FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does the free trial work?
You get a full week of free classes. Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, or both. Come as many times as you want that week so you can meet the coaches, try more than one class, and decide without any pressure. No card required to start.
Do we need any experience to start?
No. Most of our students walked in with none. Our coaches meet you where you are, whether that is a 5 year old who has never done a sport or an adult who has not worked out in fifteen years.
What does it cost?
Full pricing is on our pricing page. Drop ins are $20 and Saturday open mat is free.
Do you offer a family or sibling discount?
Yes. Ask us about family rates when you come in for your trial week. Most of our families have more than one person training and we want to keep that affordable.
What age can my child start?
Toddler Mat Time starts at age 2 with a parent on the mat. From there students move up through Littles (5 to 7), Youth (8 to 12), and Teens (13 to 17) as they grow. Adults 18 and up train too, and plenty of our parents started because their kid did.
What should we wear and bring to the first class?
Comfortable athletic clothes. A T shirt with shorts, leggings, or sweats is perfect. Bring a water bottle, and tie back long hair before class. Do not buy anything yet. We loan Gis for Jiu Jitsu and wrestling shoes for wrestling during your trial week. Singlets are not required.
How early should we arrive?
Fifteen minutes before your first class. That gives us time to introduce you to the coaches, show you around, and get your loaner gear sorted so nobody is rushing.
What happens in the first class?
We introduce your child to the room by name and the class welcomes them. A coach or a senior student stays with them the whole hour. They will meet their instructors, learn basic movements, practice a few beginner techniques, and learn how we do things on the mat. The goal for day one is that they want to come back.
Is Jiu Jitsu safe for kids?
Yes, and it is the first question almost every parent asks. Classes are grouped by age. Technique is taught and drilled before it is ever done live. A coach is watching the entire time. Controlled movement, body awareness, and good training habits are the foundation of everything we teach.
Will my child have to spar?
Not right away. The first week is about learning the environment and the basic movements. Once they are comfortable, we introduce controlled beginner sparring so they can actually use what they are learning. It is always supervised and always adjusted for age, size, experience, and comfort level.
Will my child have to compete?
No. Competition is completely optional and most of our students train for other reasons: confidence, fitness, self defense, discipline, and personal growth. If your kid does want to compete, we have a competition team with additional coaching and tournament preparation.
Do you work with kids who have ADHD or are on the spectrum?
Yes, and not as an accommodation. Coach Roger has ADHD himself and has coached neurodivergent kids for years. Some kids need redirection, some need three reminders and a laugh, some need us to slow all the way down. We adapt to the kid in front of us. Athletic ability is not a requirement either. Many of our students came to us after quitting a sport they did not enjoy.
Do parents stay during class?
Yes, and we want you to. The viewing area is small but we make it work. Watching your kid get a little braver every week is the whole point.
How often should we train?
Two to three classes a week is where most students see real progress. But every family's schedule is different and we would rather you build something you can keep up than burn out in a month.
Is there a beginner class?
Yes. Our Fundamentals class runs Mondays and covers the essential techniques and movements every new student needs. Good for brand new students and for anyone who wants extra time on the basics.
Do you have a women's only class?
Yes. Coach Stacey Magallon leads our women's program, open to all levels, Gi and No Gi. Practical self defense, real technique, and a room full of women figuring it out together. Private lessons are available too.
Can adults and kids train at the same time?
Most of our families do exactly that. Toddler through adult all run under the same roof, and plenty of parents are on the mat instead of in the parking lot.
What is open mat, and can I come if I train somewhere else?
Open mat is free, most Saturdays, and open to anyone. Students from other gyms are welcome, whatever patch is on your sleeve. Come roll.
Do you accept charter school funds?
Yes. We are approved vendors for Mission Vista Academy and Sage Oak Charter Schools, and we work with homeschool families. Ask us how to apply your student funds toward classes.
Is Jiu Jitsu good for self defense?
Yes, and it is the reason a lot of parents call us. Jiu Jitsu teaches control, escapes, positioning, and problem solving under pressure. It is built for the person who is smaller than the person in front of them.
Who teaches the classes?
Professor Roger Ruiz, Coach Stacey Magallon heads our women's program, and Coach Nalani Keopuhiwa assists.
What makes Ruiz Grappling Academy different?
We are not a franchise. We are a family run community gym with no politics and no egos, which is the specific reason Coach Roger opened it. We teach both Jiu Jitsu and wrestling, we have classes from toddlers through adults including a women's only class, and most of our families train together instead of dropping off. There is no room here for bullies or prejudice of any kind. Beyond that, anyone willing to learn will do well here.