Summary
Quick take on Shortys BJJ
Shortys BJJ at 4542 Baltimore Ave 2nd Fl in Philadelphia brings Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to a local audience with a lineup that serves newcomers, developing students, and seasoned grapplers alike.
Academy profile
Shortys BJJ
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Google: 5.0 (112 reviews)
Overview
About Shortys BJJ
Shortys BJJ at 4542 Baltimore Ave 2nd Fl in Philadelphia brings Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to a local audience with a lineup that serves newcomers, developing students, and seasoned grapplers alike. The academy’s schedule and programming include an Intro Class, Adult Group (All Levels), a Masters program, a Kids jiu jitsu class, and a Comp class, giving students clear pathways from first-time training through more specialized work. It also operates as a martial arts school and fitness center, so members can approach training from both a technical and conditioning perspective. More information and class details can be found at https://www.shortysbjj.com/.
The coaching team includes Prof. Mike Short, Coach Dave Gaardsmoe, Coach Nasier Boyer, and Prof. Andy Maroulis, creating a staff mix that supports a range of learning styles and goals. That combination is especially useful in a city like Philadelphia, where practitioners often want a gym that can accommodate casual training, family participation, and competition preparation without forcing everyone into the same track. The presence of both beginner-friendly and advanced options makes it easy for students to start with fundamentals and then move into more focused training as their confidence grows. For experienced grapplers, the Comp class offers a place to sharpen timing, pace, and positional work.
Shortys BJJ stands out for offering belt-rank pathways that welcome a broad spectrum of students, from those just beginning their jiu-jitsu journey to practitioners refining their game over time. The Masters program adds another thoughtful layer, supporting older athletes who want structured training that respects longevity, recovery, and steady progress. Families will also appreciate the Kids jiu jitsu class, which gives younger students a direct entry point into martial arts with a format built for their age group. With these options under one roof, the academy presents a practical training environment for households and individuals seeking consistent instruction across different stages of life.
For visitors, the second-floor location on Baltimore Ave offers a straightforward destination for training in West Philadelphia, and the academy’s mix of programs makes it easy to plan a session that fits personal goals. Whether someone is looking for their first Intro Class, a regular Adult Group (All Levels) session, or a more demanding competition-focused workout, Shortys BJJ provides a clear, approachable structure. In a local BJJ community that values both technical development and a welcoming atmosphere, this academy offers a balanced setting where students can build skills, stay active, and keep moving forward on the mats.
Philosophy
Training Philosophy
It also operates as a martial arts school and fitness center, so members can approach training from both a technical and conditioning perspective. Whether someone is looking for their first Intro Class, a regular Adult Group (All Levels) session, or a more demanding competition-focused workout, Shortys BJJ provides a clear, approachable structure.
Masters programKids jiu jitsu classGymAdult Group (All Levels)Comp classIntro Class
Class Hours
- Friday: 6:30–8 AM
- Monday: 6:30–8 AM
- Saturday: 11 AM–1 PM
- Sunday: Closed
- Thursday: 12–1 PM
- Tuesday: 6:30–8 AM
- Wednesday: 6:30–8 AM
Reference
Third-Party Ratings
Third-party ratings shown for reference only. Visit the original platform for full reviews.
112 Google reviews
Programs & Highlights
Programs & Classes
- Masters program
- Kids jiu jitsu class
- Gym
- Adult Group (All Levels)
- Comp class
- Intro Class
- Martial arts school
- Fitness center
Instructors & Team
- Prof. Mike Short
- Coach Dave Gaardsmoe
- Coach Nasier Boyer
- Prof. Andy Maroulis
Instructors
Instructor Spotlight
Shortys BJJ’s coaching team includes Prof. Mike Short, Coach Dave Gaardsmoe, Coach Nasier Boyer, and Prof. Andy Maroulis, giving you access to a group of instructors who can support everything from first-day fundamentals to more demanding training. You can expect detailed coaching across the Intro Class, Adult Group (All Levels), Kids jiu jitsu class, Masters program, and Comp class, with an approach that helps you build technique at a pace that matches your experience. If you are new, the academy gives you a clear entry point; if you already train, you can keep sharpening your game in a setting built for steady progress.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What classes and programs does Shortys BJJ offer in Philadelphia?
Shortys BJJ offers a broad lineup that serves beginners, kids, adults, and more experienced grapplers. The academy’s programs include the Intro Class, Adult Group (All Levels), Comp class, Kids jiu jitsu class, and Masters program, along with its identity as a martial arts school and fitness center. That range gives students several ways to train depending on age, skill level, and goals. A new student can start in an introduction-focused class, while someone who wants a more demanding pace can look toward competition training. Families can also explore youth training options, and older adults may appreciate the structure and pacing suggested by the Masters program. For the current weekly class structure and any time-specific updates, the best next step is to check the academy website or contact the school directly before heading in.
What are the hours and class schedule at Shortys BJJ?
The most reliable way to confirm class times at Shortys BJJ is to check the academy’s website at https://www.shortysbjj.com/ and reach out directly before visiting. The academy’s program list shows that it serves a variety of training needs, including the Intro Class, Adult Group (All Levels), Kids jiu jitsu class, Masters program, and Comp class, which usually means the schedule is organized around different audiences and training goals. If you are planning your first visit, it is smart to confirm the current timetable so you can choose the class that fits your experience level and daily routine. That is especially helpful for families, beginners, and anyone balancing work or school with training. A quick call or online inquiry can also help you learn whether a specific class is best for your first session.
How much does it cost to train at Shortys BJJ?
Shortys BJJ does not need a complicated decision process when you are starting out: the most practical approach is to contact the academy directly through https://www.shortysbjj.com/ and ask about current membership options, trial class opportunities, and any introductory offers. Because pricing can change and may depend on age group, class type, or training frequency, confirming the latest details with the academy is the safest step before committing. This is especially useful if you are comparing the Adult Group (All Levels), Kids jiu jitsu class, or Masters program and want to understand which path fits your needs. If you are new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, asking about a trial class is a smart way to experience the coaching style and atmosphere before choosing a membership.
Is Shortys BJJ beginner-friendly, and do I need prior martial arts experience?
Shortys BJJ is set up in a way that can work well for beginners, especially because it includes an Intro Class and an Adult Group (All Levels). Those programs give new students a clear place to start, learn the basics, and build confidence before moving into faster or more demanding training. Prior martial arts experience is not the only path onto the mats here; the structure suggests that newcomers can enter through beginner-friendly instruction and grow over time with guidance from the coaching team. If you are brand new, you can expect to learn the essentials step by step and train alongside people with different levels of experience. For the most comfortable first visit, contact the academy ahead of time and ask which class is best for your first day.
How do I book a trial class or schedule a visit at Shortys BJJ?
The easiest way to set up a trial class or plan a visit at Shortys BJJ is to use the academy website at https://www.shortysbjj.com/ and contact the team directly. Since the school offers a range of programs, including the Intro Class, Adult Group (All Levels), Kids jiu jitsu class, Masters program, and Comp class, reaching out in advance helps you choose the most appropriate session for your goals and experience level. If you are bringing a child, starting as a beginner, or looking to compare training options, a quick message or phone call can help you confirm what to expect on arrival and which class best fits your needs. That simple step also gives you a chance to ask about current registration details and any visit procedures before you come in.
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