Abhaya Class Information

Classes at Abhaya run all year long and you can sign up at any time. For ages 5-13 we offer our Mat Monsters Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/self defense program. For teens and adults we start all new students in our intro programs. Our intro programs consist of intro Muay Thai Kickboxing, boxing and intro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Greenwich and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo in Windsor. You can attend one, two or all intro programs and each program includes open mat training sessions and additional classes.

Ages 5-13 Mat Monsters-Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (grappling/self defense) Greenwich & Windsor: Abhaya’s Mat Monsters program teaches more than just self defense. Our students learn discipline and focus while building confidence that will help them to be successful in all aspects of their life.

Our kids classes are broken up into 2 age groups; 5-7 years old and 8-13 years old. Ages 5-7 learn basic self defense techniques and the positions and movements they can realistically use to defend themselves and also be competitive in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. Students do not begin to learn submissions (attacks) until they are in our 8-13 year old age group where they will begin to learn more advanced techniques, further developing their ability to defend themselves if necessary and also be successful in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. All classes include a sparring component as well as games.

Each age group has 2 scheduled classes per week.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (grappling/self defense) Greenwich & Windsor: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the world’s most effective single martial arts style and utilizes technical body positioning and leverage to subdue an opponent. Designed so that a smaller weaker person could overcome a larger and stronger opponent using space and leverage Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a highly effective self defense system. Classes feature a short warm-up followed by movement drills that train your body to perform the techniques. Approximately half of the class consists of technical instruction in the fundamental holds, escapes, chokes and joint locks that have made BJJ a staple in MMA competitions around the world. 

No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (grappling/self defense) Greenwich only: This is the same as BJJ but without the gi (kimono) and with more emphasis on the ground game for MMA. Training is done in shorts and a t-shirt or rashguard. No sleeveless shirts. No-gi sparring is generally held during open mat sessions as well as there is No-gi class on Wednesdays and Saturdays. All are available to all members participating in our Jiu-Jitsu programs.

Judo (takedowns/throws) Windsor only: A martial art that perfectly compliments your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Judo’s most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one’s opponent to the ground. Once on the ground Judo implements techniques similar to BJJ to immobilize or otherwise subdue one’s opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking or by executing a strangle hold or choke.

Intro Muay Thai Kickboxing (striking) Greenwich only: This is a great workout that features detailed instruction in the basics of punching, kicking, blocking and proper footwork. You will learn how to use training equipment like heavy bags and focus mitts and build core strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. This program is designed for people with no previous training and there is no contact sparring in the classes. Gain skill and confidence while also getting in a great workout!

Advanced Muay Thai (striking) Greenwich only: This class is a step up from our intro Kickboxing class with more focus on advanced techniques and live sparring. This program is designed for people with previous kickboxing experience.

Western Boxing (striking) Greenwich only: No experience necessary, boxing classes consist of a warmup, skills development drills and exercises, technical instruction and the opportunity to partake in sparring when ready. You will learn how to move properly, use training equipment like heavy bags and focus mitts and build core strength and cardiovascular fitness. This program is designed for a variety of skill levels, people with no previous training and people that are already at a sparring or competition level. 

Advanced Boxing/Sparring (striking) Greenwich only: This class is live sparring time for boxers with previous experience. Please talk to your intro boxing instructor for permission to attend this class.

Women's Class (grappling/self defense)Windsor only: Our Women’s Class combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and self-defence techniques in a welcoming space where women can challenge themselves, learn new skills, and have fun. No experience is necessary. Come as you are, train at your own pace, and leave feeling stronger and more confident.

Mini Monsters (grappling) Windsor only: Mini Monsters is a playful, movement-based program designed specifically for little ones ages 2–4. Through age-appropriate martial arts activities, games, obstacle courses, and movement challenges, children develop coordination, balance, listening skills, confidence, and body awareness—all while having a blast.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals Windsor only: Our Fundamentals class focuses on the essential skills and techniques that every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner needs. This class provides focused practice of core movements and techniques, helping students develop a strong base and confidence in their training.

While Fundamentals is open to all students, it is especially beginner-friendly and a great place to start if you're new to training. It's also an excellent class for more experienced students who want to sharpen their basics and improve their technique.