Come Train With Us!
Jaco Jiu Jitsu’s rooftop academy is located at Room2Board, just steps from one of the best surf breaks on Jaco Beach.
We welcome everyone to join us for high-level Jiu Jitsu with ocean and sunset views.
Jaco Jiu Jitsu Class Schedule:
Monday
12:00 PM — Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5:30 PM — No-Gi Jiu Jitsu • Sunset Sesh
Tuesday
12:00 PM — No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5:30 PM — Gi Jiu Jitsu • Sunset Sesh
Wednesday
12:00 PM — Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5:30 PM — Self-Defense • Sunset Sesh
Thursday
12:00 PM — Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5:30 PM — No-Gi Jiu Jitsu • Sunset Sesh
Friday
12:00 PM — Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5:30 PM — No-Gi Jiu Jitsu • Sunset Sesh
Saturday
12:00 PM — Open Mat
All academies and all experience levels welcome.
Privates
By Appointment. Hit us up to schedule on WhatsApp or by email.
New to Jiu Jitsu?
Start Here.
You don’t need to be athletic, flexible, or in shape before beginning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
You just need to start.
Everyone talks about how hard it is to get a black belt, but the white belt may be the hardest. It takes real courage to step on the mat and try something new.
Every beginner at Jaco Jiu Jitsu learns in the same logical progression:
Self defense techniques.
When and how to tap.
Principles of Jiu Jitsu.
Basic positions.
Basic movements.
Escapes.
Advancing and establishing dominant positions.
Submissions.
Nobody expects you to know anything on your first day. Professor Donahue will guide you through every step on your journey so you can build confidence one class at a time.
Here’s a few more things you should know before you start:
Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
These classes are taught in the traditional Jiu Jitsu uniform which creates more opportunities for attacks and makes it more difficult to escape or advance positions. Consequently, most grapplers say it’s a more technical game than no gi jiu jitsu. Moreover, a solid Gi game translates well to No Gi.
We encourage all our students to spend some time training in the Gi.
No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
No Gi is on fire right now. It’s fast paced and explosive with more transitions and movement than Gi training because there’s less friction and grips. Many athletes prefer No Gi because it’s fast and fun. It’s also necessary to train No Gi if you plan to compete at a tournament like ADCC.
As a practical matter, many people in Costa Rica train No Gi because it’s so hot and humid here. Moreover, many travelers train No Gi with us because packing a Gi takes a lot of space.
Self-Defense
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu remains one of the world's most effective self-defense systems because it allows a smaller person to control a larger, untrained opponent with leverage, technique, and position.
That said, because every fight begins on the feet, we teach a hybrid self defense class that incorporates basic striking skills, distance management, standing control, takedowns, escapes, and practical ground-control skills so that our students are competent everywhere.
Beyond practical self defense skills, each class also improves confidence, fitness, discipline, and problem-solving under pressure.
Open Mat
Every Saturday we host an Open Mat where students from every academy are welcome. Get in some extra rounds, drill new techniques, meet new training partners, and become part of Costa Rica's growing Jiu Jitsu community.
Visitors
Traveling through Costa Rica?
Whether you're visiting Jacó to surf , on vacation, a digital nomad, or on business travel, you're welcome to train with us.
We’re stoked we get to host visitors from academies all over the world. It’s on of our favorite things about our school — the different people for different places we get to meet, united by a love of Jiu Jitsu.
Drop-In Fee: $20 USD
Jaco Fight House
In partnership with the world class surf hostel Room2Board, Jaco Jiu Jitsu is thrilled to offer “live and train on site” packages with Jaco Fight House.
Stay at Room2Board. Train at Jaco Jiu Jitsu. Take a surf lesson or rent a board from Room2board’s surf camp. The break is right in front of the hotel.
Now take all that and add everything else Jacó, Costa Rica has to offer:
Hike to waterfalls.
Go offshore fishing.
Take a sky tour.
Zipline over the rainforest.
Go whitewater rafting
Ride an ATV into the mountains above Jaco.
Go horseback riding on the beach.
Finish your day with our killer sunset sesh. Roll with the homies as the sun slowly sinks into those warm Pacific waters.
If you have any gas left in the tank, hit the town for Jaco’s epic nightlife.
