Ground Rules Academy - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

7034 Commerce Cir Suite F, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA

(47 reviews)

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Gi Self-Defense

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Adults Classes Black Belt Instruction

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Academy in the East Bay. Transform your body and mind by learning grit, humility, respect, and self-discipline.

https://www.groundrulesacademy.com/

(925) 400-8805

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Reviews

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Urko Lapedriza

We recently moved from out of state and we’ve been very lucky to find Ground Rules for our son (aged 5). He has been attending classes for two months and he absolutely loves it. Russ and Maverick are fantastic at not only helping kids understand the sport but also the values associated with it. Totally recommend Ground Rules
Posted 1 year ago
Maksud Khodzhaev

My son attends Ground Rules Academy and absolutely loves it! His instructor, Russ, goes above and beyond to teach and support him. Every week, I see noticeable improvements in my son’s skills, confidence, and discipline. The environment is positive, welcoming, and focused on growth. I’m truly grateful for the care and dedication the instructors put into each session. Highly recommend this school to any parent looking to introduce their child to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!
Posted 1 year ago
Marcelo Oliveira

We absolutely love Ground Rules Academy! Our boys, 12 and 9, have been thriving in this incredibly positive and supportive environment. It’s easygoing and welcoming, yet still focused on discipline and growth. They’re not just learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—they’re learning a deeply respectable art while building confidence, respect, and resilience. Sensei Russ is a phenomenal coach—skilled, encouraging, and fantastic with kids. He creates the perfect balance of structure and fun, and truly brings out the best in his students. We’re so glad to be part of this community and highly recommend it to any family looking for a meaningful martial arts experience for their kids.
Posted 1 year ago
Nathan Grant

Ground Rules has been very good for my 7 year old, the instructor Russ is very patient and makes it fun for the kids. He incorporates a lot of games and other ways to keep the kids engaged while they are learning BJJ. He spends time with each of the kids training and teaching them and they learn quick. I highly recommend training here.
Posted 1 year ago
mark albano

I've been training on and off at Ground Rules Academy since last year, and it's been an awesome experience every time I come back. The instructor stands out for his clear, detailed instruction and incredibly hands-on teaching style. As a college professor and MIT graduate, he brings a level of clarity and structure to the class that makes it easier to understand and apply proper technique. The gym itself has a friendly, welcoming vibe and is always kept clean. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this is a great place to train.
Posted 1 year ago
Hassam Alhajaji

Ground Rules Academy is a top-notch! The facility is clean, spacious, and well-maintained, with a hospitable crew. Professor Russ is an incredible coach and forever a student of the game. Such an amazing place to learn and practice!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Makhtob Khodzhaeva

My son has been attending Jiu-Jitsu classes here, and we are beyond impressed! The instructor is highly skilled, patient, and amazing with kids. He creates a supportive and disciplined environment where students not only learn self-defense but also build confidence, focus, and respect.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Samantha Smith

We have 2 boys who have been really enjoying this sport. Ground Rules is a great gym that has been so wonderful to learn more and grow their understanding.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Tyte

I recently started to come to GRA and I recommend going. Everyone was super welcoming and patient with me.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Robin Rehagen

Highly recommended. I'm reviewing as a parent of two young children (ages 6 and 8) learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Sensei Russ creates a very positive learning environment for the children. He is a not only an expert at the techniques he is teaching, but more importantly for the children, he is a trained educator. He is able to work well with both my children (one of whom has trouble focusing in group settings), and find ways to use positive reinforcement to motivate them to put out their best effort and use good behavior. Sensei Russ's teaching philosophy is that the strategies we must use to succeed at jiu-jitsu are broadly applicable to every aspect of life, and I can see this philosophy in action as he helps the children build confidence and resilience in a challenging yet supportive environment. Additionally, the facilities are brand new, comfortable, and very clean. The location is also convenient: adjacent to the Pleasanton Costco and the Alamo Canal trail (for parents who want to shop/exercise during the class).

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
M Jeung

Beautiful well kept space, clean and spacious facility. Gym has its own parking lot and located in a nice, quiet area. Russ is a professional educator and very knowledgeable in the art of jiujitsu. I can tell he cares a lot about what he does and anyone who trains here is in good hands. Everyone I met on the mats was really cool and I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to train.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Mike Bowser

I would like to thank Coach Russel for welcoming me into his school. Great instructor, I loved the layout and the students and curriculum. One thing that is unique about this school is the mat which sits on an elevated platform enables the students to perform high level take downs with no fear of injury. Most schools lack this and it was definitely a plus in my book looking at the different schools I have come across in my travels. If you are in the Pleasanton area and looking to train or if you're looking to start some self defense classes, you can't find better than Ground Rules Academy!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Shazi Lodhi

I recently started attending GRA, and I can’t recommend it enough! The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable, with tons of experience in Jiu-Jitsu. His teaching style is clear, patient, and effective. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the gym itself is clean and well-maintained. I feel challenged and motivated every time I step on the mat. If you’re looking to improve your Jiu-Jitsu skills in a supportive, professional environment, this is the place to be!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Shannon Hottinger

This is a community gem! Ground Rules Academy has all the right things: a compassionate and skilled leader, a community and family friendly vibe, and high expectations for participants.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Sonny P-M

I Had dropped into an open mat event at Ground Rules a couple of weeks ago. I've got to admit that I am impressed at how nicely organized, upkept, and presentable the entire facility was. The Owner/Instructor/Professor Russ has amazing technique & prowess and is genuinely a great person. The vibe and atmosphere is very welcoming and Russ has a non-archaic mindset/outlook on the grappling martial arts. I will definitely keep visiting the Ground Rules establishment in the continuous future. Professor Russ, Thanks for allowing my friend and I to train with you Sir.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jennifer Andres

Huge Rave for Ground Rules Academy - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The kids are always smiling and having so much fun while learning new BJJ skills. They offer two free trial classes for all ages and experience levels. Check them out! They are located near the Pleasanton Costco.

Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
C Sun

I had a great time working with people here on an open mat session. From my earlier life experiences this appears to be a great place to learn with people who care about movement in the art and respect for their training partners. This is a very welcoming environment that I hope to find time to visit again in the future.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Taylor Sterne

This is my first time doing Jiu

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Diego Donovan

I love coming to roll here as much as possible. It’s very clean and the people and owner are incredible people.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Carlos Tapia

I'm a first-time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and couldn't be happier that my initial foray into this martial art is at Ground Rules Academy under Sensei Russ Jensen's tutelage. Sensei Russ is patient, kind, experienced, and is a walking BJJ encyclopedia. He definitely has a gift for teaching and delivers lessons enthusiastically in fun and challenging ways and motivates you to strive for excellence. Sensei Russ is always willing to help work with you on mastering fundamentals and building your skillset and finds ways to explain techniques in a variety of ways to assist in retaining and digesting info. The gym is very clean and everyone that attends is respectful, welcoming, and friendly (until its go time during sparring! 😊) There's a strong sense of comradery at Ground Rules and it feels like you're exploring the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu together as a team

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jessica Barr

We recently started our 5 year old at Ground Rules Academy, and we are so happy we signed up. The school has such a family feel, and Sensei Russ is incredibly patient. He somehow delicately balances fun and discipline. I’m shocked at the skills and respect my son is learning so early on. I was worried the 3x week commitment would be too much for us, but he is genuinely excited to go each day. If you are thinking about enrolling your child in jiu jitsu, can’t recommend Ground Rules enough!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Diego Diaz

If you have ever considered jiu jitsu training, Ground Rules in Pleasanton is the place to start! I had absolutely no training of any kind when I first came to meet Sensei Russ. He took me under his wing and has been a great mentor in my journey through learning BJJ. I cannot recommend this facility enough for a wonderful first experience on the mat! (I also appreciate how clean it is here)

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Amaru Davis

I came in from LA and wanted to continue my training while I was away. I looked up some schools that had classes and open mats on the weekends and stumbled upon this academy. Sensei is really cool and very experienced not only with training but with competition fights as well. Everyone I rolled with was very chill and friendly. A major plus. The gym is very nice. Very open with lots of room and space. Overall great atmosphere for training!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Perry Sales

Ground Rules Academy, an exciting new Jiu-Jitsu school in Pleasanton that is setting a high standard for the local martial arts community. Under black belt instructor Russell Jensen, the academy brings a wealth of experience and authenticity to its training programs. The facility itself is clean, spacious, and appropriately equipped. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the welcoming atmosphere immediately puts you at ease. The mats are top-quality, providing a safe and comfortable space for learning and rolling. One of the standout qualities of Ground Rules Academy is the strong sense of community. The instructors are not only highly skilled but also approachable and passionate about helping students improve. Each class is well-structured, blending solid technical instruction with ample time to drill and roll, ensuring that everyone gets the opportunity to grow and develop their skills. Russell Jensen brings a wealth of knowledge and a down-to-earth teaching style that resonates with students. His passion for Jiu-Jitsu is evident, and he goes the extra mile to ensure that students understand both the techniques and the underlying principles of the art. In short, Ground Rules Academy is an excellent place to train Jiu-Jitsu, whether you’re looking to improve your skills, get in shape, or join a supportive community. It’s a welcome addition to Pleasanton and a must-visit for anyone looking to begin or continue their Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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Posted 1 year ago
Christopher Ortuno

Good group of people with an amazing instructor. GREAT space for adults and children to learn self discipline, defense, and courage. If you give Russ your time, he will transform you.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jon Zinke-Zagarella

Sensei Russ is a fantastic BJJ teacher. My sons (age 7 and 5) have been training under him for years and his patience with them is great.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
christian hulbert

Sensei Russ is energetic and excited to teach, and the training is some of the best in the area. I recommend dropping by if you are interested in learning jiujitsu!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Ryan Kabutan

Ground Rules Academy is a great place to learn and train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Sensei Russ is an excellent instructor and does a great job of making everyone, of all skill levels, feel welcome. There are some incredible signup discounts on the website as well as information about the Grand Opening this Sunday (08/25/14) @ 4pm which includes a jiu jitsu fundamentals seminar!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
J R

Ground Rules Academy is run by a great instructor, Russ who is a Chemistry PHD. He is very keen to detail and a hard worker. HIGHLY recommend training here.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
JP Rastrullo

Highly experienced instructor who is proficient at teaching, as he is also a tenured Chemistry professor and holds a PhD from MIT. Sensei Russ cares about helping his students reach their potential and will guide you into all aspects related to the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He offers free trial classes for new students, as well as discounts for families, veterans, first-responders, and college students!

Instructors Pricing
Posted 2 years ago
Maverik Wilson

Nice training space and some of the best instruction in the area. The sign up deal is a great bonus too!

Instructors Facility Pricing
Posted 2 years ago
Sydney Smith

I tried a class for my first time and it was an amazing experience. It was educational and an amazing work out! I will be going back and highly recommend taking a class here. Sensei Russ made the class unforgettable highly recommend training with him.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jennifer Martinez

I recently took a self-defense class with Sensei Russ at his new location with friends and it was so much fun! Russ is an exceptional instructor, making what appears to be complex techniques easy to learn! Along with getting a good work out in without having to go to the gym!! HIGHLY recommend this academy for anyone looking to boost their self-defense skills!!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jennifer Sorman

Amazing class, amazing instructors. Learned some great techniques. Will be coming back.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Prithvi Noojibail

Great place to learn BJJ.

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Posted 2 years ago
Slava Chistol

Sensei Russ is an excellent teacher with so much knowledge and experience to share, capable of explaining even complicated moves in simple terms and making it easy to remember and use. Whether you’re new to martial arts or an experienced fighter you’ll find something to learn. Highly recommended!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Brandon Correa

Clean and a safe place to learn Jiu Jitsu at any age. Sensei Russell is an amazing instructor

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago