Ground Rules Academy
Ground Rules Academy, 7034 Commerce Cir., Suite F, Pleasanton, CA 94588
About
Ground Rules Academy offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) classes that focus on learning and practicing grappling techniques. Classes follow a structured curriculum that includes warm-ups, technique drilling, and sparring. The training environment is described as beginner-friendly and includes programs for all ages starting at age 5.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Ground Rules Academy states that its Jiu Jitsu instruction is a vehicle for developing fitness, resilience, and self-defense skills for ages 5 and up, with a focus on physical and mental health, relationships, performance at school or work, and overall quality of life. The academy offers fundamentals classes tailored for newcomers, as well as programs for a range of ages, including kids’ programs starting at age 5. The facility is described as clean and modern, with a supportive community and a safe and inclusive space where students of all backgrounds thrive.
The academy is described as the highest-rated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in the Tri-Valley and the leading Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in Pleasanton, California. Ground Rules Academy serves the Tri-Valley community and is accessible for residents of Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, Sunol, San Ramon, and beyond. New students are offered a free trial and a week of free classes, and discounts are available for families, veterans and active duty, first-responders, and college students.
Instruction is led by Russell Jensen, PhD, who is described as a professional educator, a black belt since 2024, and the author of “Ground Rules: Simple Physics for the Grappling Arts.” He is a Professor of Chemistry at Las Positas College, an MIT graduate who earned his PhD under a Nobel Laureate at MIT, and has 20 years of teaching experience around the globe. Reviews describe him as a clear, detailed, and hands-on instructor, an excellent coach who is encouraging and “fantastic with kids,” and someone who creates a balance of structure and fun.
Student reviews describe Ground Rules Academy as a friendly and welcoming gym that is always kept clean. Reviewers state that the community “is like no other” and refer to it as an “amazing community.” One reviewer notes that the schedule is very accommodating, and another describes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Ground Rules as having changed their life, mentioning feeling stronger, more confident, and part of a community.
Last updated May 10, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Ground Rules Academy states that its Jiu Jitsu instruction is a vehicle for developing fitness, resilience, and self-defense skills for ages 5 and up, with a focus on physical and mental health, relationships, performance at school or work, and overall quality of life. The academy offers fundamentals classes tailored for newcomers, as well as programs for a range of ages, including kids’ programs starting at age 5. The facility is described as clean and modern, with a supportive community and a safe and inclusive space where students of all backgrounds thrive.
The academy is described as the highest-rated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in the Tri-Valley and the leading Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in Pleasanton, California. Ground Rules Academy serves the Tri-Valley community and is accessible for residents of Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, Sunol, San Ramon, and beyond. New students are offered a free trial and a week of free classes, and discounts are available for families, veterans and active duty, first-responders, and college students.
Instruction is led by Russell Jensen, PhD, who is described as a professional educator, a black belt since 2024, and the author of “Ground Rules: Simple Physics for the Grappling Arts.” He is a Professor of Chemistry at Las Positas College, an MIT graduate who earned his PhD under a Nobel Laureate at MIT, and has 20 years of teaching experience around the globe. Reviews describe him as a clear, detailed, and hands-on instructor, an excellent coach who is encouraging and “fantastic with kids,” and someone who creates a balance of structure and fun.
Student reviews describe Ground Rules Academy as a friendly and welcoming gym that is always kept clean. Reviewers state that the community “is like no other” and refer to it as an “amazing community.” One reviewer notes that the schedule is very accommodating, and another describes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Ground Rules as having changed their life, mentioning feeling stronger, more confident, and part of a community.
Last updated May 10, 2026.
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