Adult Jiu Jitsu — Gi

Classic kimono training for real self-defense, technical mastery, and calm under pressure.

Whether you’re brand new or returning to the mat, our year-round Gi classes give you a clear, safe path to build real self-defense, fitness, and skill inside a supportive team culture in Oakley, CA.

What is Gi Jiu Jitsu (and why it matters)?

Gi (kimono) training adds grips and friction—collar, sleeve, and pant holds that slow the scramble and reward precision. That extra control:


  • sharpens balance, posture, and base,
  • develops grip fighting and grip breaks (huge for passing and pins),
  • unlocks gi-specific submissions (cross-collar, bow-and-arrow, Ezekiel), and
  • transfers to no-gi and self-defense by refining frames, angles, and timing.



If no gi is sprinting on a track, gi is chess with handles—both valuable, just different gears.

Train with Purpose. Grow with Community.

Why train Gi Jiu Jitsu at GMC?

Coach Mark holding down a student in side control.

Beginner-friendly structure: Clear progressions, start anytime.
Coach Mark passing the guard.
Coach Mark posing with 3 of his adult jiu jitsu students.
A group of men are practicing martial arts on a blue mat

Coaching & lineage: Head coach Mark Miller, black belt under Eduardo Rocha (student of Royler Gracie). 
Two women sparring during women's self defense class.

How a typical class runs

  1. Prep & movement – joint prep, breath, and fundamentals
  2. Technique block – 1–2 concepts with live, coachable details
  3. Drilling → positional sparring – progressive intensity to lock it in
  4. Live rounds (optional for new students) – safe, coached application

Curriculum: skills you’ll build

Standing to mat: posture, grips, snap-downs, basic judo entries, safe falls (ukemi).
Guard toolbox: closed/open guard, frames, hip movement, sweeps, off-balancing.
Passing systems: knee-slice, toreando, body-lock concepts adapted for gi grips.
Pins & transitions: side control, mount, back control—pressure without panic.
Submissions: cross-collar, bow-and-arrow, armbar, triangle, kimura series.
Self-defense integrations: distance management, clinch to control, verbal boundaries.

A woman in a blue kimono is kneeling on a yellow mat
Two men are wrestling on a blue mat in a gym

New to jiu jitsu or returning?

Brand new? Start in group classes now—we’ll ramp you safely and build confidence fast.

Have experience? Drop into Gi classes, then ask about competition rounds and seasonal prep blocks.
Prefer a fixed-cohort format? See our Courses page.

Schedule & what to wear

Check the live Training Schedule.
Wear a gi (jacket, pants, belt). If you don’t have one yet, we’ll size you—loaners available for your intro. Bring water and sandals for off-mat.

Try a Class—No Pressure, No Pushy Sales

We offer a free trial class for first-time students. Come see the space, meet Coach Mark, and experience our program firsthand.

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A Short History of Gi Jiu Jitsu

Modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grew out of Kodokan Judo (itself from Japanese jujutsu). In the early 1900s, judoka Mitsuyo Maeda shared his knowledge in Brazil; Carlos and Hélio Gracie refined a system that emphasized leverage and ground fighting for smaller practitioners. Training in the gi (kimono)—with collars, sleeves, and pants—shaped the art’s tactics: grip fighting, control, and gi-specific submissions. As BJJ spread worldwide, sport rulesets (e.g., IBJJF) formalized positions and scoring, and modern athletes developed advanced lapel and collar-based guards. Today, gi training remains a cornerstone for building precise mechanics that transfer to self-defense, no-gi, and MMA.



Why it matters for you: Gi grips slow the scramble, reward posture and timing, and teach control you can apply anywhere.

FAQs: What Adults Ask Before Starting

Is Gi harder than No Gi?

It’s different. The gi slows things down and rewards grip strategy and posture—great for learning clean mechanics.

Do I need to be in shape first?

No. Gi training builds conditioning as you go. We scale rounds and progressions.

Will I have to spar right away?

Only when you’re ready. We emphasize drilling and positional rounds first.

What do I wear for my first class?

Gi if you have one; otherwise we’ll provide a loaner. Wear sandals off-mat.

Can I train Gi and No Gi?

Absolutely. Many students do both. See our No Gi page.

Ready to start?

Come by and meet the coach, see the space, and try a class—no pressure.

Real Skills. Real Strength. Real Support.

What Makes This Program Different

Two woman are wrestling on a mat.

Effective Self-Defense for Real Life

We teach the techniques that actually work—regardless of your size or strength. You’ll learn how to escape grabs, defend from the ground, control space, and create opportunities to get away safely.
A student attempting to do an armbar from closed guard during the women's self defense class.

Voice, Boundaries, and Awareness

Self-defense begins long before a situation gets physical. You’ll build confidence in your ability to speak up, recognize warning signs, and assert yourself with clarity and strength.
Two girls are practicing martial arts on a mat
Two girls are shaking hands on a mat before they spar.
Two women are practicing jiu jitsu in a gym

Supportive Training. Lasting Impact.

This isn’t just about learning techniques—it’s about being seen, supported, and guided by someone who genuinely cares about your growth.

Small Groups, Big Results

Our women’s self-defense classes are intentionally small, so you’ll always receive individual attention, real-time feedback, and space to ask questions and grow at your own pace.

A woman judoka in a blue kimono is kneeling on a yellow mat
Two women are wrestling on a mat and one is wearing a no gi attire.

Progress That Fits You

There’s no one-size-fits-all path here. Whether you repeat the course, take it slow, or move toward our regular adult classes, we’ll support the pace and direction that feels right for you.

Led by Coach Mark Miller

Over the years, Coach Mark has stepped in—both inside and outside the gym—to protect women facing abuse and danger. These real-life experiences are part of what drives his commitment to teaching practical, effective self-defense to women today. For him, this isn’t theoretical—it’s personal, and it’s purposeful.

Coach Mark is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with over two decades of experience. More importantly, he brings a deep moral commitment to this work—rooted in real experiences within his own family.


He knows that learning to protect yourself isn’t just about technique—it’s about reclaiming control, building trust in your own body, and knowing you're not powerless. Coach Mark teaches from a place of empathy, integrity, and unshakable belief in the strength of his students.


Every class is trauma-informed, skill-driven, and rooted in mutual respect.

Real Stories, Real Growth

Coach Mark is an exceptional BJJ teacher and mentor. His coaching style is both patient and thoughtful; he tailors his approach to meet the unique needs of each student. His clear, concise instructions made it easy for me to execute moves after just one demonstration, and he was always willing to answer my numerous questions—whether about improving my technique for competition or finding ways to enhance my overall practice. Beyond BJJ, Mark has offered invaluable life advice, embodying what it truly means to be a coach. I’ve recommended Mark to others in the past, and I’m delighted to do so again.


Ariel Castro

Three men are standing on a blue jiu jitsu mat with their arms crossed

Your Self-Defense Journey Starts Here

Our program is more than a one-time seminar—it’s a structured path designed to build real confidence, real skill, and real growth. Whether you’re taking your first step or continuing your progress, we’ve created a space where women can train, grow, and feel supported every step of the way.

01

Women's Self-Defense Course

Join our ongoing 10-week course designed specifically for women. Each week builds on essential techniques and mindset training, with a focus on practical self-defense and personal empowerment.


You can jump in at any point—our curriculum runs on a continuous cycle.

02

Keep Building with Us

Many women choose to repeat the course to deepen their skills and continue growing in a familiar, safe environment.


There’s no pressure—just progress at your own pace.

03

Transition to Adult Jiu Jitsu (When You're Ready)

If you find yourself loving the training, you’re invited to join our regular adult jiu jitsu classes.


These co-ed sessions meet multiple times each week and offer continued development through technique, sparring, and a supportive team environment.

Class Schedule & Free Trial

Women’s Self-Defense classes run weekly as part of a 10-week rotating curriculum. You can join at any time—no need to wait for a new session to start.

Visit our Training Schedule to see the current day and time.

Pricing:

  • $100/month – 1 class per week


Moms of enrolled students get 50% off.

Try a Class—No Pressure, No Expectations

Your first class is completely free. Come meet Coach Mark, get a feel for the space, and see if the training is right for you. No pressure, no sales pitch—just an open door and a warm welcome.

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Empower Yourself Today!

Enroll in Our Jiu Jitsu Program

FAQs: Women’s Self-Defense

Whether you’re new to martial arts or just new to our program, here are some common questions we get about the Women’s Self-Defense course.

Do I need to be in shape or have experience?

Nope. This course is designed for total beginners of all fitness levels. We’ll help you build skill, strength, and confidence one step at a time.

What should I wear?

Athletic leggings or shorts and a fitted shirt or rash guard. Please avoid anything with metal (zippers, buttons, etc.) as they can damage the mats. We train barefoot—bring sandals or slides for off-mat use.

Is this course only for women?

Yes. This is a women-only class to ensure maximum comfort, privacy, and support. Over time, students are encouraged to join our regular adult classes when they feel ready.

Can I join mid-course?

Yes! The 10-week curriculum is designed to loop continuously, so you can jump in at any time and pick up right where you are.

What happens after I finish the course?

You’re welcome to repeat the course, or transition into our adult jiu jitsu program. Many women who begin here find that they love training and want to keep going. Either way, you’ll have continued support every step of the way.

Join Us Today!

Growth. Confidence. Community. This isn’t just training—it’s transformation.
Start your journey today.