Question 1

Do I need any experience to start?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Every new member begins with a Movement Assessment where we evaluate your fitness, mobility, and goals. Total beginner or lifelong athlete — we build a plan that meets you where you are.

Question 2

What happens at my first visit?

Accepted Answer

A one-on-one Movement Assessment with a coach or our Doctor of Physical Therapy. We screen how you move, talk through your goals and any injuries, and recommend the best-fit program. Low-pressure, and you leave with a clear path.

Question 3

What should I wear and bring?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable athletic clothes you can move in, plus a water bottle. For jiu jitsu we'll tell you about gi requirements — but for your assessment, just come ready to move.

Question 4

Is Persist a good fit if my goal is weight loss or general fitness?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Strength coaching, jiu jitsu, and recovery all build lean muscle, conditioning, and energy — with a doctor making sure you train around your body, not against it.

Question 5

Will I get thrown into advanced movements?

Accepted Answer

Never. You earn every movement — you learn it one-on-one, level up, and it becomes yours. New members start with a coached on-ramp in every discipline.

Question 6

How much does a membership cost?

Accepted Answer

See the Memberships page for current pricing. Individual disciplines start at $199/mo; Hybrid (strength + jiu jitsu) is our most popular. The Family Plan puts a household of four under one roof on one bill. Full price, always — a clinic doesn't run sales.

Question 7

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Every membership starts with an evaluation by our Doctor of Physical Therapy — and physical therapy services are typically HSA/FSA eligible. Where it's clinically appropriate, our DPT can prescribe your training as part of your care, which serves as a Letter of Medical Necessity and may make certain memberships HSA/FSA eligible too. It depends on your plan and situation, and we're not tax advisors — but we'll provide the documentation and walk you through it. Just ask.

Question 8

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

We're a direct, cash-pay model — no insurance games, no referral maze. That said, our physical therapy and evaluations are often HSA/FSA eligible, and our DPT can provide a Letter of Medical Necessity where appropriate. Ask us and we'll help you figure out what you can submit.

Question 9

Do you offer programs for kids and teens?

Accepted Answer

Yes — dedicated Youth Jiu Jitsu and Youth Strength & Athletic Development for ages 4–15, built around age-appropriate training. Youth is also included in our Family Membership.

Question 10

Where are you located, and how do I find you / park?

Accepted Answer

We're in the Carmel Mountain Ranch business park off I-15, near the Costco and Home Depot. From Conference Way, turn north onto World Trade Dr, then take your second right. Head straight toward the back — we're on the right, with free parking right outside the door, and more parking just around the corner. Dropping someone off or hauling gear? Pull into the back alley and come in through our roll-up door. Address: 12225 World Trade Dr, Ste S, San Diego, CA 92128.

Question 11

I've never done jiu jitsu and I'm not in shape. Am I going to get hurt or embarrassed?

Accepted Answer

No. Most of our members walked in exactly like that. You'll start in Fundamentals, you won't spar until you want to, you can tap for any reason at all, and you choose who you work with. There's a Doctor of Physical Therapy on site.

Question 12

Are there other women training?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and one of them co-owns the gym. Dr. Alyssa Burkitt trains on the mat alongside everyone else. We run Women's Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals on Fridays and a Women's Strength class before it.