12 Week Adult Beginner Jiu Jitsu Program in Oakley, CA
START JIU JITSU THE RIGHT WAY.
A structured 12-week beginner program designed specifically for adults with little to no experience.
Learn authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a supportive environment while developing real self-defense skills, confidence, fitness, and technical understanding step by step.
No experience required. No ego necessary.
BUILT FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS
Walking into your first jiu jitsu class can feel intimidating.
Most adults worry they:
- aren’t in shape,
- are too old,
- have never done martial arts,
- or will get thrown into advanced classes before they’re ready.
That’s exactly why this program exists.
Our 12 Week Beginner Program was built to give adults a structured path into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without feeling overwhelmed.
Instead of randomly learning techniques with no context, you’ll develop a foundational understanding of:
- self-defense,
- positional control,
- submissions,
- escapes,
- and how real grappling exchanges actually work.
Most of our students started with zero experience.
LEARN THE FOUNDATIONS OF REAL JIU JITSU
This course is designed to help beginners understand the major phases of a real fight, sparring exchange, or jiu jitsu match.
Over 12 weeks, students will develop a foundational understanding of the core concepts, positions, and strategies that make Brazilian Jiu Jitsu effective.
THE 4 PHASES OF THE PROGRAM
PHASE 1 — TAKEDOWNS, DISTANCE MANAGEMENT & STRIKE AWARENESS
Learn how to safely close distance, manage strikes, control posture, and bring an opponent to the ground while minimizing risk.
Students will begin developing:
- balance
- posture
- movement
- grip fighting
- clinch awareness
- and basic takedown concepts
PHASE 2 — GUARD PASSING & GUARD PLAY
Understand one of the most important positions in jiu jitsu:
the guard.
Students will learn:
- how to stay safe inside the guard
- how to pass the guard
- how to control distance
- and how to begin attacking and defending from bottom positions
PHASE 3 — POSITIONAL CONTROL & SUBMISSIONS
Develop an understanding of dominant positions and how submissions are applied safely and effectively.
Students will learn:
- mount
- side control
- back control
- transitions
- pressure
- control mechanics
- and fundamental submissions
PHASE 4 — SURVIVAL & ESCAPES
One of the most important skills in jiu jitsu is learning how to stay calm under pressure.
Students will develop:
- defensive awareness
- escape mechanics
- survival strategies
- and confidence in difficult positions
This phase helps students become harder to control, harder to overwhelm, and more confident under pressure.
WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM DIFFERENT
Unlike many martial arts programs that throw beginners directly into advanced classes, our system is designed specifically to help adults progress safely and confidently.
At Growth Mindset Collective, beginners receive:
- structured instruction
- step-by-step progression
- direct coaching
- technical guidance
- and a supportive training environment
You do not need:
- prior martial arts experience
- athletic ability
- flexibility
- or to “get in shape first.”
You simply need to begin.
This program is ideal for adults who want to:
- learn real self-defense
- build confidence
- improve fitness
- challenge themselves mentally and physically
- develop discipline
- reduce stress
- train in a supportive environment
- or begin their martial arts journey the right way
Whether you’re 25 or 55, this program was designed to help regular adults safely develop real skill over time.
WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR
YOUR COACH
TRAIN WITH COACH MARK MILLER
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt - Eduardo Rocha Lineage
Coach Mark Miller has over 20 years of martial arts experience and has been teaching since 2009. As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under 5-time world champion Eduardo Rocha, his coaching combines technical precision with a beginner-friendly teaching approach that helps adults learn safely and effectively.
Known for his ability to simplify complex concepts and create a supportive learning environment, Coach Mark has helped students of all backgrounds begin and continue their jiu jitsu journey.
20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE | TEACHING SINCE 2009 | BAY AREA & OAKLEY, CA
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE MAT
Growth Mindset Collective runs structured, coached sessions — not open mat chaos. Every class has a plan, every round has purpose, and every student is accountable to the group.
STRUCTURED ROUNDS
Classes follow a consistent format: warm-up, technique instruction, positional drilling, and timed live rounds. You always know what's happening and why.
COACHED SPARRING
Instructors stay on the mat during live rounds — calling corrections, adjusting intensity, and making sure every roll is productive and safe.
EGO-FREE CULTURE
Experienced students are expected to develop newer ones — not dominate them. The mat culture here rewards technical growth, not gym politics.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know before your first class.
Do I need any experience to start?
No experience is required. Our Adult Beginner program is built from the ground up for adults who have never trained before. You'll learn alongside other beginners in a structured, pressure-free environment.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable athletic wear — board shorts, spats, a rash guard, or a t-shirt and gym shorts. You do not need a gi (uniform) for your first visit. We'll let you know what to get once you decide to continue.
How fit do I need to be before starting?
You don't need to be fit to start — jiu jitsu is how you get fit. Most beginners are surprised by the workout. Classes are paced to be challenging but manageable, and your conditioning improves naturally over your first few months.
What happens during a first class?
You'll be welcomed by Coach Mark or a senior student, given a brief orientation to the mat, and paired with a training partner at your level. You'll observe or participate in the warm-up, watch the technique demonstration, and participate in drilling. New students typically ease into live sparring over their first few sessions.
Is training safe for beginners?
Yes. Live sparring for beginners is supervised and progressive — you won't be thrown into uncontrolled rounds your first day. Coaches monitor every roll and experienced students are instructed to train cooperatively with newer members.
How often should I train?
Two to three times per week is the recommended starting frequency for beginners. Consistency matters more than volume — showing up regularly three days a week will produce steady, visible progress within 60-90 days.
YOUR FIRST STEP STARTS HERE
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts in the world — but more importantly, it has the ability to change the way people carry themselves both physically and mentally.
This program is designed to help adults build a real foundation while training in a supportive and authentic environment.
No experience required. No commitment needed. Just show up.