101 Cherry Street/Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
CURRICULUM FOCUS

Beginners Program

A clear first step for adults who are new to jiu-jitsu or coming back after a long break.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Target Demographic

Adults with little or no BJJ experience who want structure and a welcoming room.

BEST FIT

Ideal Training Rhythm

Best if you want a lower-friction starting point, need time to get comfortable, or want to use the startup special before choosing your long-term training rhythm.

CLASS FOCUS

Mat Objectives

Fundamentals, movement, positional understanding, and building comfort in live training.

TRAINING CADENCE

Best for students who want to build consistency with one to three classes per week before adding harder rounds.

BENEFITS & GOALS

WHY CHOOSE THIS PATH

✔

Learn core positions, escapes, submissions, and training etiquette without feeling lost.

✔

Build confidence before harder rounds and more advanced classes.

✔

Train in a respectful room where new students can ask questions and improve at a steady pace.

FIRST CLASS PROTOCOL

WHAT TO EXPECT

Expect a welcoming room, clear instruction, and training partners who understand that everyone starts somewhere.

▸Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your first class so you can meet the coach and get pointed in the right direction.
▸Workout clothes and water are enough for a first visit unless the coach tells you to bring gi gear.
▸If you have not trained before, start here before jumping into Professionals or Open Mat.
RECOMMENDED NEXT MOVE:

Start with the startup special, then use the schedule page to choose the best beginner-friendly class.

STARTUP OFFER14-DAY RISK-FREE PASS

START WITH 2 WEEKS & A FREE GI FOR $59

New students can test the mats for two full weeks with an official academy uniform included. Afterward, continue month-to-month with no contracts. Any additional immediate family member trains half off.

ACADEMY UPDATES

Proof from the mats

See recent updates and member feedback that show what training in our room actually looks and feels like.

STUDENT REVIEWS

WHAT MEMBERS SAY

“Absolutely great environment. Coach Nate is second to none, and the veteran guys in class take the time to help you develop and evolve.”

SeanVERIFIED MEMBER

“I got my blue belt through this school. Coach Nathan Merkel is very knowledgeable, explains things clearly, and the room is cool and accepting.”

TonyVERIFIED MEMBER