ before, that’s fine.
Actually — that’s exactly who this is built for.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that teaches you how to control, defend, and stay calm under pressure.
No striking.
No head shots.
No big muscles required.
Think of it like physical chess.
You learn how to move smarter, not harder.
And while you’re learning:
- You get stronger
- You improve your conditioning
- You move your body through ranges of motion you probably haven’t used in years
- You clear your head for an hour
- You leave feeling better than when you walked in
That’s why so many adults stick with BJJ longer than they ever stuck with a normal gym routine.
Why Base Camp feels different from other BJJ gyms in Jacksonville
A lot of adults feel intimidated walking into a martial arts gym for the first time.
That’s exactly why culture matters here.
We want Base Camp to feel like a place where beginners, parents, women, and hobbyists can all train hard, learn real skills, and still feel comfortable from day one.
Less chaos. More coaching.
You won’t get lost in a giant room packed with people.
Built for beginners and hobbyists.
You can start where you are and improve at your own pace.
Focused on longevity.
This is training you can actually sustain.
Low-ego culture.
You’ll train with normal adults ✌️ not people trying to prove they’re the toughest person in the room.
No pressure to compete.
You can train because you love it, not because you want medals.
What your first BJJ class at Base Camp looks like
Here’s how it usually goes:
You sign up for the free trial.
You come in a little nervous.
We get you set up.
You learn a few techniques.
You move around.
You get a great workout.
You realize this is way more beginner-friendly than you expected.
And by the end of that first week, one of two things usually happens:
Either you say, “Cool, that was fun.”
Or you say:
“Man… I should’ve started this years ago.”
Book your free 1-week trial
Built by someone just like you
Hi, I’m Brian.
I’m a chiropractor, purple belt, homeschooling dad, and lifelong student of movement, mindset, and martial arts.
I built Base Camp because I wanted a place where my kids could train, and where I could too, without getting injured or feeling out of place.
If that sounds like what you’re after, come try it out.
First week’s free. Worst case, you get a few workouts and some good laughs.
Best case? You find your second home.
FAQs
What’s the class schedule?
Mondays and Wednesdays:
10:30-11:30am (home school families: kids and parents)
11:45am-12:45pm (adults)
4:15-5pm (kids, 4-8 years old)
5:15-6:15pm (kids, 9-14 years old)
6:30-7:30pm (adults)
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
6:30-7:30am (adults)
Saturdays:
TBD – afternoon
What’s the price to join?
Our current monthly tuition fees are as follows, and include unlimited age-appropriate classes per month):
$150/month
$140/month (second family member – parents/children)
$130/month (third family member – parents/children)
$0/month (fourth and fifth family members)
$100/month (each family member beyond the sixth)
Drop-in, one-off class fee: $30.
* fees may change in the future, particularly as more class availability is added.
Am I too old for BJJ?
Nope! You’re not too young or old for BJJ! The flexibility, strength, camaraderie and confidence that come from training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu benefits people of all ages. For now we’re starting young people at four years old because kids of that age generally have the maturity and attention span to grasp retain the movements and mentality behind jiu jitsu. On the higher end, there’s no upper limit. As long as you can get up and down from the floor (and BJJ helps train that, too!) you’re good to go! We’ll tailor your training around any specific physical limitations.
Can I do a trial class before deciding?
Yes of course! You and your family are invited to come in for a free one-week trial (come for as many classes as you like during that week!). To get started with your trial period simply complete the form here.
What facilities do you have?
Mats, bathroom, changing room, water
Do I need a gi? What about during my trial?
Yes, you’ll get to enjoy the pride of gi ownership. When you come for your trial class, we’ll have a loaner gi and belt for you to use. Once you’ve become a full-fledged, card-carrying member of Base Camp, we’ll direct to a place where you can easily quickly and easily purchase your very own inexpensive, high-quality gi. Where you go from there is up to you, and there are LOTS of great options.
I’m new and I want to do No-gi
We’ll only be offering gi classes, for now. That’s more traditional approach to BJJ and so that’s our emphasis. Plus, who doesn’t want to dress up in cool pajamas and wear colorful belts? There are plenty of other schools that offer no-gi classes, and that’s fun, too!
Where are you located? What’s great about this place?
Base Camp is conveniently located on Park Street in Riverside, Jacksonville. Riverside’s one of Jacksonville’s most vibrant, colorful and welcoming neighborhoods in all of Jacksonville. With Murray Hill, Five Points, Avondale nearby, and with easy access to I-10 and I-95, Base Camp is perfectly situated to make your life better. Come by Base Camp for a jiu jitsu class and an adjustment, and stick around the area for breakfast, lunch or a drink!
Do women train here?
Yes. Base Camp is for regular adults, not just hardcore competitors or fight-gym types. Women train here too, especially those looking for a welcoming place to get stronger, move better, and learn real self-defense.
Try it FREE for a week. Book your 1st class here!
Sign up for 1 week of FREE unlimited classes to help you decide if Base Camp Jiu Jitsu is the right gym for you. Zero pressure. Maximum laughs. You’ll have the opportunity to learn jiu jitsu techniques, practice them on a partner, and ask any questions. We’ll take good care of you the whole way!