Our Beginner Jiu-Jitsu Program in Colorado Springs
Every lesson in Fighting Foundations follows the Valente Brothers Method, taught in a set order rather than a random technique each night. You’ll start with the basics — stance, distance, falling safely — before moving into the techniques that actually matter in a real confrontation.
What You Learn in Fighting Foundations
We teach Self-Defense Jujutsu specifically — not the same thing as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), even though the two share roots. BJJ focuses mostly on ground fighting: grappling and submissions. Fighting Foundations covers a wider range of real-world situations — strikes, grabs, joint locks, and throws — aimed at getting you out of a dangerous situation quickly, not winning a match. If your goal is genuine self-defense rather than sport, this is built for that.
The 27-Lesson Self Defense Curriculum
Fighting Foundations™ was developed in 1999 by the Valente Brothers, under the direct supervision of Grandmasters Helio Gracie and Pedro Valente Sr. — and it’s the only group class curriculum Helio Gracie himself ever reviewed and approved. Grandmaster Helio’s self-defense system was originally taught only through private lessons; group classes existed separately, built to prepare students for tournaments. The Valente Brothers adapted his private curriculum into a standardized format so students could learn the same system in a group setting. We’re honored to be the exclusive academy in Colorado Springs authorized to teach it that way.
The program includes over 100 techniques that could genuinely matter in a real street confrontation, sequenced so the most common real-world situations come first. Most students notice a real jump in confidence within two to three months of regular training, and your coach tracks your progress lesson by lesson so you can see exactly how far you’ve come.
Frequent practice matters here — the key to jujutsu is repetition. The goal isn’t memorizing 27 lessons, it’s conditioning your reflexes so you react automatically if you’re ever actually in a critical situation.
What Happens in Your First Class
Your first class is free, and you’ll train in a real Fighting Foundations session — not a demo. A coach will be introduced to you on your first night so you always know what to do next. Wear snug-fitting, stretchy athletic attire; we’ll provide a kimono for you to borrow until you’re ready to get your own SDA-approved one.
Class Times and Membership Options
After your free trial, membership cost depends on how many sessions a week you plan to attend. Beginner memberships are typically the most affordable tier, since Fighting Foundations runs as a set foundation class.
We’ll walk you through the exact options and schedule before you commit to anything.
