Street Sports Poulsbo

Two black belts, the husband and wife team of Joao and Bonnie Da Rosa, run Street Sports Poulsbo as a family-owned jiu-jitsu academy with classes for toddlers through adults. Joao, the head instructor, is a 2nd degree black belt with over 20 years of experience; Bonnie, also a black belt, specializes in youth development. Kids start in age-group classes from age 2. The academy calls itself a school, with a structured curriculum, clear goals for each student's development and room for everyone to grow at their own pace.

Adults start with a private introductory lesson and then train in the basics program (ages 14+), built for people new to jiu-jitsu, before moving on to intermediate classes. Women can also train in a women's only class from age 12. Sparring is part of jiu-jitsu here without being mandatory, especially for beginners; the academy brings it in when a student is ready physically and mentally, and recommends a mouth guard, which it sells. For steady progress it suggests training at least twice a week. The academy doesn't publish its class times, and its email address is the place to ask.

Comfortable athletic clothing is enough for a first class, since the academy lends a trial gi, and a gi comes with enrollment. Gis are white, true blue or black, with a black rashguard underneath, and one bought elsewhere needs the academy's patch. No-gi classes have a dress code of their own: black rashguard, black spats and black wrestling shorts with no buttons, zippers or pockets. The building has changing rooms and showers. A gentle, non-heated yoga class runs alongside the jiu-jitsu.

Membership is capped, and once the spots are gone new members join a waitlist. Active duty military get a membership discount. Private or group private lessons for up to four people are arranged with a student's own coach.