Before Your First Class
The Practical Bits
Kit, cancellation, kids, and the rest of what you will want to know.
Gi or No-Gi? What's the difference and which do I pick?
Gi = the kimono, more chess-like, grips everywhere, slower pace. No-Gi = shorts and rashguard, faster, more scramble-heavy, closer to MMA. Our honest advice: start with Gi for the first 3–6 months. It forces better technique. Then do both.
What do I bring to my first class?
Shorts and a t-shirt, a water bottle, and a bit of courage. We'll lend you a gi for your trial class. Shower afterwards is on us. Nail-clippers live at the front desk, please use them (everyone's fingers will thank you).
My German isn't great. Is that a problem?
Classes are taught in German, but you do not need fluent German to start. The coaches speak English and Portuguese and will explain anything you miss, and jiu-jitsu is mostly shown rather than told. Düsseldorf is international; our mats are too.
How does the membership work? Can I cancel?
Monthly memberships are month-to-month, cancel any time before the next billing date, no questions, no paperwork guilt-trips. Yearly memberships are cheaper per month but locked for 12 months. Pick the one that matches your honesty with yourself.
How young can kids start? And is it safe?
Our kids program launches later this year, starting age is 5. We focus on movement, coordination, confidence, and anti-bullying skills before anything resembling competition. Parents are welcome to watch any class, any time.
Do I have to compete?
Absolutely not. Maybe 1 in 5 of our members ever steps on a competition mat, and that's fine. Train for fitness, for self-defense, for your head, for the community. If competing calls you later, we'll prepare you properly. If it never does, you'll still be a better version of yourself.
Where exactly is the academy, and how do I get there?
Römerstraße 6, 40476 Düsseldorf, in the Derendorf district: rear courtyard, first floor on the right. Take the 705 or 707 tram to Essener Straße, then walk about 3 minutes. By S-Bahn, take the S1, S6 or S11 to Düsseldorf-Derendorf, then walk about 17 minutes. Resident parking zone D applies around Römerstraße. Members can use our two private parking spaces at the building.
When do classes run?
Monday 19:00 Foundation Gi. Tuesday 19:00 Foundation No-Gi. Wednesday 19:00 Foundation Gi. Thursday 18:00 Women’s Only, then 19:00 Foundation No-Gi. Friday 18:00 Foundation Gi. The doors are open Monday to Friday from 18:00 to 21:00, and we are closed at weekends.
What does membership cost?
€85 a month on a 12-month membership, or €120 a month with no commitment. Kids and students pay €65 and €100. Payment is by SEPA Direct Debit or card, and your first class is free.
How does the free trial work?
Your first class is free. Ask for it on WhatsApp or fill in the form on this page, and we usually confirm your trial class within 24 hours. Please book before you come: every class has a coach and mat time is limited, so we do not take unannounced visitors. We lend you a gi for that first session.
Is there a women-only class?
Yes. Women’s Only runs on Thursdays from 18:00 to 19:00 with Coach Anke, and absolute beginners are explicitly welcome. Women also train in the regular Foundation classes, whenever they want to.
