OUR MISSION
Teach the complete art of Jiu Jitsu
to students who are driven by the
pursuit of mastery.
OUR MISSION
Teach the complete art of Jiu Jitsu
to students who are driven by the
pursuit of mastery.
It's hard to find a school that teaches the complete art of Jiu Jitsu.
- Schools that focus predominantly on competition rarely teach you how to defend yourself in a fight.
- Schools that claim to teach "self-defense" are stuck showing the same curriculum they've been using for decades, ignoring the evolution of the art.
- Large commercial franchises deliver a watered-down program, designed to reach a wide audience rather than help you fully develop skill.
- Top-tier MMA schools teach modern combat skills, but it's only made available to professional fighters and those willing to take the physical punishment.
It's hard to find a school that teaches
the complete art of Jiu Jitsu.
- Schools that focus predominantly on competition rarely teach you how to defend yourself in a fight.
- Schools that claim to teach "self-defense" are stuck showing the same curriculum they've been using for decades, ignoring the evolution of the art.
- Large commercial franchises deliver a watered-down program, designed to reach a wide audience rather than help you fully develop skill.
- Top-tier MMA schools teach modern combat skills, but it's only made available to professional fighters and those willing to take the physical punishment.
Are you worried about:
- Wasting years at a school with an outdated or watered-down curriculum
- Feeling insecure about your rank because you are not truly confident in your skills
- Not being able to defend yourself in a fight because you were never shown how to deal with a punch
- Being limited at a school that does not teach any leglocks, takedowns, or no-gi
- Sustaining serious head injuries at an MMA school geared towards pro fighters
- Making slow progress at a school where you're just another face in the crowd, and no one is guiding your development
YOU DESERVE SOMETHING BETTER.
The Common Ground Method
A modern teaching approach designed to help students achieve mastery as efficiently as possible. The Common Ground Method combines high-quality curriculums, detailed attention to student needs, and a supportive culture to deliver an exceptional educational experience.
High-Quality Curriculums
Our lineage traces directly back to Renzo Gracie.
Our curriculums are founded upon Shawn Williams' approach
to Jiu Jitsu, and integrate the technical contributions
developed by other leading innovators of the art
such as John Danaher and Gordon Ryan.
OUR LINEAGE
Shawn Williams
Black Belt, 5th Degree
Black Belt under Renzo Gracie
Elite Coach & Expert Analyst
Alex Aung
Black Belt, 3rd Degree
Black Belt under Shawn Williams
Head Instructor of Common Ground
"Alex is a fantastic instructor. He is extremely knowledgeable, super detailed, and really cares about his students. I trusted him to teach at my academy and you can trust him to teach you great Jiu Jitsu.
I give Alex and Common Ground my highest recommendation."
— Shawn Williams
FIFTH DEGREE BLACK BELT UNDER RENZO GRACIE
OUR CURRICULUMS
We offer 6 distinct curriculums
for a technique-rich learning experience
that facilitates rapid skill development & growth.
Are you worried about:
- Wasting years at a school with an outdated or watered-down curriculum
- Feeling insecure about your rank because you are not truly confident in your skills
- Not being able to defend yourself in a fight because you were never shown how to deal with a punch
- Being limited at a school that does not teach any leglocks, takedowns, or no-gi
- Sustaining serious head injuries at an MMA school geared towards pro fighters
- Making slow progress at a school where you're just another face in the crowd, and no one is guiding your development
YOU DESERVE
SOMETHING BETTER.
The Common Ground Method
A modern teaching approach designed to help students achieve mastery as efficiently as possible. The Common Ground Method combines high-quality curriculums, detailed attention to student needs, and a supportive culture to deliver an exceptional educational experience.
High-Quality
Curriculums
Our lineage traces directly
back to Renzo Gracie.
Our curriculums are founded upon Shawn Williams' approach
to Jiu Jitsu, and integrate the technical contributions
developed by other leading innovators of the art such as John Danaher and Gordon Ryan.
OUR LINEAGE
Shawn Williams
Black Belt, 5th Degree
Black Belt under Renzo Gracie
Elite Coach & Expert Analyst
Alex Aung
Black Belt, 3rd Degree
Black Belt under Shawn Williams
Head Instructor of Common Ground
"Alex is a fantastic instructor. He is extremely knowledgeable, super detailed, and really cares about his students. I trusted him to teach at my academy and you can trust him to teach you great Jiu Jitsu.
I give Alex and Common Ground my highest recommendation."
— Shawn Williams
FIFTH DEGREE BLACK BELT
UNDER RENZO GRACIE
OUR CURRICULUMS
We offer 6 distinct curriculums
for a technique-rich learning experience that facilitates
rapid skill development
& growth.
BJJ Foundations
Learn the foundational skills
of Jiu Jitsu.
No-gi Systems
Train no-gi and learn systems
of offense and defense.
Vale Tudo (MMA)
Defend yourself against
a skilled, striking opponent.
BJJ Foundations
Learn the foundational skills
of Jiu Jitsu.
No-gi Systems
Train no-gi and learn systems
of offense and defense.
Vale Tudo (MMA)
Defend yourself against
a skilled, striking opponent.
Leglock Mastery
Take a deep dive into the
modern leglock game.
Takedown Mastery
Feel confident in your standup,
both gi and no-gi.
Essential Escapes
Technically and efficiently
escape from every pin.
OUR APPROACH
Leglock Mastery
Take a deep dive into the
modern leglock game.
Takedown Mastery
Feel confident in your standup,
both gi and no-gi.
Essential Escapes
Technically and efficiently
escape from every pin.
ALWAYS
EVOLVING
Jiu Jitsu is a living art that continues to evolve every day. As instructors, we remain students of the game and continually update our curriculums to reflect modern technical innovations.
INDEPENDENT
& OPEN MINDED
As an independent school, we have the freedom to learn from anyone and teach whatever we want. We seek out knowledge from all the best sources to inform our curriculum.
CAREFULLY
CURATED
Your time is precious. We carefully curate only the most effective techniques and organize them into systematic lesson plans so you can focus on getting good, as fast as possible.
Detailed Attention to Student Needs
Our thoughtful approach to classroom management
as well as our attention to physical amenities & hygiene
clearly prioritizes the student experience.
How do we facilitate a positive class experience?
- We assist with partner pairing in every class, to ensure students are able to drill with someone close to their own size. Beginners are partnered up with more experienced students.
- We structure our classes to help students make the most of their time on the mats. We warm up by drilling techniques, rather than using repetitive calisthenics, and ensure there are multiple rounds of sparring in every class.
- We have timed drilling rounds, so each partner gets equal time to drill. You can go at your own pace without feeling rushed.
- Two instructors are present on the mats during class. We actively observe each drilling round to answer questions and help students correct their technique.
- We offer assistance and encouragement when students need help, while also giving students recognition when they are doing well. Instructors provide a balance of technical feedback and praise throughout each class.
- We greet everyone by name, play a variety of music, and use humor to help engage with our students and keep the energy level high.
How do our physical amenities attend to our students' needs?
- Our high-quality mats have a custom-built subfloor that includes 2.5 inches of carpet padding. The cushioning helps to preserve your joints and protect against hard falls.
- We require the use of indoor sandals when in the restroom. We provide two pairs of communal sandals to ensure no one walks barefoot into the restroom.
- We provide complimentary mouthwash in the restroom for student use.
- We clean and disinfect our mats thoroughly every day. We have never had an outbreak of any skin infections since we opened our doors in 2018.
- We have a fully functioning HVAC system and ensure that the temperature is controlled for student comfort. We also have two HEPA air filters located in the training area.
- We provide hand sanitizer and nail clippers in our changing rooms.
Supportive Culture
We intentionally create a supportive culture that
promotes mutual respect, driven by our values
rather than a traditional hierarchy.
How does our culture support our students' well-being?
- Students are not forced or pressured into rituals such as bowing on and off of the mats, bowing to a photograph on the wall, or "running the gauntlet" for belt promotions.
- Students are free to wear any color or brand of uniform that they wish, and are not required to purchase or wear school-branded gear.
- Students are never punished or reprimanded for being late, using the restroom, sitting out for a round of sparring, or taking a water break.
- All students are treated with equal respect. Students do not need to line up by rank. Students of higher rank are not given special privileges.
- All knowledge is made equally available to all students. Students are not restricted from learning any technique based on their rank.
- Students are never pressured to spar until they are ready, or take more classes than they are able to attend.
OUR VALUES
Technique
The promise of BJJ is that you can use technique to overcome differences in size and strength. We encourage our students to be as technical as possible, focusing on energy efficiency and developing skill rather than relying on brute force or other physical attributes.
Performance
BJJ is a performance-based art – you have to make moves work against resistance, through "live" training / sparring. We provide quality instruction and a safe environment for students to develop real skills, be able to perform under pressure, and feel confident in their Jiu Jitsu.
Humility
By embodying a spirit of humility, we can find more joy in the learning process. In victory we strive to be humble and gracious, and in defeat we are willing to reflect on our mistakes and improve. We are respectful and grateful for the art, our teachers, and our training partners.
Harmony
BJJ requires trust between training partners. Developing, maintaining, and restoring harmony is vital for students to feel safe with each other, and thus train well together. We make a conscious choice to create a cooperative and harmonious training environment.
OUR APPROACH
Always Evolving
Jiu Jitsu is a living art that continues to evolve every day.
As instructors, we remain students of the game and continually update our curriculums to reflect modern technical innovations.
Independent &
Open Minded
As an independent school, we have the freedom to learn from anyone and teach whatever we want. We seek out knowledge from all the best sources to inform our curriculum.
Carefully
Curated
Your time is precious.
We carefully curate only the most effective techniques and organize them into systematic lesson plans so you can focus on getting good, as fast as possible.
Detailed Attention to Student Needs
Our thoughtful approach to
classroom management
as well as our attention to
physical amenities & hygiene
clearly prioritizes the
student experience.
How do we facilitate a
positive class experience?
- We assist with partner pairing in every class, to ensure students are able to drill with someone close to their own size. Beginners are partnered up with more experienced students.
- We structure our classes to help students make the most of their time on the mats. We warm up by drilling techniques, rather than using repetitive calisthenics, and ensure there are multiple rounds of sparring in every class.
- We have timed drilling rounds, so each partner gets equal time to drill. You can go at your own pace without feeling rushed.
- Two instructors are present on the mats during class. We actively observe each drilling round to answer questions and help students correct their technique.
- We offer assistance and encouragement when students need help, while also giving students recognition when they are doing well. Instructors provide a balance of technical feedback and praise throughout each class.
- We greet everyone by name, play a variety of music, and use humor to help engage with our students and keep the energy level high.
How do our physical amenities attend to our students' needs?
- Our high-quality mats have a custom-built subfloor that includes 2.5 inches of carpet padding. The cushioning helps to preserve your joints and protect against hard falls.
- We require the use of indoor sandals when in the restroom. We provide two pairs of communal sandals to ensure no one walks barefoot into the restroom.
- We provide complimentary mouthwash in the restroom for student use.
- We clean and disinfect our mats thoroughly every day. We have never had an outbreak of any skin infections since we opened our doors in 2018.
- We have a fully functioning HVAC system and ensure that the temperature is controlled for student comfort. We also have two HEPA air filters located in the training area.
- We provide hand sanitizer and nail clippers in our changing rooms.
Supportive Culture
We intentionally create a
supportive culture that promotes mutual respect, driven by our values
rather than a traditional hierarchy.
How does our culture support our students' well-being?
- Students are not forced or pressured into rituals such as bowing on and off of the mats, bowing to a photograph on the wall, or "running the gauntlet" for belt promotions.
- Students are free to wear any color or brand of uniform that they wish, and are not required to purchase or wear school-branded gear.
- Students are never punished or reprimanded for being late, using the restroom, sitting out for a round of sparring, or taking a water break.
- All students are treated with equal respect. Students do not need to line up by rank. Students of higher rank are not given special privileges.
- All knowledge is made equally available to all students. Students are not restricted from learning any technique based on their rank.
- Students are never pressured to spar until they are ready, or take more classes than they are able to attend.
OUR VALUES
Compassion
We do our best to build meaningful relationships with our training partners. We make genuine connections with one another & support each other through the ups and downs of training and life. We are sensitive to each other’s needs, strive to be empathic, and treat each other with compassion.
Community
Community is about being committed to each other. We all share a passion for BJJ and deepen our bonds by supporting one another as we each work towards achieving our goals. We are respectful of our training partners and appreciate them for investing their time, energy, and resources into helping us on our path.
Critical Thinking
BJJ is an infinite, complex art that gives us the opportunity to practice analytical and critical thinking. We are seekers of truth and keep an open mind. We encourage students to ask questions in class, take notes, reflect on their training experiences, and take ownership of their own learning and growth.
Freedom
Everyone embarks on a heroic journey through life, and martial arts can be a powerful discipline that forges mind, body, and spirit on this path. Through the process of mastering BJJ you can break free of your past conditioning, shed your old self, and choose to live an inspired and meaningful life.
Technique
The promise of BJJ is that you can use technique to overcome differences in size and strength. We encourage our students to be as technical as possible, focusing on energy efficiency and developing skill rather than relying on brute force or other physical attributes.
Performance
BJJ is a performance-based art – you have to make moves work against resistance, through "live" training / sparring. We provide quality instruction and a safe environment for students to develop real skills, be able to perform under pressure, and feel confident in their Jiu Jitsu.
Humility
By embodying a spirit of humility, we can find more joy in the learning process. In victory we strive to be humble and gracious, and in defeat we are willing to reflect on our mistakes and improve. We are respectful and grateful for the art, our teachers, and our training partners.
Harmony
BJJ requires trust between training partners. Developing, maintaining, and restoring harmony is vital for students to feel safe with each other, and thus train well together. We make a conscious choice to create a cooperative and harmonious training environment.
Compassion
We do our best to build meaningful relationships with our training partners. We make genuine connections with one another & support each other through the ups and downs of training and life. We are sensitive to each other’s needs, strive to be empathic, and treat each other with compassion.
Community
Community is about being committed to each other. We all share a passion for BJJ and deepen our bonds by supporting one another as we each work towards achieving our goals. We are respectful of our training partners and appreciate them for investing their time, energy, and resources into helping us on our path.
Critical Thinking
BJJ is an infinite, complex art that gives us the opportunity to practice analytical and critical thinking. We are seekers of truth and keep an open mind. We encourage students to ask questions in class, take notes, reflect on their training experiences, and take ownership of their own learning and growth.
Freedom
Everyone embarks on a heroic journey through life, and martial arts can be a powerful discipline that forges mind, body, and spirit on this path. Through the process of mastering BJJ you can break free of your past conditioning, shed your old self, and choose to live an inspired and meaningful life.
