Private Intro Lessons at Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu

 

While GBN’s group classes (GB1 Fundamentals) are designed to be beginner-friendly, some individuals prefer or require a one-on-one introduction to BJJ. Private introductory lessons offer a fast-track, customized, and less intimidating way to absorb the core concepts before joining the main group classes.

 

1. What Are Private Intro Lessons?

 

Private introductory lessons are one-on-one sessions with a certified Gracie Barra instructor (often a Black Belt or highly experienced Brown Belt) at GBN. They typically last 45 to 60 minutes per session and are scheduled outside of regular class times.

 

 Goal: To quickly establish the core fundamentals of BJJ, the safety rules, and the essential movements so the student is fully prepared to enter the GB1 group class feeling confident and competent.

 Format: The student works directly with the instructor, who often uses a specialized training dummy or provides the resistance themselves.

 

2. Benefits of Choosing Private Intro Lessons

 

This option is ideal for specific types of new students seeking accelerated learning and comfort.

 

 Benefit  Description  GBN Advantage

 

 Reduced Anxiety  Learning basic physical contact, movements, and terminology without the immediate presence of a large group.  The environment is quiet and focused, allowing for complete confidence before facing the full class. 

 Accelerated Learning  The instructor’s full attention ensures immediate correction of bad habits and a much faster rate of absorption.  Concepts like “shrimping” and “bridging” are mastered in hours, not weeks. 

 Customized Pace  The lesson can be slowed down if the student is struggling with coordination, or sped up if they are a fast learner.  The instructor can tailor the drills to the student’s unique physical needs or injuries. 

 Safety Emphasis  The instructor can spend extended time on crucial safety protocols, like the Breakfall and the Tap Rule, ensuring the student is safe when they enter group sparring.  Detailed attention prevents common beginner mistakes that lead to injury. 

 Convenient Scheduling  Lessons can often be booked around a busy professional schedule, maximizing time efficiency.  Allows students to start BJJ without disrupting complex work routines. 

 

3. Core Curriculum Covered in Private Intro Lessons

 

A private introductory package (often 3-5 sessions) will focus intensely on these foundational areas:

 

1. Safety and Movement Foundation

 The Breakfall: Essential skill for absorbing impact when being thrown.

 The Tap Rule: Understanding when and how to signal surrender.

 Core Mobility Drills: Mastering the Shrimp (Hip Escape) and Bridging—the most fundamental movements in BJJ used for escape and creating distance.

 

1. Positional Hierarchy

 The Mount: How to get out of the worst position (The Trap and Roll Escape).

 Side Control: How to escape and recover the Guard (The Shrimp to Guard Recovery).

 The Guard: How to safely enter the Guard position and control the opponent’s posture.

 

1. Self-Defense Focus

 The proper stance for self-defense and how to safely execute a Clinch to neutralize a striker’s power.

 

4. Integration into Group Classes

 

The purpose of the private lessons is to smoothly transition the student into the regular schedule.

 

 Instructor Assessment: Once the instructor deems the student competent in the core movements and safety protocols, they will recommend moving to the GB1 Fundamentals class.

 The Confidence Boost: The student enters the group class already knowing the basic movements, the names of the positions, and the etiquette. They can focus on applying the technique rather than feeling overwhelmed by the environment.

 

5. Logistical Details at GBN (Important Considerations)

 

 Cost: Private lessons are significantly more expensive than group lessons due to the instructor’s personalized time. GBN staff can provide specific pricing for packages.

 Booking: Private lessons must be scheduled in advance, often during off-peak hours (mid-day, or early morning/late evening) to ensure mat space is available and the instructor is free.

 Gear: The student will still require the official Gracie Barra uniform (Gi) to maintain continuity with the academy’s standardized training environment.

 

The Private Introductory Lesson at Gracie Barra Northridge is the ultimate “fast-pass” for the serious beginner. It strips away the anxiety and confusion of the first few weeks of BJJ, installing the foundational skills and confidence necessary for long-term success on the mats.

 

Gracie Barra Northridge Location & Contact:

 

Address: 19520 Nordhoff St 10th, Northridge, CA 91324

 

Phone: +1 818-357-4074

 

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Website: gbnorthridge.com

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

Private Intro Lessons at Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu