Tell us your goal and availability. We’ll match you to the right plan.
Meet the instructor
Sensei Sandy
Sensei Sandy is the head instructor at Sensei Sandy BJJ in Tannersville, NY.
He began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while living in New York City and quickly fell in love with the problem-solving side of grappling: control, escapes, and submissions built on leverage (no striking).
Over the years, Sandy committed to training consistently and teaching beginners the way he wished he was taught: clear steps, calm coaching, and a safety-first culture where people feel welcome from day one.
Sandy’s focus is simple: help students build real skill without intimidation. Adults come for fitness and stress relief. Kids and teens build confidence, coordination, and safer movement for sports and life.
He trained at Clockwork BJJ with Josh Griffiths and earned every belt level under the guidance of the 4th Degree Head Instructor.
Today, Sandy runs Sensei Sandy BJJ in the Catskills and is dedicated full-time to creating a clean, organized, beginner-friendly academy where students can train, grow, and feel part of something.
What happens at your Free Intro
Three transparent steps, zero pressure.
Meet & Tour · 5 min
We show you the space, answer questions, and make a plan.
Beginner Lane, no hard sparring day one, reschedule by text.
Beginner Lane = no hard sparring on day one.
After Free Intro
Core Culture (12 Weeks)
Youth (Kids + Teens) $550 · Adult $715 · Cancel or reschedule by text · 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: If it's not a fit in the first 30 days, we refund you.
Everything you need to feel confident before your first class.
Start with a Free Intro. You’ll get a quick tour, a safety walkthrough, and your first class plan so you don’t feel lost. If you’re nervous, that’s normal—this is built for first-timers.
No striking. BJJ is grappling: control, escapes, and submissions using leverage. You learn how to stay safe and manage space—not throw punches.
Yes—because we control the environment. New students start in a Beginner Lane with coached rounds, safer partners, and a pace that prioritizes learning over “winning.” You can always tap, pause, or ask questions.
Wear a t-shirt and athletic shorts/leggings (no zippers). Bring water. If you don’t have a gi yet, you can start without one and we’ll tell you the simplest next step.
No. Training is how you get in shape. We scale the intensity, teach the basics step-by-step, and you’ll never be thrown into chaos on day one.
Tell the coach before class. We’ll modify positions, pair you appropriately, and keep you in controlled training until you feel confident. The goal is consistency—safe reps, not hero moments.
Minimum: 2x/week for steady progress. Fast track: 3x/week for noticeable skill and fitness changes. Consistency beats intensity.
No. Competing is optional. Most people train for confidence, fitness, stress relief, and real-world self-defense skills without ever stepping into a tournament.
We keep it simple: you’ll see the options after your Free Intro so you pick the right fit without guessing. We offer program pricing (youth/adult) and drop-in options, with clear expectations and no surprise add-ons. View options and pricing.
Clean mats, clean people, clean culture. Mats are cleaned regularly, shoes stay off the mat, nails stay trimmed, and we take skin safety seriously. If something seems off, we address it immediately.
Calm coaching. Beginner-friendly. Real families. Real training.
1/15★★★★★
Jessie Moriarty
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Class @ Sensi Sandy BJJ has become such a large part of my family's routine. When my niece Kiley (10) got thrown from her snowboard and brought to the hospital, her first question to the Dr was "Can I still do Jiu Jitsu?" to which the Dr replied "Uh, no. Take a week."
Sandy and anyone who has traveled to train with our kids are professional and have modeled the utmost patience. My five-year-old started in September and has learned about self-control, focus, cause and effect, and the power of taking a loss in the name of self-improvement. In class, he's met with compassion and encouraged to communicate. I highly recommend trying a free class; you never know. It's great to try new things.
Jared Goodrich
I am very satisfied with Jiu Jitsu classes here with Sensei Sandy. This is a great place for kids to blow off their afternoon energy in a calm and structured environment. I have 2 kids in the class twice a week. They entered the class with no experience and now look forward to going after school. I am especially grateful to have these classes on the mountaintop. It makes it very convenient.
Hannah Haworth
Sandy's class is so special! My kids (6 & 4) had such a good time. Sandy was so calm and clear while keeping it really engaging, informative and fun for them. Excited to make this part of our week!
Tess Robinson
Sandy makes you feel comfortable getting on the mats if it's your first time or even if you are a seasoned practitioner. The sessions are calm, beginner friendly, a great workout and you leave feeling like you left with a lot more knowledge than when you walked in! Great, clean space! 5 stars every time I go!!!
Arye Shabtai
Sandy is legendary. A gentleman with a calm, friendly, professional approach. Classes are beginner friendly yet helping me get to the next level with high value training.
Joshua Griffiths
Sandy is an amazing, passionate and professional teacher! Check out a class and see for yourself!
Caroline Cosgrove
Sense Sandy provides a safe, calm environment for kids to learn how to control their own body and mind through the practice of self defense. My 8yr old loves the classes. Since starting just over a month ago, his focus at home and class has drastically improved. I highly recommend sensai Sandy's program.
Melissa DeGasperis
Coach Sandy has a great way of making Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu feel approachable and safe for beginners. The gym is always supportive and calm. He is a skillful athlete and teacher and I am always so inspired every time I get a chance to train with him. We have a ton of fun. Highly recommend sessions with him for all levels!
beiasha andrew
Such a wonderful activity! Beginner friendly and just a really patient environment.
Emily Dill
Sandy is awesome! Such a chill and approachable training spot for people new to jiujitsu, kids and adults! On the other hand, for those of us with a little more experience, sandy has incredible knowledge to share and fun games that makes class way more interesting. Always look forward to training here!
Romero XVII
I've known Sandy early on in my Jiu Jitsu Journey. I can assure you that under his instruction, you will find the utmost attention to detail in your skill development, in tandem with a calm training environment for all levels.
Nash Victory
Sandy is one of the most talented and infectious blackbelts around. Always a pleasure to share a space with him. Training with Sandy is a guaranteed safe, informed, and beginner friendly session. He is simply the best. He also actively competes! Very cool!
Phillip Johansen
This is the perfect place to start or continue your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey. I have been doing BJJ since the 1900's and can't think of a safer, more ethical or skilled academy. Have fun!
Pedro Marquez
Sandy is an amazing instructor. I've been doing Jiu-Jitsu for almost 10 years and in his classes I was able to unfold a couple of details that I never noticed before. Sandy also ensures we have a really safe environment to train in and get better in. If you're looking for a fun safe activity to do that improves your health and helps you lose weight look no further BJJ is for you. Sandy also has amazing kids program and the privates are really where it's at.
Sandra Martin
Sensei Sandy BJJ is a calm, welcoming, and beginner-friendly place to train. Instruction is clear, patient, and supportive, and the atmosphere makes it easy to learn without feeling intimidated. Great value for the quality of training. Highly recommend!