Everything you
need to know.
Answers to the questions we hear most — from your first class to promotions, pricing, and what to expect as a parent on the sideline.
Getting Started & Your First Class
No experience or prior fitness level is required! Whether you're enrolling a child or starting Jiu-Jitsu or MMA as an adult, our classes cater to complete beginners as well as advanced practitioners. We tailor training to meet you where you are so you can learn at your own pace in a supportive environment.
Yes — and you should! Your first Jiu-Jitsu or MMA class is on us, no strings attached. Sign up online or give us a call to book your visit.
Arrival: Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so we can tour the facility, introduce you to the instructor, and get you set up before hitting the mat.
First Class Setup: A coach will give you a specific task or guide you through fundamentals. Go at your own comfortable pace — there is no expectation or pressure for sparring right away.
What to Bring/Wear: Bring athletic clothes and a water bottle. That's it! For Jiu-Jitsu, once enrolled, students will receive or purchase an official uniform (called a gi).
Consistency is key. We recommend attending 2 to 3 times per week to experience steady progress, though you can adjust your frequency based on your personal schedule and goals.
Parent Expectations & Youth Development
One of the best things you can do for your child or teen at By Any Means is let them figure it out. Our coaches are trained to guide students through real-time challenges on the mat, and that struggle is where real growth happens. We ask parents to hold back the instinct to step in, coach from the sideline, or comfort them mid-class. Trust the process and trust our coaches — you'll be amazed at what they are capable of when given the space to work through it independently.
Honestly? That's kind of the whole point. Jiu-Jitsu and MMA are unique individual journeys within a supportive team setting — there are no "benchwarmers" here.
For shy kids: Martial arts builds confidence from the ground up, and our coaches love working with all personality types.
For uncoordinated kids: Jiu-Jitsu relies on body awareness and leverage rather than raw explosive power or high kicks. Kids develop coordination naturally at their own speed.
Actually, the opposite is true. Because our students have a safe, high-energy outlet to spar and test their skills in class, they rarely feel the need to prove themselves outside the academy.
Jiu-Jitsu is the "Gentle Art" — we emphasize that skills are for self-protection, and true strength lies in the discipline to walk away. MMA has deep roots in self-defense, but we explicitly teach that violence is never the answer to personal problems.
Jiu-Jitsu is often called "human chess" because it requires intense mental focus, self-control, and strategic thinking under pressure. Through both MMA and Jiu-Jitsu, children learn emotional regulation, decision-making, and focus — directly translating to better attention and problem-solving in the classroom. Pre-teens build true self-esteem and persistence, learning that falling down is just an opportunity to stand back up.
Note: Martial arts is a lifestyle, not a seasonal quick fix. Long-term consistency builds skills that serve kids through high school, college, and adulthood.
Establish a consistent class routine, celebrate their wins (both big and small), and show interest in what they're learning. Most importantly, give them the space to persist through hard days on the mat.
Programs, Styles & Curriculum
We specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for age groups starting as young as 3 years old through adults.
Across our programs, we don't believe in standing in line to mindlessly drill static moves over and over. You learn by doing:
Task-Based Learning: We place students directly into live situational games designed to develop real skills organically.
Observation First: Our coaches observe before intervening. We want to see how you or your child problem-solves naturally before stepping in.
Feeling "Lost" is Intentional: If you feel challenged or uncertain during a scenario, the game is working! Navigating that puzzle in real time is what builds adaptability, real-world skill, and genuine composure under pressure.
Our BJJ program focuses on real-world grappling, leverage, and practical self-defense within a welcoming, highly structured, and ego-free environment. It's an ideal art for building dynamic physical conditioning, personal safety, and mental clarity.
Our MMA program provides a dynamic, full-body workout that builds cardiovascular endurance, strength, and agility while teaching practical, multi-discipline self-defense techniques — combining striking, grappling, and control — effective in real-world scenarios.
Promotions are based on merit and skill, not time served or politics. When you're ready to level up, ask your coach what to focus on next for honest feedback.
Cost: Sweat. Maybe some blood. Maybe some tears. But never money. We never charge belt or rank promotion fees — ever.
Schedules, Pricing & Memberships
We run classes Monday through Saturday with both morning and evening options available for various age groups and skill levels.
Pricing is set up on a convenient month-to-month basis. Reach out to schedule a quick chat or visit, and we'll help you find a plan that fits your family's situation.
No. We offer flexible month-to-month memberships without long-term locked-in contracts.
To cancel or pause your membership, simply call or email the front desk. We kindly ask for 30 days' advance notice.
Safety, Location & Gym Rules
Our school is located at 136 N Main St, Manteca, CA 95336.
Safety is our absolute top priority across all programs:
Kids & Toddlers (Ages 3+): Classes for early childhood are tailored specifically for safety, balance, and basic motor skills in a strictly controlled environment.
General Safety: While combat sports carry inherent risk, we enforce gym rules strictly and immediately stop unsafe training — no matter if you're a first-day white belt or an advanced practitioner. Intensity is scaled progressively to match your comfort level.
We observe major holidays and follow local school closures for inclement weather. Important updates are shared via email, social media, and WhatsApp. We strongly recommend opting into text notifications during registration for real-time alerts.