Open Mat in Milford, CT
Sundays, 10 AM - 1 PM. Gi or No-Gi, all levels, a VIA coach always on the mat.
Download the WaiverOpen Training, Every Sunday
Open mat is time on the mat without a lesson plan. Roll, drill what you've been working on, or work a problem position with a partner. Nobody teaches a set class and nobody tells you what to work on. Visitors from other gyms are welcome with a signed waiver.
Drop in any time. Gi or No-Gi, all levels welcome.
The Room Decides
Some Sundays the mat is mostly gis. Some Sundays it's mostly rashguards and shorts. There's no fixed rule, because it depends on who shows up and how they're dressed. Partners pair up by what they're wearing, so the more you bring, the more rounds you get.
Bring a gi, no-gi gear, or both. You'll pair up with whoever's dressed like you.
How a Visit Works
First time at VIA's open mat? Three steps, and the first one you can do at home.
Sign the Waiver
Download it below, print it, and sign it before you come. A parent or guardian signs for anyone under 18.
Check In
Hand the signed waiver to the front desk, and ask about the drop-in fee if you're visiting.
Roll
Introduce yourself to the coach on the mat, find a partner dressed like you, and get to work.
VIA Drop-In and Trial Waiver (PDF). One signed waiver covers today and every future visit until you sign a membership agreement.
Download the WaiverWho's on the Mat, When
Open mat runs every Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM. There's no set lesson, but a VIA coach is always on site supervising rounds. Which coach depends on availability that week.
See every class, every day. Open Mat is part of the full weekly schedule.
No lesson plan. Just rounds, and a VIA coach watching the room.
VIA Jiu Jitsu Academy
Train Clean, Train Under Control
- No training with an open wound, rash, fever, or contagious skin condition.
- Tell the coach on the mat about any injury or condition before you roll.
- Train under control. Tap early, and let your partner tap.
- Follow the coach's call. VIA can end any round, or any visit, for safety, hygiene, or conduct.
- Report any injury to the coach before you leave.
Want structured mat time during the week? Gi/No-Gi Rolls classes →
Common Questions About Open Mat
- When is open mat at VIA?
Every Sunday. Doors open for open mat at 10 AM and you can drop in any time until 1 PM, so there's no need to arrive at the start. Holiday weekends can change, so check the live schedule before you drive over.
- Is open mat Gi or No-Gi?
Both, and the room decides. Some Sundays it's mostly gis, some Sundays it's mostly rashguards and shorts. Partners pair up by what they're wearing, so bringing a gi and no-gi gear gets you the most rounds.
Gi vs. No-Gi, explained- Is there an instructor at open mat?
Open mat is open training, so nobody teaches a set lesson or tells you what to drill. A VIA coach is always on the mat supervising rounds and keeping the room safe. Which coach depends on availability that week.
- Can I visit from another gym?
Yes. Every visitor signs VIA's drop-in waiver before stepping on the mat. Download it from this page, print and sign it (a parent or guardian signs for anyone under 18), check in at the front desk, and introduce yourself to the coach on the mat.
- I've never trained. Should I come to open mat?
Start with a free trial class instead. A class teaches the basics step by step, which makes open mat far more useful once you get there. Open mat assumes you already know how to roll safely with a resisting partner.
What your first BJJ class looks like
See You Sunday
Visiting from another gym? Bring your signed waiver. New to VIA? Your first class is free.