Grips and Position
Use collars, sleeves, posture, and angles to manage distance and establish dependable control.
Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Vaughan (Gi)
Traditional gi jiu-jitsu for adults at every experience level, taught inside Vaughan Sportsplex under head instructor Domenic Passero, a third-degree black belt under Robson Moura. Classes cover grips, control, escapes, and submissions with a clear, beginner-friendly path into training. Live rolling is optional, and your first week is free.
Why Train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Gi?
The gi is the traditional Brazilian jiu-jitsu uniform. Its jacket, sleeves, and collar give you more ways to control movement and manage distance.
Those grips make small technical details matter. You learn when to hold, when to release, and how to protect your posture while another person is trying to control you.
The added friction can slow positions down, giving beginners more time to understand what is happening and encouraging experienced grapplers to solve problems with leverage, patience, and timing.
Every class gives you a full-body workout while teaching a practical skill, so training stays challenging without feeling like a repetitive gym routine.
How Each Gi Class Works
Every class follows a clear structure so you know what you are walking into and can build your skills one step at a time.
- 1
Movement Preparation
Warm up with movements connected to the lesson, including bridging, hip movement, safe falling, and technical stand-ups.
- 2
Technique of the Day
The coach teaches one position in clear steps and explains the details that make the movement work.
- 3
Partner Drilling
Practise the movement with a partner while the coaching team watches repetitions and provides corrections.
- 4
Positional Training
Begin from the position covered in class and learn to apply the technique against controlled resistance.
- 5
Optional Live Rolling
Connect what you have learned in live rounds when you feel ready. Beginners can continue drilling or work at a comfortable pace.
What You Learn in Gi Jiu-Jitsu
Build a complete technical foundation from standing exchanges to ground control, escapes, and submissions.
Escapes and Defense
Stay composed under pressure, protect yourself, and recover from difficult positions safely.
Guard and Passing
Learn the main guard positions, create sweeps, pass the legs, and move toward stronger control.
Control and Submissions
Secure the position first, remove space, and recognize safe opportunities to finish the exchange.
Technical Problem-Solving
Recognize positions and make deliberate decisions instead of relying only on speed or strength.
Full-Body Fitness
Develop strength, endurance, mobility, and coordination while staying focused on a skill you can keep improving.
Control Comes Before Submission
A major part of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is learning not to rush. You secure the position before trying to finish—passing the guard, settling into side control, or improving to mount before attacking.
That approach makes your technique more dependable and keeps training safer. Instead of forcing a movement, you learn to remove space, control movement, and wait for the right opportunity.
Practical Self-Defense Through Control
Gi training teaches you to stay balanced, escape pressure, and control another person without depending on punches or kicks. Collar and sleeve grips also create situations similar to someone grabbing a jacket or shirt.
Head Instructor
Learn Under Domenic Passero
Domenic is a third-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Robson Moura and the head instructor at United Grappling Club.
That lineage supports a structured technical approach in which the positions you learn early continue to connect as your experience grows.
The adult gi program welcomes complete beginners, coloured belts, recreational practitioners, and active competitors. Coaches provide corrections throughout class and help pair students with suitable training partners.
Gi Class Schedule
Current all-level adult gi classes at United Grappling Club.
Monday
All levels
8:15 pm - 9:30 pm
Thursday
All levels
8:15 pm - 10pm
Gi Jiu-Jitsu Pricing
Choose two classes per week or unlimited access across the adult grappling program. Your first week is free.
BJJ - 2 Days/Week
$129/ month
- Two classes each week
- Gi or no-gi training
- All experience levels welcome
- No long-term contract
Unlimited Grappling
$149/ month
- Unlimited gi and no-gi classes
- Adult wrestling included
- MMA fundamentals and open mats
- No long-term contract
Memberships are month to month. Visit the pricing page for the full list of adult and youth options.
Belt Progression and Long-Term Growth
Adults progress through white, blue, purple, brown, and black belt ranks. Each rank represents time spent learning, practising, and becoming a better training partner.
Progress is built through technical understanding, consistency, control, and the way you train with others. The belt gives you meaningful milestones, but the skill you build on the mat remains the focus.
Competition is available, not required
Students who want to compete can work on preparation, strategy, and focused rounds. Recreational students receive the same technical coaching and can train seriously without ever entering a tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect before your first adult gi class.
Can complete beginners join?
Yes. Most new students begin with no previous martial arts experience. Techniques are taught step by step, and you can learn at a manageable pace.
Do I need to be in shape before I start?
No. Your conditioning improves through regular training. You can begin at a comfortable pace and rest whenever you need to.
Do I need a gi for my first class?
Contact the academy before attending. The team will explain what to wear for your first class and help you choose the right uniform if you continue.
Is gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu different from no-gi?
Yes. Gi training uses the traditional jacket and allows collar, sleeve, and lapel grips. No-gi relies more on direct body control and wrestling-style grips.
Will I have to roll during my first class?
No. Live rolling is optional. Beginners can focus on instruction and drilling until they feel ready to join live rounds.
Can I train in both gi and no-gi classes?
Yes. Many United Grappling Club students train in both programs, and the adult memberships let you choose the classes that fit your goals and schedule.
Do I have to compete?
No. Competition is available for students who want it, but it is never required. Recreational members receive the same technical coaching and team support.
How often should a beginner train?
Two classes per week is a strong and sustainable start. More frequent training is available when you want additional mat time.
Start Your Free Week of Gi Jiu-Jitsu
Meet the coaches, learn the foundational positions, and experience the United Grappling Club team before deciding whether the program is right for you.
647-892-3062