Blue Collar Grappling Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling Programs
1975 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90806
About
Blue Collar Grappling Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling Programs offers training in Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, stand-up grappling, ground fighting, submissions, and live sparring. Classes follow a progression that starts with a wrestling foundation focused on effective takedowns and then transitions into advanced Jiu-Jitsu techniques, including ground fighting and submissions. The program includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, with a belt system in which students start with a white belt and progress based on knowledge, technique, and dedication over time.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price: All Memberships Have Access to Unlimited Classes Adults: $150/month (50 sign-up fee) Kids: $150/month ( 50 sign-up fee) Cash Option: $175/month ($50 sign-up fee) 3-Month Option: Save $100($350 total)
The program is led by John “JT” Thomas, the founder, owner, and head instructor, who is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with experience in freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, Judo, and sambo. His competitive record includes podium finishes such as 2nd place in the NoGi Male Black Master 30 Middle and NoGi Male Black Master 30 Open divisions at the 2019 SJJIF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and 1st place in both the NoGi Male Brown Master Open and NoGi Male Brown Master Heavy divisions at the 2017 13th NABJJF Tournament. The mission of Blue Collar Grappling is to blend Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling to create well-rounded martial artists, focusing on stand-up grappling and ground control while building discipline, respect, and personal growth in every student.
Families and students describe the gym’s atmosphere and team members as incredibly welcoming, with a really clean, focused, and team-oriented environment that is described as a safe place to learn and grow. Multiple parents and students describe John Thomas (also called Coach JT or Professor John Thomas) as patient, encouraging, knowledgeable, and effective at keeping kids focused, making good use of class time, and prioritizing safety. Reviews also note that classes include a strong emphasis on no-gi training, wrestling, and applying reliable, sound technique, and that the gym is described as immaculate and well-maintained. One parent reports that their 10-year-old son has shown much more confidence after about two months in the program, and another notes that this was their child’s first organized activity and that Coach JT makes a complex art easy and fun to grasp.
The program offers unlimited classes and training with personal instruction from John Thomas, smaller classes with focused attention, and a supportive community described as positive, encouraging, and non-judgmental. New students are offered a first class free. For training, participants are instructed to wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a rash guard and board shorts or sweatpants, with no zippers or pockets to avoid injuries.
Last updated July 18, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price: All Memberships Have Access to Unlimited Classes Adults: $150/month (50 sign-up fee) Kids: $150/month ( 50 sign-up fee) Cash Option: $175/month ($50 sign-up fee) 3-Month Option: Save $100($350 total)
The program is led by John “JT” Thomas, the founder, owner, and head instructor, who is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with experience in freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, Judo, and sambo. His competitive record includes podium finishes such as 2nd place in the NoGi Male Black Master 30 Middle and NoGi Male Black Master 30 Open divisions at the 2019 SJJIF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and 1st place in both the NoGi Male Brown Master Open and NoGi Male Brown Master Heavy divisions at the 2017 13th NABJJF Tournament. The mission of Blue Collar Grappling is to blend Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling to create well-rounded martial artists, focusing on stand-up grappling and ground control while building discipline, respect, and personal growth in every student.
Families and students describe the gym’s atmosphere and team members as incredibly welcoming, with a really clean, focused, and team-oriented environment that is described as a safe place to learn and grow. Multiple parents and students describe John Thomas (also called Coach JT or Professor John Thomas) as patient, encouraging, knowledgeable, and effective at keeping kids focused, making good use of class time, and prioritizing safety. Reviews also note that classes include a strong emphasis on no-gi training, wrestling, and applying reliable, sound technique, and that the gym is described as immaculate and well-maintained. One parent reports that their 10-year-old son has shown much more confidence after about two months in the program, and another notes that this was their child’s first organized activity and that Coach JT makes a complex art easy and fun to grasp.
The program offers unlimited classes and training with personal instruction from John Thomas, smaller classes with focused attention, and a supportive community described as positive, encouraging, and non-judgmental. New students are offered a first class free. For training, participants are instructed to wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a rash guard and board shorts or sweatpants, with no zippers or pockets to avoid injuries.
Last updated July 18, 2026.
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