Cornerstone Jiu Jitsu, Silverdale

“Our true competition is with our past selves,” says Cornerstone Jiu Jitsu, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu dojo in Silverdale built on resilience, humility and service. Professor Alvin, a black belt, is head professor and owner, and a team of brown, purple and blue belt coaches teaches alongside.

The owner writes that the dojo's policies rest on Christ-based values, which won't be forced on anyone and won't be hidden either. Members and their guardians sign those policies, and they include a safe practice code. Hard rolling counts as a necessary part of training, particularly for anyone preparing for a competition, and partners agree on the intensity, apply submissions progressively and release all pressure the moment someone taps.

Adults 18 and over have classes at least five times a week. Women's Wednesday is a women-only class open from age 12, paired with one adult class a week. A 10-class punchcard suits people who can't always make it to class. Kids and teens train in separate age groups up to age 17. There are discounts for families and for military, veterans, first responders, teachers and medical workers.

The free week opens any program or class and ends a week after the first class. Loaner gis are available and handed back each day, and the dojo sells gis. Newcomers let the dojo know when they're coming, get waiver and etiquette information ahead of time, and find a coach there to help them get started.