Ground Rules Academy

Ground Rules Academy offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training, including kids’ programs, youth classes, and adult classes. The program includes instruction in Jiu Jitsu with classes that cover practical techniques such as holds, throws, and submissions for self-defense. New students can attend a free trial class or a week of free classes.

• Ages: 5–18 years old

Ground Rules Academy provides Jiu Jitsu instruction as a vehicle for developing fitness, resilience, and self-defense skills for ages 5 and up in a beginner-friendly training environment. The academy states a focus on improved physical and mental health, relationships, performance at school or work, and overall quality of life, with education described as the top priority. Programs are offered for all ages, from kids’ classes to adult programs, with beginners always welcome and students progressing at their own pace.

The academy was launched in August 2024, and after two years of building a strong community, it joined JG Academy / Aspire to Inspire in 2026. It serves the Tri-Valley community and is described as the highest-rated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in the Tri-Valley and the leading Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in Pleasanton, California, based on Google reviews. Students describe an emphasis on community and camaraderie, and some describe the academy as a family.

Ground Rules Academy is led by founder and owner Russ Jensen, PhD, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt since 2024 and a professional educator. He earned a PhD in physical chemistry from MIT in 2015 under Nobel Laureate Moungi Bawendi and is a Professor of Chemistry at Las Positas College, where he also serves as Chemistry Professor and BJJ Club Advisor. He is the author of “Ground Rules: Simple Physics for the Grappling Arts” (coming soon to Amazon) and a former collegiate discus thrower with extensive strength, conditioning, and mobility experience.

Classes take place in a clean, modern facility described as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school and gym, equipped to support training needs and always kept clean. Instruction uses principles from physics such as leverage, momentum, base, and friction, along with basic anatomy, to explain why techniques work. Youth classes focus on coordination, safe contact, and fun grappling games that build real skills, while adult classes emphasize a supportive, clean, and challenging environment. The curriculum is author-led and based on the book “Ground Rules: Simple Physics for the Grappling Arts.”

The academy offers competitive rates and discounts for families, veterans and active duty, first-responders, and college students, along with a free trial and a week of free classes for new students. A student review describes the instruction as clear, detailed, and hands-on, and notes that the gym has a friendly, welcoming vibe and is always kept clean. Another student review describes Ground Rules Academy as a great place to learn and train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with an instructor who makes everyone of all skill levels feel welcome and a schedule described as very accommodating. A parent review describes Sensei Russ as skilled, encouraging, fantastic with kids, and creating a balance of structure and fun. Another reviewer states that BJJ at Ground Rules has changed their life and that they feel stronger, more confident, and part of an amazing community.

Last updated August 8, 2026.