Free Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Military Members & First Responders in Rochester, NY

Heroes BJJ is Rochester Jiu Jitsu's free Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for members of the military and first-responder community.

The program brings together active-duty military members, veterans, firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and other first responders for dedicated BJJ training at our academy in Irondequoit.

Heroes BJJ is free to attend. No previous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience is required.

VIEW HEROES BJJ SCHEDULE

What Is Heroes BJJ?

Heroes BJJ provides military members and first responders with an opportunity to learn and train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu together, regardless of previous experience.

Some participants are experienced BJJ practitioners. Others walk onto the mat having never trained in a martial art before.

Both are welcome.

Classes provide structured instruction and opportunities to practice techniques with other participants in a welcoming training environment.

There is no requirement to compete and no expectation that you arrive already in shape or familiar with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Just come ready to learn and train.

Who Can Attend?

Heroes BJJ is intended for members of the military and first-responder community, including:

• Active-duty military
• Military veterans
• Firefighters
• Law enforcement officers
• Emergency medical services personnel
• Other first responders

If you aren't sure whether you qualify for the program, contact us and we'll be happy to answer your questions.

Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art built around controlling positions, escapes, leverage, takedowns, and submissions.

Unlike training that relies on practicing techniques without resistance, BJJ allows students to regularly work against training partners who are actively trying to control, escape, and counter them.

That creates a constantly changing problem to solve.

Students learn to remain composed, make decisions under pressure, recognize opportunities, and continue working when their first solution doesn't succeed.

For military members and first responders, it also provides an opportunity to train alongside people who understand many of the experiences and demands associated with those professions.

Led by Experienced Instructors

Heroes BJJ is supported by experienced Rochester Jiu Jitsu instructors, including Head Instructor Jason Eggleston .

Jason is a third-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, former military combatives instructor, and National Army Combatives Champion. His military and combatives background gives him a personal connection to the Heroes BJJ program and the community it serves.

Other Rochester Jiu Jitsu instructors and experienced students also contribute to the program, providing participants with access to a broad range of experience and training partners.

MEET JASON EGGLESTON

Never Trained BJJ Before?

That's not a problem.

You don't need any martial arts experience to participate in Heroes BJJ.

New students learn the same fundamentals that form the foundation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: movement, positioning, control, escapes, takedowns, and submissions.

You'll be training alongside people with different levels of experience, and our instructors will help you get started.

You also don't need to "get in shape first."

The best way to become accustomed to BJJ training is to start training.

What Should I Bring?

For your first class, comfortable athletic clothing is enough.

A T-shirt or rash guard with athletic shorts or training pants works well. Clothing should not have exposed zippers, buttons, or anything else that could injure a training partner.

If you already own appropriate BJJ equipment, you're welcome to bring it.

Bring water and arrive a little early so we can introduce you to the instructors and answer any questions before training begins.

Heroes BJJ Schedule

Heroes BJJ is held at Rochester Jiu Jitsu:

563 Titus Avenue
Irondequoit, NY 14617

Check our current schedule for the most up-to-date Heroes BJJ class times.

VIEW CURRENT SCHEDULE

Join Heroes BJJ

If you're an active-duty military member, veteran, firefighter, law enforcement officer, EMS professional, or other first responder and you've been interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Heroes BJJ gives you an opportunity to try it at no cost.

No experience is necessary.

No competition is required.

Heroes BJJ is free for eligible participants.

Come train with us.

COME TRAIN WITH US