Game-based jiu jitsu in Golden, Colorado
Find Your People
on the Mats
No experience needed. No long-term contract. Just show up. Most of our members felt the same way before their first class.
What Makes Us Different
Not your typical martial arts gym
Most gyms have you watch a demo, drill a move, then get smashed by someone three years ahead of you. We do it differently.
You learn by playing, not watching
Our classes are built around structured grappling games, not repetitive drilling. Each game has a starting position, a goal, and a win condition. You develop real skills by solving real problems, not by repeating choreography.
Coaches who study how people learn
Our coaches study motor learning research, not just jiu jitsu. They know how to design games that build skills, when to talk and when to let you play, and how to keep the challenge in the right zone.
A real curriculum
Every class fits into a structured program that covers all the major positions in grappling. You're not getting a random technique of the day. You're building a complete game.
The training room is for play, not competition
Experienced members deliberately adjust to keep games useful for both people. Nobody is trying to prove anything on you. The goal is for everyone to keep learning, every round.
See for yourself
One class. No commitment. That's all it takes to know.
Programs
Find the right fit
Adults: Fundamentals
Where all new adults start. Classes run four days a week and cover guard, pins, and wrestling every session. No experience needed. Learn more
Adults: Advanced
For experienced grapplers ready to go deeper. Longer blocks on single positions or topics, with more detail and nuance. Topic selection is semi-democratic: coaches propose, students vote. Learn more
Kids: Little Lions and Golden Tigers
Little Lions (ages 4-7) and Golden Tigers (ages 7-13) train real jiu jitsu through structured games. Fun, physical literacy, and character development come first. Learn more
MMA
Once a week. Integrates striking fundamentals with grappling through games and touch sparring. Safe, controlled, and open to members with grappling experience.
Getting started is easy
Step 1: Book your free intro
Sign up online. It takes about 30 seconds. No credit card, no commitment.
Step 2: Come to class
Arrive 15 minutes early. A coach will meet you, show you around, and introduce you to the format. You won't be thrown in cold.
Step 3: Start playing
You'll learn the games and meet your new training partners. Most people leave hooked.
Hear it from our members
Real talk from people who were once right where you are.
What our members say
Real reviews from our members on Google, where we hold a 5.0 rating.
" Golden Jiu Jitsu has truly been the best. The coaching here is truly exceptional, thoughtful, clear, and grounded in both skill and patience. What impressed me just as much as the technical instruction was the quality of the community. "
Ella Y.
Google review
" This place absolutely rocks and I truly don't think I've seen a better environment for training BJJ. The vibes are really friendly and completely avoid the cultural pitfalls I've seen in a lot of martial arts gyms. "
Matt S.
Google review
" I started at Golden Jiu Jitsu as a complete beginner. Avery runs his gym in a way that feels extremely approachable. In class there is less focus on drilling and more focus on being guided into certain positions and working from there. "
Matthew D.
Started as a beginner
Ready to start?
Pick a class that works for your schedule.
Before you come in
Common questions
Do I need to be in shape first?
No. You don't get in shape first and then come to jiu jitsu. Jiu jitsu is how you get in shape. Every person who walks in here was a beginner once. Show up as you are.
Will I get hurt?
Jiu jitsu is a contact sport and carries real risk, like any physical activity. We manage that risk by teaching tapping early, keeping intensity calibrated for new people, and maintaining a training culture where nobody is trying to hurt their partner. Injuries happen, but far less often when the culture is right.
I've never done anything like this.
Everyone here remembers what day one felt like. Nobody expects you to know anything. We introduce the games, pair you with someone who knows the format, and let you figure it out through play. That's the whole method.
What should I wear and bring?
Athletic shorts with no pockets, velcro, buttons, or zippers. A rash guard or fitted athletic shirt on top. Slides or flip flops for walking off the mat, and water. If you don't have gear yet, we have loaners.
What happens at the free intro class?
A coach meets you when you arrive, shows you around, explains how the class works, and introduces you to the games. You'll train alongside regular members. There's no sales pitch at the end. If you like it, we'll talk about next steps.
How much does it cost?
See our rates page for current pricing. We offer month-to-month and commitment options, plus family discounts. Your first class is always free.
You've been thinking about this long enough
The friend who told you about this is already a few months in. The confidence you want, the fitness, the friends on the mats: they're all on the other side of showing up once.
Your first class is free. You don't need to be in shape. You don't need to know anything. You just need to pick a day.
Your first class is free
No credit card. No commitment. Just show up.