Nova Jiu Jitsu

“I can’t say enough about Nova BJJ. All the coaches here make sure it’s a safe and interactive lessons. The kids are always so fully engaged! This gym is more than just a gym, it’s a family! From classes to activities outside of class, it’s always a great experience. Can’t recommend them enough!”

“If you’re someone who likes to research what to expect before you try something new, this is the review for YOU. I’ve already done the research and Nova BJJ is the best jiu jitsu school for women in Rochester. They are the only school in the area that teach a regular Women’s BJJ class, every Tuesday night. Nova BJJ has a strong community of women who regularly practice BJJ and attend classes throughout the week. Nova BJJ also has a variety of adult gi and no-gi classes at the fundamental and more advanced levels in addition to a robust kids program. Every member is welcoming, non-judgmental, and supportive. Nova BJJ excels at making an intimidating sport approachable and accessible for everyone. The team mindset here creates an environment where you can come in as a newbie, without a clue how to move your body, and feel like everyone has your back (but not “taking” your back, yet, ha!) and will work with you to help you understand. That same team mindset will also push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to reach new levels of fitness and confidence. For those who want to compete, Nova BJJ offers an intense competition class and opportunities to help you prepare for that endeavor. The coaches are knowledgable and patient and the upper belts teach you to work through your rolls. Overall, for anyone looking to try BJJ or continue your journey with BJJ, Nova is the best place around to give it a go!”

“We discovered this place through our friend Joe, who teaches the kids’ class, and it has been an amazing experience for our 6-year-old son. The teachers are truly exceptional, exhibiting outstanding communication skills, endless patience, and genuine care for their students. Honestly, they could be teaching anything, and I’d still enroll my child because the life skills they impart go far beyond any single craft or discipline. The fact that they teach jiu-jitsu is just the icing on the cake. Being part of such a welcoming and supportive community has been a true gift!”

“Nova Jujutsu is an incredible community! We’ve been a part of Nova Jujutsu for a year now, and it has been such a positive and transformative experience. My son has learned so many important life skills, including patience, dedication, persistence, and resilience. The instructors are not only highly skilled but also incredibly kind and patient. They have a unique ability to connect with the children in a way that encourages growth and confidence while maintaining a firm but non-threatening teaching approach. As someone who moved to the area during COVID, finding Nova Jujutsu has been a blessing. It’s given us an amazing opportunity to build a sense of community. I’ve made lasting friendships through this group, and we’ve even spent time together outside of jiu-jitsu with our children. The school regularly organizes fantastic events like arcade trips, camping outings, and summertime visits to Seabreeze, where many families gather to create unforgettable memories. The coaches and grown-ups are an active part of these events too. We’ve met many amazing coaches, including Coach Joe, Coach Ethan, Coach Ryan, and Coach Jason, and they often participate in events like bowling, arcade, and picnics, which makes the community feel even more connected. One of the things that stands out about Nova Jujutsu is how well they communicate with families. They use a wonderful app to share updates, news, and schedules, so you always know what’s going on. The communication is top-notch, and it helps you feel involved and informed. Another amazing aspect is the tournaments. Some of the older members participate in actual competitions, and even if you or your child isn’t competing, it’s so much fun to watch and celebrate your community members’ achievements. It’s a great way to cheer each other on and feel like a part of something bigger. The location is also super convenient—right off the 590 on Monroe, making it easy to get to from many areas. The classes are thoughtfully structured to ensure children of all skill levels feel included and supported. The atmosphere is welcoming, the facility is always clean, and the instructors prioritize safety during every session, which is so reassuring as a parent. They also provide excellent feedback on the kids’ progress, offering clear guidance and motivation for their next steps. For the 4- to 5-year-old age group, there are 8 to 10 sessions per month, and as the children get older, even more sessions become available, which makes the value just get better and better. The affordability is another standout feature—where other extracurricular activities can cost $30 or more per session, Nova Jujutsu is under $60 per month for multiple sessions, making it accessible for families without compromising quality. Most importantly, my son absolutely loves attending. He looks forward to every class and comes home eager to share what he’s learned. It’s so fulfilling to see him grow not only in martial arts but also in confidence and character. I wholeheartedly recommend Nova Jujutsu; it’s a place where kids learn, parents connect, and communities flourish.”

“Not every gym feels super welcoming or comfortable for female students, but NOVA is both! There is a women's class every week where our group of female students develop our skills and support each other. We are always excited to welcome new women into our sessions. The mixed classes are also comfortable, with great instruction, drilling and rolling. Whether a woman in interested in becoming a BJJ tournament athlete or just interested in training self-defense techniques, the NOVA coaches and training partners create a safe and encouraging environment.”