Your first jiu-jitsu class is free.
Beginner-friendly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on County Line Rd, taught by black belts who are also first responders. No experience, no fitness requirement, no attitude. Pick a class and we'll text you everything you need.
Where we are.
Right on County Line Road, at the Highlands Ranch / Littleton line.
311 E County Line Rd, Ste A-7
Highlands Ranch, CO 80122
- Easy from anywhere south metroHighlands Ranch, Littleton, Centennial and Lone Tree are all a short drive.
- Find the suiteLook for Suite A-7 in the County Line Rd center.
- Questions?Call or text (719) 283-1393
The three things almost everyone worries about.
If you're on the fence, it's probably one of these. Here are straight answers.
Short answer: beginners at Taps learn technique first, and you control how hard you go.
- Technique over strengthThat's how Taps describes its own training. You learn positions and escapes step by step with a partner, not by getting thrown into a fight.
- "Tap" means stop. Instantly.The gym is literally named after it. Tap your partner or say "tap," and everything stops right away. You're always in control.
- Live rolling is optional on day oneIf you do try it, you'll be paired with an experienced partner who goes easy on new people.
- Coaches who teach control for a livingMost of the staff are law enforcement officers, including a SWAT team member and a Gracie Survival Tactics–certified instructor. Their job is controlling people safely. That's how they run the mat.
- Got an old injury?Tell the coach before class and they'll adjust the drills. If it's serious, check with your doctor first.
You don't. Jiu-jitsu is how most people get in shape. Waiting usually just means not starting.
- Go at your own paceWarm-ups scale to you. Grab water or sit out a round whenever you need to. Nobody expects you to keep up on day one.
- Built for total beginnersAdult and Teen Foundations runs three nights a week and starts from zero.
- It doesn't feel like a workoutYou'll be focused on a technique, not the clock. An hour goes fast, and you'll feel it the next day in a good way.
"I started training here about 6 weeks ago with no experience in martial arts or wrestling."Lee Huynh, Taps student
"We may be small, but we're a family." That's how Taps describes itself, and it's what students say too.
- Small on purposeA small academy means coaches know your name and tailor the teaching to your level and your goals: self-defense, fitness, community or competition.
- Everyday people on the matParents, professionals, first responders, teens and kids. Everyone was a nervous first-timer once.
- Clean, with room to trainStudents specifically call out how clean the gym is and how much mat space there is.
- Real jiu-jitsu, no egoTaps is affiliated with Katharo Training Center, run by 4th-degree black belt Steve Hordinski III, under the Relson Gracie lineage.
"This is a great new gym with a supportive and friendly type atmosphere."Jessa Vergara, Taps student
Black belts. First responders. Patient teachers.
Taps is owned and operated by first responders. Your coaches have been training since 2007 and 2009, and they've been teaching kids and adults for over a decade.
Jesse "Taps" Tapsfield
Head Instructor & Owner
- Black belt under Professor Steve Hordinski III (Relson Gracie black belt) of Katharo Training Center
- Training jiu-jitsu since January 2007
- 20-year law enforcement veteran
- Certified in Gracie Survival Tactics Levels I and II; Effective Fitness Combatives instructor
- Also trained extensively in Muay Thai and boxing; 2-0 in MMA
Professor Reid Perry
BJJ Instructor · Mon & Fri 8:00am
- Training since 2007; black belt from Justin Dodge
- Has taught kids and adults for more than 10 years
- 16 years in law enforcement; serves on a regional SWAT team
- Known for building strong fundamentals
Professor Joe Clark
BJJ Instructor · Kids classes
- Training since 2009; black belt under Steve Hordinski III
- 2013 Colorado State Gi Champion (blue belt)
- Competed on Fight2Win Pro super-fight cards
- Parents love his positive attitude with young kids
Anthony Williams
BJJ Instructor · Kids & Mon 11:30am
- Training since 2014, coaching since 2020
- Arapahoe County Deputy
- Offers private lessons for students with special needs
Josiah Christian
BJJ Instructor · Thu kids (4–6)
- Firefighter since 2013, now with South Metro Fire Rescue
- Blue belt from Professor Jesse; first introduced to jiu-jitsu in 2019
- Dad of two; his son trains in the kids program
Sensei Dartagnan Davon
Judo Instructor
- Two-time Paralympic Bronze Medalist and IBSA World Champion
- Trained at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
- Welcomes visually impaired athletes; ask the gym about judo times
Lineage: Taps is affiliated with Katharo Training Center, owned by 4th-degree black belt Steve Hordinski III, a Relson Gracie black belt. Your technique traces straight back to the Gracie family.
When classes are.
New? Start with Adult & Teen Foundations (Tue, Wed, Thu 6:15pm) or any all-levels class. Kids classes for ages 4–6 and 7–13.
Schedule from tapsbjj.com. Times can change; your confirmation text will always have the current class time.
Three steps. Zero awkwardness.
Pick a class
Choose a beginner-friendly time below. Foundations (Tue, Wed, Thu 6:15pm) is the best place to start.
Get a text
We send the address, what to wear, and a reminder the day before so nothing catches you off guard.
Show up & train
A coach meets you at the door. Train at your own pace, ask questions, decide later.
Pick your first class.
Takes 30 seconds. A coach will know you're coming and get you set up when you walk in.
"I always leave the gym feeling accomplished and better than when I walked in."Josiah Christian, now a Taps coach
"Great place to train that teaches legit BJJ with plenty of mat space."Daniel Pasko
"Excellent, clean gym."Paul Sanders
Other things people ask
What do I wear to my first class?
For a no-gi class: a fitted t-shirt or rash guard and athletic shorts with no pockets or zippers. For a gi class, wear the same and ask the gym whether a loaner gi is available, or book a no-gi class instead. Bring water and flip-flops. Trim your nails and leave jewelry at home.
Am I too old to start?
No. People start in their 30s, 40s and later. You set the pace, and technique matters far more than athleticism.
Is the gym clean?
Students specifically mention it. Mats are kept clean, and you'll be asked to wear sandals off the mat and keep your gear washed. That's standard at any good academy.
Is the first class really free?
Yes. No card needed to book. If you like it, a coach will go over membership options after class.
What about kids?
Kids classes run for ages 4–6 and 7–13, built around Self-Control, Self-Discipline, Self-Defense, Self-Confidence and Strength. Choose your child's age group when you book.
Gi or no-gi: what's the difference?
Gi classes use the traditional uniform and lots of grips on the jacket. No-gi is done in a rash guard and shorts. Both are great places to start. If you don't have a gi yet, no-gi is the easiest first class.
Do you accept Wellhub?
Taps is listed as a Wellhub partner. Mention it when you arrive and the team will confirm your plan's access.
The hardest part is walking in the first time.
So we made it easy. Pick a class, show up, and a coach takes it from there.
Book my free class →