Brazilian Jiu JitsuGhent · Norfolk, Virginia

CPJJ The Fastest Sport On Two Cheeks.

Systems-based submission grappling, gi and no-gi jiu jitsu, as well as a kids program — all battle tested by our brave competition team on local, regional, and national levels. Pushing innovation, practicality, and efficiency since 2019.

  • $0Your first class
  • 2Focused programs
  • AllLevels, one standard
Adults drilling and rolling in pairs during an open training round at Clayton Phillips Jiu Jitsu in Norfolk
No-Gi Gi Kids

Train with intent.

First class Free Book now

01The academy

A Norfolk room built to make athletes

Clayton Phillips Jiu Jitsu specializes in modern no-gi submission grappling, wrestling and self-defense. The gym is actively looking for dedicated practitioners to help elevate this team to the next level… seriously.


Clayton Phillips Jiu Jitsu logo

222 W 21st Street — in the Jimmy John Plaza on 21st Street, across from Five Guys. Serving Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, Larchmont, Ocean View, Colonial Place and East Beach — all within scooching distance.

  • 2 ProgramsAdult jiu jitsu in the gi and no-gi, and kids jiu jitsu — one membership covers everything in yours.
  • $0 First ClassBooked online in under a minute. No sales meeting before you touch the mats.
  • All LevelsFrom your first day on the mats to testing yourself at national and international tournaments.

03Why CPJJ

Why athletes stay
once they start

  • Elite coaching, modern curriculum

    Clayton is constantly studying and implementing the most modern ways to win, so what you drill on Tuesday is not a decade behind the sport.

  • No time wasted

    Class opens with technique rather than a traditional warm-up. With all that extra time, the coaching goes where it actually matters — your jiu jitsu.

  • Pushed, and coached through it

    Sparring is coached rather than survived. New athletes get partnered with people who know how to bring them along, because a partner you trust is what lets you train hard.

  • A room that expects you to get good

    Expect dedicated coaches and a team-driven culture. Cordial, warm and welcoming — and still the hardest hour of your day.

  • Built for families

    A family-friendly academy that supports youth growth, motivates teens, and gives adults and kids a place to push each other to be their best.

  • Rooted in Norfolk

    CPJJ strengthens the local community through real partnerships, local events and positive connections — not just a logo on a wall.

04Coaching

Coached by Clayton Phillips

The academy carries his name because it carries his approach: study the newest and most sophisticated techniques, teach them properly, and take his athletes on the road to prove them. He is not casual about this — he wants every person in the room to become the best version of themselves on a mat.


Coach Clayton Phillips with one of his athletes after a competition

Hard training, coached safely

Clayton takes the safety of his members seriously and will partner you with someone who knows how to bring a new athlete along. You train as hard as you are ready to train — and in this room that number keeps going up.

Every body is unique. Your journey is unique to you, and you alone.

The CPJJ approach

05Your first week

What day one
actually looks like

Three steps — and from the first one you are coached to the same standard as everybody else on the mat.

  1. Book your free trial

    Schedule a complimentary class to experience the teaching, meet the team and see the academy firsthand.

    Complimentary class

  2. Step through the doors

    Learn the essential techniques, get comfortable in gi or no-gi, and join a class suited to your level.

    Gi or no-gi

  3. Choose your membership

    Commit to growth and progress with membership options designed for every student — only once you know you like the room.

    Only when you are ready

What to bring

Wear comfortable athletic clothing — a rash guard and shorts with no zippers is perfect. We will guide you on gi or no-gi attire as you continue, and we can point you at local retailers when you are ready to buy your own gear.

06Weekly rhythm

Find the class that fits your week

Gi, no-gi and kids classes all run on the same mats under the same coaching standard. Check the live calendar for current times, or call and a coach will place you in the right class for your experience level.

  • Adult Jiu JitsuGi & no-gi, teens & adults
  • Kids Jiu JitsuAges 6 and up, beginner to competitor

07In our own words

What this room is,
straight from us

These are our words, not paid testimonials. The honest test is a free class — come and see whether they hold up.

  • 01 CPJJ · No-Gi program

    People love this place because it’s just about the jiu jitsu, and nothing else.

  • 02 CPJJ · No-Gi program

    The athletes love the technical level, team camaraderie and the vibes. No time is wasted and the class starts with technique without a traditional warm up.

  • 03 CPJJ · The academy

    At Clayton Phillips Jiu Jitsu, you’ll find more than just a place to train — you’ll find a community that genuinely believes in your potential.

  • 04 CPJJ · What to expect

    Expect to be greeted by dedicated coaches and a team-driven culture. You can expect us to be cordial, warm, and welcoming.

08Common questions

Answers before you walk in

Still not sure?

Ask a coach directly

Tell us your experience, your goals, and whether you want to compete. We will tell you straight which class to walk into.

  • First class free
  • $20 drop-in for visitors
  • Kids, teens & adults

Getting started

Do you offer a free trial class?

Yes. CPJJ offers a complimentary trial class. Book online or call to reserve your spot.

Are beginners welcome at CPJJ?

Yes — and they learn the same techniques as the competitors. Beginners are coached like athletes from day one, not parked in a watered-down corner of the mat.

What should I bring or wear to my first class?

Wear comfortable athletic clothing. We will guide you on gi or no-gi attire as you continue.

What ages can join your programs?

Kids Jiu Jitsu starts at age 6 and runs up through the teens; the adult program covers teens and adults. Programs are tailored to different experience levels.

09Find us

Scooch on over to Ghent

We are on 21st Street in the Jimmy John Plaza, directly across from Five Guys — walkable from Ghent and a short drive from Downtown Norfolk. Drive, walk, or scooch.


The address

222 W 21st St
Norfolk, VA 23517

In the Jimmy John Plaza on 21st Street, directly across the street from Five Guys.

Across from Five Guys

  • The landmark Jimmy John Plaza on 21st Street. Five Guys is directly across the road — if you can see it, you are one scooch away.
  • Call ahead Ring (757) 651-3004 and tell a coach your experience level. They will point you at the right class on the right day.
  • Your first class Free for new students. Book online and a coach will be ready to meet you at the door when you arrive.

Serving

  • Ghent
  • Downtown Norfolk
  • Larchmont
  • Ocean View
  • Colonial Place
  • East Beach

Your first class is free

Your first jiu jitsu class in Norfolk is on us

Book online in under a minute. Bring athletic clothes, arrive a few minutes early, and a coach will take it from there.

$0First class