Utah Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym
Absolute MMA is one of the top-ranked Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gyms in Utah. We have several qualified instructors that teach all ages for this discipline of Mixed Martial Arts.
In fact, it’s really important for you to know that we focus on teaching self-defense, but many people equally care about staying in shape. So, our teaching style is perfect for children, teens, and adults alike.
We have classes each week that are suited for all levels of students, and we always emphasize safety. From youth programs starting at ages 5-7 years old to programs for pre-teens, teens, and adults, you won’t find another gym with the resumes our team boasts.
What to expect from Absolute MMA’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes near Salt Lake City
If you want to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from the best gym in West Jordan, Utah, Absolute MMA offers great classes at varying times throughout the week.
This starts with our qualified instructors and ends with our clean facilities, friendly environment, and easy to attend class times. We seek to accommodate our members, so we teach several Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at different times throughout the week.
Gym owner and instructor, Rob Handley, is one of the instructors on site. He’s a 5th-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blackbelt and trained under Grand Master Flavio Behring (9th-degree BJJ blackbelt) and Master Sylvio Behring (7th-Degree BJJ blackbelt), some of the world’s most decorated BJJ artists of all time.
Professor Handley teaches in a group setting but strives to give individual attention during classes. He focuses on teaching proper technique but also makes sure that everyone in his classes breaks a sweat and gets their cardio in.
You can see our class schedule here.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/BJJ?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a combat system that emphasizes leverage and control over size and strength. Participants in BJJ attempt to apply a series of chokes and joint locks that will cause their opponent to “submit” or “tap out.” The sport is built on principles of self-defense that evolved from Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu.
Our progressive system offers a grappling and submission Jiu Jitsu style that is applicable to self-defense, sport Jiu Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts fighting. We teach posture, pressure, and precision as the foundation upon which everything else is built. Our head coach, Rob Handley, received his black belt from Grand Master Flavio Behring.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Behring Jiu Jitsu
The Behring family’s history in Jiu Jitsu is a direct reflection of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’s own history, beginning in 1947 when Flavio Behring began his martial arts training and education in Jiu Jitsu at the hands of the great, Grand Master Helio Gracie at the age of 10. After a lifetime in the art now 83 years of age, Flavio Behring holds the prestigious rank of Grand Master, 9th degree Red Belt.
Today, Grand Master Flavio Behring is considered by most as Jiu Jitsu royalty. One of the longest living practitioners of Gracie Jiu Jitsu alive today, and one only a handful of Red Belts still on the mat, teaching the valuable lessons he learned at the Gracie Academy.
His experience in the art has given him the tools to prepare, instruct, guide, and educate generations of practitioners, instructors, athletes, and fighters.
Flavio Behring Jiu-Jitsu is an worldwide institution focused on the education, preparation, and character development of its students and instructors.
It is the result of Grand Master Flavio Behring’s lifetime achievement in Jiu Jitsu. His longstanding dedication to the art of Jiu-Jitsu, his consistent effort to perfect Jiu-Jitsu’s technique, and the strength and honor to represent the Gracie family his entire life.
Professor Rob Handley and Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu USA
Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu USA is the development of the hard work and dedication of Professor Robert Handley beginning in 2002. Professor Rob spearheaded the growth and success of the Behring name in the USA. With nearly 20 affiliates nationwide FBJJUSA continues to honor and teach in the traditions of Grand Master Flavio Behring.
Five Common Questions About Our Youth BJJ Program
What can my child expect in their first class at Absolute MMA?
Each child will be nervous. Some more than others. They won’t know what to do or some of the exercises. We have patient and understanding coaches that will take the time to teach your child.
We want your child to learn and the best way we’ve found is to make class as comfortable as possible. It will never be easy but we will help them through it.
How dangerous is BJJ for my child?
Jiu Jitsu is a combat sport. We educate and monitor our training environment very closely. Children will be grappling with each other so you can expect them to get a few bruises, but we haven’t had a serious youth injury in our entire 18-year history of training.
Does Jiu Jitsu provide good exercise?
Yes. Jiu Jitsu provides amazing exercise. Our training methods involve lots of physical exertion. Your child will be physically and mentally challenged. They will sweat. We will be there to guide and encourage them through every step.
How do you control submissions while the kids are rolling?
Our number one priority is child safety.
We educate, demonstrate, and review the need for safety. We respect our partner and the fact that they are helping us get better. Respect is one of the most highly prized attitudes we value for our youth.
How would BJJ help my child?
There are several benefits we hear from our youth team’s parents. Improved school performance, an improved attitude at home, and improved self-confidence are a few that we’ve heard many times over. Those are outside the physical benefits gained from training.
Read: 10 benefits of training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Q&A about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Professor Rob….
1) When did you start training Jiu Jitsu?
I started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 1993 here in Salt Lake City, Utah with Master Pedro Sauer, I received my black belt in 2003 from Grand Master Flavio and Master Sylvio Behring.
I have since received my 5th degree Black belt certification from the Grand Masters Council of Grand Masters Flavio Behring, Joao Alberto Barreto and Alvaro Barreto.
I was a member of the first IBJJF USA Team in 2003 competing in the USA X BRA Challenge. I traveled to train, compete and live the BJJ culture in Brazil for 20 years, I have competed at every belt rank in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and encourage others to do the same.
2) Why did you begin training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
I was curious about Grappling and Jiu Jitsu, I was already training in the Martial arts in Utah for a few years when I learned about Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Luckily I found a Gracie Jiu Jitsu instructor in my area.
3) How do you feel BJJ has influenced your life?
Jiu Jitsu has given me strength and stability in my life. I am very lucky to live such a blessed life with amazing teachers and good friends. I have increased the overall well being of my life, meaning spiritually, mentally and physically by staying involved in Jiu Jitsu all these years.
Jiu Jitsu is not just something I do for fun or recreation, it’s part my daily activity and is a defining characteristic of who I am as a Martial Artist.
4) What characteristics do you think make a successful submission artist in Jiu Jitsu?
I believe patience is one of the most important characteristics because it involves time, immediately followed up by self-discipline. You have to be patient when learning because it’s a life-long investment in time.
Self-discipline is a close second because desire, the will to endure, and motivation all have to come from within. What exactly is a “successful” submission artist? I think everyone from the top to the bottom would answer that question as they interpret it.
5) What do you think is your greatest accomplishment in the sport?
I think at different times in my life I would answer that differently each time. Currently, it’s sharing my knowledge and experience with my team and investing in the next generation of future world champions training at Absolute.
6) What advice would you give to people who have just started or who are training now?
I teach seminars all over the country and I meet people from all experience levels and I give them the same advice I was once given by my friend and Carlson Gracie blackbelt Alexandre Derizans many years ago.
He said, “Never stop training. Learn everything you can from everyone you can. You’ll learn more about yourself and your abilities the longer you train. Listen to your teacher’s, pay attention to the details, and ask a lot of questions; in the end, you’ll figure out what works best for you.”
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu FAQs
What kind of equipment do I need?
Traditionally, BJJ is practiced wearing a Gi/Kimono. A mouthguard is used to protect one’s mouth and teeth from injury. Rash guards are nice to have to prevent chafing under the Gi/Kimono.
Do I need headgear?
Most practitioners do not wear headgear, but we’re not going to stop you if you’d like to wear it.
Where can I get a Gi?
There are many places to get a Gi. They are readily available online through Amazon or other online vendors.
Do I need to get a belt when I buy a Gi?
Yes. Most Gi’s don’t come with belts. Get a white belt if you’re just starting.
How does the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ranking system work?
The ranking system is based on colored belts (worn as part of the uniform) to signify increasing levels of technical knowledge and practical skill. Starting with white then blue, purple, brown and black.
Train with us and you can advance through the different levels.
Will I get hurt doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
As with all contact sports, injury is always a possibility. At Absolute MMA, we pride ourselves on our low injury-to-fun ratio.
The American College of Sports Medicine ranks Martial Arts training very high in regards to safety when compared to many other nationally recognized sports within the U.S.
What is the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a form of ground fighting and is all grappling. There is no striking, and it is most commonly practiced on a padded mat.
Muay Thai is Thai boxing. It involves a striking technique that uses very little, or no grappling, and is done standing upright on your feet.
Muay Thai combines the use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins and is commonly referred to as the “art of eight limbs.”
What is the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo?
Both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and and Judo are forms of grappling, however Judo focuses on standing techniques. Whereas Jiu Jitsu is focused on ground techniques. To learn more in depth about the difference between BJJ and Judo read here.