Beginner Jiu Jitsu at Elite Edge
90-Day Beginner Jiu Jitsu Program in Ankeny
90-Day Beginner Jiu Jitsu Program in Ankeny
Elite Edge’s 90-Day Beginner Jiu Jitsu Program is designed specifically for adults in the Ankeny and Des Moines area who have little or no previous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience. No wrestling experience required. No martial arts background required.
See it in action
Watch the training.
See what a real Elite Edge class feels like before you take your first step through the door.
Jiu Jitsu at Elite Edge
Start here
Never Done Jiu Jitsu Before? GOOD. We Actually Prefer It That Way.
Elite Edge’s 90-Day Beginner Jiu Jitsu Program is designed specifically for adults in the Ankeny and Des Moines area who have little or no previous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience. No wrestling experience required. No martial arts background required. And you do not need to get in shape first.
Quick facts
A beginner program with a clear roadmap.
Program length90 days
Experience neededNone
Primary audienceAdults starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Core curriculumPositions, escapes, guard, passing, takedowns, control, submissions and defense
CoachesJoe Brammer and Josh Neer — BJJ black belts under Cesar Gracie
Location6717 NE 15th Street, Des Moines, IA 50313 — Ankeny area
Your first 90 days
Learn the language. Connect the pieces. Build your game.
Days 1–30
Learn the language
Learn positions, movements and vocabulary. Your job is not to win; it is to understand what is happening.
Days 31–60
Connect the pieces
Individual techniques begin connecting. You start recognizing positions and understanding what to do next.
Days 61–90
Start building your game
Your movement becomes more natural, your conditioning improves and you begin finding positions you enjoy.
No experience? Excellent.
We do not want your first experience to be getting dropped into the deep end.
Learn the positions. Understand what you are trying to accomplish. Learn to escape, control and protect yourself. Then start connecting the pieces in a structured beginner-focused environment.
You do not need to get in shape for Jiu Jitsu before starting Jiu Jitsu. Begin where you are.
Learn more about Elite Edge Jiu Jitsu in Ankeny →Remove the friction
The 6 Excuses That Keep People Sitting on the Couch
“I’m Too Old.”
Adults start Jiu Jitsu at many ages. Train intelligently, control your intensity and focus on technique. You have nothing to prove on Day One.
“I’m Out of Shape.”
Imagine what happens if you spend the next 90 days training instead of spending the next 90 days waiting to get ready to train.
“I’m Not Flexible.”
Flexibility is not an admission requirement. Start with the body you have today and improve from there.
“I Never Wrestled.”
Perfectly normal. This is a beginner program, not a tryout for people who already know how to grapple.
“I Don’t Want to Get Beat Up.”
Neither do we. The objective is improvement and safe training, not experienced students using beginners as target practice.
“I’m Too Busy.”
Most adults are. The better question is whether having something challenging, physical and enjoyable is worth making room for.
What you’ll learn
Fundamentals that make everything else easier.
Positions & movement
- Fundamental positions
- Movement and balance
- Guard and guard retention
Escape & control
- Escapes and survival skills
- Positional control
- Safe live/positional training
Offense & defense
- Guard passing
- Takedowns
- Fundamental submissions and defense
People who have actually done it
Learn From People Who Have Actually Done It
Joe Brammer and Josh Neer are Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts under Cesar Gracie with professional MMA experience, including UFC competition. High-level experience matters — but so does being able to explain the basics to somebody on Day One. That is what this program is built to do.
A hobby worth starting
You May Find the Hobby You Didn’t Know You Needed
Adults do not get many chances to be beginners anymore. Jiu Jitsu gives you permission to be terrible at something, laugh about it, learn, come back and get a little better. Along the way, training partners have a funny way of becoming friends.
You Don’t Need to Decide Whether You’ll Become a Black Belt. You only need to decide whether you are willing to start.
Come meet the coaches. See the room. Learn your first techniques. Then decide whether you want the next class.
Common questions
Jiu Jitsu questions, answered.
Do I need experience to start Jiu Jitsu?
No. This program is built for adults with little or no previous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience. No wrestling or martial arts background is required.
Can I start Jiu Jitsu after 40?
Yes. Many adults begin martial arts later in life. Train intelligently, develop good technique and manage recovery.
How often should a beginner train Jiu Jitsu?
Consistency matters more than trying to train every day immediately. Your schedule, fitness, recovery and goals should shape a sustainable starting schedule.
What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu?
Gi Jiu Jitsu uses the traditional uniform, which can be gripped. No-Gi is typically practiced in athletic clothing or a rashguard and shorts.
Will I have to spar on my first day?
Training is introduced based on the class, your experience and the coach’s direction. Tell your coach that you are new or uncomfortable with an activity.
A better reason to work out
Jiu Jitsu may ruin boring workouts for you.
You are not simply counting reps or watching the clock. You are learning a skill while solving a problem with a training partner. You move, grip, escape and think — then realize you just got a serious workout.
Take the next step
Reserve your 90-day beginner spot.
Meet the coaches, see the room and get the details for starting the Elite Edge 90-Day Beginner Jiu Jitsu Program.
What happens next
A coach will review your inquiry, answer your questions, and help you choose the right starting point.
Beginner-friendly · No obligation · Serving Ankeny, Des Moines and Central Iowa
Your information stays with Elite Edge and is used only to contact you about your inquiry.
Free 5-Day Trial
Try 90-Day Beginner Jiu Jitsu on us.
Fill in your details and a coach will call you to book your first class at the location that suits you — Ankeny or Waukee.
No obligation. We’ll never share your details. Text/email opt-in for class information only.