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The Front Jiu-Jitsu Collective

Unlimited Jiu-Jitsu classes, open mats, and more included with membership.

Bringing Salt Lake City’s dynamic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community to our South Main location, The Front Jiu-Jitsu Collective offers the opportunity to train with dedicated instructors from around the Wasatch Front. All Jiu-Jitsu classes are included with your Front membership or day pass, with no limits on how many classes you can attend. Sign up in advance below.

Never tried a Jiu-Jitsu class with The Front before? Your first visit is free – sign up for a class at the South Main Front Desk to experience.

First Visit & Waiver

We’re located on the third floor of The Front South Main. If you’ve never taken a Jiu-Jitsu class with us before, your first visit is free – sign up for a class at the Front Desk to experience. All participants must have a Front waiver on file before joining us in the studio.

Registration and Cancellation Policy

Participants must register for their spot before class. Sign up using our calendar below or on the Pebble Climbing app.

Our class booking window is 3 days to ensure you have an opportunity to get into the classes you want, and that your life’s schedule doesn’t change too much between now and then. There is a $5 charge for each no-show or late cancellation (less than 8 hours notice). If you have signed up for a class and you know you won’t be able to attend, please go to your original point of registration and cancel your registration at least 8 hours prior to the class time to avoid a charge and to give the spot to someone else.

Accommodation Requests

We want to help accommodate your needs to make our classes work for you. We will need a minimum of 48 hours to provide reasonable accommodation. One full week of prior notice to the class is preferred for larger requests.

Examples include earplugs or altered light/music levels for light and noise sensitivity, assisted physical support systems, priority classroom placement, minor class instruction adjustments, an interpreter or caller, etc.

You can fill out our accommodation form here.

Feedback

Let us know how your recent group fitness class went when you fill out our feedback form here.

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Studio Rules:

  • Children under 14 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
  • Pre-register for class in advance.
  • Participate at your own risk! Jiu-Jitsu involves hand-to-hand combat, live sparring, and gymnastic and unpredictable movements that involve risks of severe injury and death.
  • Tap early and tap often - keep your focus on learning and improving.
  • No shoes on the mats.
  • Practice good hygiene and do not attend if you are sick or have a contagion.
  • Silence phones and devices; no recording unless given permission by staff.
  • Pay attention and follow instructions


Class Attire:

  • Wear clean clothes and bathe prior to class, including washing your feet.
  • Gi's are available for use in the Jiu Jitsu room. Please come to class 5-10 minutes early for assistance finding a suitable Gi size.
  • After class, borrowed Gi's should be placed in the hamper outside the Jiu Jitsu room after every use.
  • Rashguard, spats or shorts are recommended for both No-Gi and Gi classes. Form-fitting t-shirts that you are comfortable working out in will also suffice. Baggy clothing can create technical obstacles and cause injury to yourself and/or others.
  • Avoid athletic gear with zippers, ties, buttons, or other hardware that may cause injury and/or damage the mats.
  • Hair tied back and kept outside face/neck area (to avoid getting pulled).
  • Taping or removing all jewelry to avoid injury to yourself and others.
  • Keep both fingernails and toenails trimmed.

Jiu-Jitsu (aka, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ) is a grappling based martial art that involves standing takedowns (wrestling/judo) and ground-based submission fighting, where opponents try to “tap” or submit each other with strangulations, joint locks and other techniques. While it is a full contact sport, it is affectionately referred to as “the beautiful art” or “human chess” because it was developed to allow a smaller, “weaker” person to defend against and neutralize a larger attacker or opponent with movement technique and leverage, rather than brute force, size and strength.

Like any hand to hand combat, live sparring can result in incidental bumps, knocks and other injuries, but Jiu-Jitsu does not involve striking, like boxing or karate.

You’re not required to have one, but it is an additional precaution to mouth injuries.

Yes! If you’ve ever watched MMA, you’ve probably seen “the beautiful art” in action when things go to the ground. Jiu-Jitsu focuses on taking your opponent to the ground and submitting them, both skills are useful in self-defense.

Live sparring, aka, “rolling” is always optional. You can learn a lot of Jiu-Jitsu and get a workout without rolling.

It depends on whether you are attending a Gi or No-Gi class. If it is No-Gi, you can wear workout clothes such as a t-shirt and shorts (no buckles or metal please), although people commonly wear a rashguard so that their clothes don’t get damaged. If it is a Gi class, you can buy or rent a Gi from our gear shop.

You might know it as a “karate outfit” as they are somewhat similar in style and share common origins, but a “Gi” is the modern Japanese uniform for grappling martial arts, enabling students to grip onto each other with control. A Gi is usually made from heavy cotton material, consisting of 3 parts: loosely fitted pant bottoms, a (heavy) jacket top, and a belt tied around the waist/hips to keep the jacket in place.

Yes. Loaner Gis are available to borrow in the Jiu-Jitsu studio. New students should come 5-10 minutes early to their first class to get help finding the appropriate size Gi. After use, borrowed Gis should be placed in a hamper located on the outside of the Jiu-Jitsu studio.

Yes, see our schedule for when they are offered.

Anyone 6 or older may attend classes, but children under 14 must be supervised by an adult (come train with your kids!).

Please reserve your spot through RGPro Connect. It helps our instructors keep track of classes and add more if they get too popular!

Instructors and students work together to clean/disinfect the mats after every class that does not have another class immediately after.

Yes, we have black belt instructors that can progress students along the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system. Belt advancement is based on time spent on the mat, skill level, competition and other experience. Unlike many other martial arts, belt progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is demanding and often takes 10 years or more of intensive training to achieve black belt level.

Most Jiu-Jitsu schools are under one banner with a head instructor who owns a gym and teaches most of the classes. The Front Jiu-Jitsu Collective is a gathering of instructors and students from various schools around the Wasatch Front.

Yes, during specified Member Open Mats! Member Open Mats are offered during varying days/hours during the week and weekends. Members can view the schedule and register for times through the RGPro App or online.

We recommend getting a comfortable mouthpiece, but the use of “cups” is generally discouraged due to the discomfort caused to your training partner (and sometimes to yourself).

Absolutely! We want to help accommodate your needs to make our classes work for you. We will need a minimum of 48 hours to provide reasonable accommodation. One full week of prior notice to the class is preferred for larger requests.

Examples include earplugs or altered light/music levels for light and noise sensitivity, assisted physical support systems, priority classroom placement, minor class instruction adjustments, an interpreter or caller, etc.

You can fill out your accommodation form here.

The Front offers both gi and no-gi Jiu-Jitsu classes that involve warmup drills, technique instruction, partner drills and live sparring (AKA "rolling"). These classes incorporate elements of self-defense and modern sport Jiu-Jitsu techniques.

COMPETITION JIU-JITSU
This class is for anyone looking to train at competition-level intensity or prepare for upcoming tournaments. Instructors typically facilitate simulation of the competition environment with attention to various rulesets and points systems. This class is generally a No-Gi class, but we will accommodate Gi training as well. There will opportunities for situational sparring followed by open sparring.

GI JIU-JITSU
Technique, drills and sparring (rolling) in the traditional Jiu-Jitsu Gi - a powerful gripping tool used to maintain control of your training partner. Loaner Gis are available in the studio for students to wear during class. Please return borrowed Gis to the hamper outside the studio when class is over.

NO-GI JIU-JITSU
No-Gi technique, drills, and sparring (with body-based grips). Preferred attire: spats or shorts and rashguard, but any athletic gear without zippers or other hardware will do.

JIU JITSU POSITIONAL TRAINING
This class is a great introduction to training and sparring (rolling) with a training partner. You will utilize positional setups determined by the instructor and have the opportunity to practice techniques previously learned during regular class time. Both No-Gi and Gi rolling are welcome. 

JIU-JITSU FUNDAMENTALS
This partner class breaks down the basics and is great for newbies and veterans alike. If you're new to the sport and are looking to build a solid foundation in your game or are looking to brush up on those old-school, high percentage moves, the fundamentals class is a great place to start. Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals classes are offered for both Gi and No-Gi formats.

JIU-JITSU 101 FOUNDATIONS
Taught on Tuesday/Thursday evenings, this course is designed to provide new students with a confident foundation to step into The Front's Jiu Jitsu program. The curriculum will cover Jiu Jitsu movement, self-defense, and positional hierarchy, as well as introduce students to the sport's culture before transitioning to our regularly scheduled program. This course is free for members.

JUDO
Judo is a standup-based art focusing on partner takedowns in the Gi. Learn how to take falls and throw explosively. Class will include technique, drills and standup sparring (Randori).

MEMBER OPEN MAT
Timed rounds with training partners to practice live sparring (rolling). Guests are welcome to come train with the use of guest or day passes. Open Mats will not have a regularly scheduled instructor. Open Mats do not offer a prepared class or instruction, students should come with prior knowledge and experience of the sport. Both No-Gi and Gi rolling are welcome.

MIXED MOVEMENT MOBILITY
A ground-based mixed movement class designed to strengthen and improve mobility. Combining yoga, martial arts, and primal movement with breathwork and mindfulness, Mixed Movement Mobility is a unique practice that can familiarize you with some of the ground-based movement that can be applicable to grappling martial arts.

WOMEN’S JIU-JITSU
Both No-Gi and Gi-based Jiu-Jitsu class options will be offered on the schedule. These classes are open to all women, teens 14 and up, and non-binary students who are more comfortable in a female-centered space. This is a beginner-friendly, inclusive class for those looking to learn and develop their skills. Taught by a team of female Jiu-Jitsu competitors, we'll help you reach your goals, whether you’re just starting or ready for competition training. All levels are welcome!

Class Schedule

Download Pebble to view the in-person Jiu-Jitsu schedule on-the-go and book your spot in class.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday or Thursday // 5:15p – 6:00p

Jiu-Jitsu 101 Foundations

Your first step in learning the art of Jiu-Jitsu! An introductory Jiu-Jitsu course designed to provide new or returning students with a confident foundation to step into The Front’s Jiu-Jitsu program.

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Rotating Hours

Member Open Mats

The studio will be open outside of class times for designated Member Open Mats, providing an opportunity to roll, drill, or spar with other students and instructors. The Jiu-Jitsu studio is closed to students/members outside of regularly scheduled classes and Member Open Mat options. Open Mat hours will be available to see on the RGPro Connect App, The Front website, and posted outside the Jiu-Jitsu studio.

Meet the Instructors

Click an instructor’s name to view their bio.

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Chris

Chris Wells
Belt: 4th Degree Black Belt under Pedro Sauer

Aside from a six-year hiatus to follow the Grateful Dead after college, Professor Chris Wells has been doing some form of grappling for most of his life. Wrestling from the age of 6, his path in Jiu-Jitsu began in 1999 with Master Pedro Sauer, earning his black belt in 2008. Since then he’s continued his progression with three more stripes, reflecting a rare skill and commitment to the sport. He’s competed the entire time and medaled in numerous IBJJF and NAGA tournaments, as well as multiple superfights. In addition, he’s an excellent teacher and we’re fortunate to have someone with his depth of experience leading classes here at The Front. Chris is adept at both Gi and No-Gi.

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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Tom

Tom Asturias
Belt: 2nd Degree Black

Tom Asturias is a black belt under professors James Gardner and John Carlquist. He first started Jiu-Jitsu with Pedro Sauer back in the Royce Gracie UFC 1 days before education and a career in the medical field took center stage in his life. Tom is a great example for those who have taken a hiatus from the sport. He returned to the mats later in life with the determination it takes to earn a black belt. Both his passion for the martial art and his patience with those willing to learn are apparent to those who have the opportunity to share the mats with him. Tom brings both a love for competition (with the medals to back it up) and a deep appreciation of the basics that make Jiu-Jitsu a great sport and martial art. He is grateful to have an incredibly supportive family who understands that Jiu-Jitsu is part of his whole being and affects every aspect of his life.

“The longer you do Jiu-Jitsu, the easier it is to recognize that it’s not about moving the other person. It’s about moving yourself.”

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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Nick

Nick Norman
Belt: 2nd Degree Black

Originally from NYC (Queens to be exact), Nick has been training Jiu-Jitsu for almost ten years, and earned his black belt under Professor Jomari Guarin. It all began as a form of exercise, but quickly became a form of expression. Driven by constant improvement and problem solving, he’s parlayed that into competition and has made multiple podium appearances in IBJJF and at the Abu Dhabi Trials. Nick has been teaching since he was a blue belt and his classes are always fun, no matter what your skill level is. When not training or teaching Jiu-Jitsu, he enjoys running and drawing.

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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Damon

Damon M.
Jiu-Jitsu Belt: Black

Bio coming soon!

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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George

George P.
Jiu-Jitsu Belt: Black

Bio coming soon!

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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Mike

Mike F.
Belt: Black

Mike has been wrestling competitively since the age of 12 before discovering Jiu-Jitsu in 2011. Since then he’s been hooked, and trained under the late great Pedro Sauer Black Belt Paul Sizemore, and more recently Chris Wells and Amir Allam. Mike is primarily focused on No-Gi submission grappling (but trains in the Gi, as well), and brings several years learning in the 10th Planet system both in Phoenix and SLC. He’s competed all over the US and has earned several gold medals in the advanced division. We’re stoked to have Mike here at The Front sharing his skills and love of Jiu-Jitsu.

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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Shannon

Shannon O.
Belt: Black

I didn't start Jiu-Jitsu until I was 38 years old, but it quickly became my favorite way to move and I love sharing my passion for the sport with students.

I've won Master Worlds in my age/weight class at Blue, Purple and Brown belts and am excited to compete as a new Black belt this year.

My favorite submissions are arm bars from anywhere, guillotines and pretty much anything from back control.

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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Ryan

Ryan H.
Belt: Coming Soon

Bio coming soon!

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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Lauren

Lauren Chidester
Belt: Purple

Bio coming soon!

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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Darren

Darren Shepard
Belt: Purple

Bio coming soon!

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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Daniel D.

Daniel D.
Judo Belt: Black
Jiu-Jitsu Belt: Blue

Bio coming soon!

Judo Instructor

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Chelsey

Chelsey Wilson
Jiu-Jitsu Belt: Blue

Bio coming soon!

Mixed Movement Mobility instructor