This class focuses on Self Defense through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, often abbreviated as BJJ, is a grappling-based martial art, combat sport, and self-defense system that focuses heavily on taking an opponent to the ground and gaining a dominant position to apply joint-locks and choke holds.
Core Philosophy: Technique Over Strength
The central principle of BJJ is that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger opponent by using leverage, technique, and proper weight distribution, minimizing the need for brute strength or striking. This focus on mechanical advantage is why BJJ is often called "The Gentle Art."
Beyond self-defense, BJJ is known for its physical and mental benefits:
Physical Fitness: It provides an intense, full-body workout that improves cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility.
Mental Acuity: It's often called "physical chess" because it requires strategy, problem-solving, and critical thinking under pressure.
Humility and Discipline: The consistent challenge of live rolling fosters humility and discipline in its practitioners.
Location
SDC Fitness Studio/SDC Multipurpose Room
Activity Level
Moderate
Special Requirements
Comfortable athletic wear and sneakers. Minimum age of 16.
Registration
Create your account *Note: Due to system constraints, only current students, faculty, and staff may use an MTU email. All others must use or create a different email address to create an account.
Additional information on how to create your user account can be found here.
Registration and payment can be completed online, or at the SDC Ticket Office. A parent or legal guardian is required to sign waiver of liability and concussion awareness forms for all youth classes.
MTU Recreation Programs Cancellation Policy
Fall 2026: September 1 - December 8
No class 11/24
Registration opens August 21, 8:00 am.
Registration closes August 31, 11:59 pm.
- Women: Tuesday, 7:15-8:55 pm
Cost
$72.00
No day passes. NOT included in the HuskiesFit Group Fitness Semester Pass.
Parking
QUICK LINKS : SDC Lot 22 and Gates Lot 23
The two-hour free parking window for MTU students, members and community patrons using SDC and Gates Tennis Center facilities is now administered through the ParkMobile app.
Parking sessions beyond two hours will be charged $1.50 per hour for the additional time, plus a 45-cent ParkMobile transaction fee.
To start a ParkMobile session, scan the QR code posted on signage in the lot, visit the ParkMobile website, or download the ParkMobile app from the App Store or Google Play. Don’t have a smartphone? You can still start a session by calling 1-800-280-4149 or texting “Park” to 77223.
Have Questions?
Contact Michigan Tech Transportation Services by visiting us on campus in Room 100 of the University’s Administration Building, calling 906-487-1441 or emailing parking@mtu.edu. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After-hours support is available through Michigan Tech Public Safety at 906-487-2216.
