
UPCOMING EVENTS
Grand Re-opening Event
We’re hosting a full day of seminars and workshops led by our expert instructors—tailored for all skill levels and interests. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience the energy and community vibe that makes Rough Hands BJJ unique.
Come see why Jiu Jitsu & Yoga are for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience. We can't wait to meet you!

Beginner’s Guide to Jiu Jitsu — Learn to Play the Game
This seminar is designed specifically for beginners—no experience necessary. We’ll guide you safely through the entire game of BJJ — from standing to submission, while also introducing you to the game’s basic vocabulary and essential concepts. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to jump into regular training with ease.

Play Closed Guard Like an Old Bastard w. Mike Mahaffey
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grappler, this seminar will dive deep into the techniques and strategies that make the Old Bastard’s closed guard style such a formidable game-changer on the mats. Expect hands-on instruction, insightful tips, and the kind of practical, no-nonsense training that Rough Hands BJJ is known for.

Intro to Youth Jiu Jitsu
Is your child between ages 4 and 12? This workshop is the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and see firsthand why our Youth Program is one of the best in Louisville. Not only will your child have a blast learning new moves and making friends, but they’ll also build invaluable life skills like focus, respect, confidence, and teamwork.
Intro to Yoga
Join us for the Grand Re-opening celebration of Rough Hands BJJ and experience the re-launch of Rough Hands Yoga — a truly unique approach to yoga grounded in the principles of strength, balance, and community.
What makes Rough Hands Yoga stand out? Unlike typical yoga studios, our program is designed with the mindset of martial artists and everyday people alike. Whether you’re after improved flexibility to enhance your BJJ, stress relief, or simply a welcoming space to try something new, we’ve crafted an introduction that’s accessible and effective for everyone

In-house Promotion
Join us in celebrating the dedication and hard work of our adeserving students with their well-earned belt promotions. This special event will take place immediately following the Crucifix Seminar and marks a proud moment for our Rough Hands BJJ family. All students are encouraged and expected to attend, as we come together to honor progress, commitment, and the relentless spirit that defines our dojo. Let's show our support and motivation for those advancing on their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey!

Crucifix Seminar - Red Cross Fundraiser
Unlock the power of the crucifix position at our exclusive go-based BJJ seminar hosted by Rough Hands BJJ! Join Robert Raleigh, a passionate Purple Belt with an unmatched dedication to mastering and teaching the crucifix, as he guides you step-by-step through finding and attacking from this dominant submission hold.

Charles Harriott Double Seminar
Half Guard: Don't Get Smashed & Counterattack is a seminar based on exploring not only escaping being smashed but also exploring some of the most effective responses and how to handle them,


Women/Femme Self Defense Workshop
Join us at Rough Hands BJJ on 3/22/25 at 1pm for a Women/Femme Self Defense Workshop. This event is open and encouraged for all skill levels! We will explore both the conceptual basics and more advanced details of Self Defense issues for Women/Femme.
This event is donation-based and is being held to support the Americana SOS Campaign
Recommended Donation: $50
Register Today

Master the Americana (and other shoulder locks)
Join us at Rough Hands BJJ on 3/22/25 at 10am for a No Gi workshop. This event is open and encouraged for all skill levels! We will explore both the conceptual basics and more advanced details of the Americana — as well as other shoulder locks.
This event is donation-based and is being held to support the Americana SOS Campaign
Recommended Donation: $50
Register Now

Chris Paines Seminar
Turning Defense into Offense
Chris Paines joins us once again at Rough Hands BJJ 2/12/25 from 6PM-8PM for a No Gi workshop. This event is open and encouraged for all skill levels! Chris is known worldwide for his increadible concepts and teaching methods. This is one not to miss for anyone looking to improve and deepen their understanding of jiu jitsu!
$80
Back in Black - A Krav Maga Seminar w Jesse Walker
Please join us in welcoming back Jesse Walker, original founder of FTF ATL for a 2-hour Krav Maga seminar.
The seminar is appropriate for all skill levels and is open to all arts and affiliations. The seminar will cover striking, grappling, and how to use both to set up and reinforce each other. You will walk away with a better understanding of the fundamentals of close range violence and be equipped with new strategies to help you get home safe.

Old Bastard Jiu Jitsu Seminar w. Mike Mahaffey
Want to get better at jiu jitsu? Want to have a base that makes your opponents think you were chiseled out of granite? Want to learn the secrets of Old Bastard Jiu Jitsu from the guy who brought you the tenets of OBJJ on the BJJ Mental Models podcast?
Grab your gi and join us as we welcome 2nd Degree Black belt Mike Mahaffey for an amazing seminar for old bastards and anyone else who wants to improve their grappling skills.
Seminar is open to all skill levels and affiliations.
All proceeds go to help Mike travel to Vegas in the fall to compete in the World Master IBJJF Jiu Jitsu Championships
Seminar is $49 and you can register by sending funds via Venmo to @Michael-Mahaffey-1 or paying at the door.

No Gi BJJ Seminar w. Rob Biernacki
Rough Hands BJJ is happy to welcome Rob Biernacki to Louisville for a no gi seminar. You will walk away from the seminar with a better understanding of how to improve your Jiu Jitsu game with a constraint-based approach that has been so successful at his own school.

USA Tour - Chris Paines & Charles Harriott
Charles Harriott & Chris Paines will share a conceptual approach to Jiu Jitsu. Chris will dive into a conceptual framework to change your approach to training and understanding. Charles will take those concepts and ground them into examples and applications.
All Levels and Affiliations Welcome!

BJJ Seminar with Chris Haueter
Join us for a game-changing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at Rough Hands BJJ in Louisville, Kentucky, led by the renowned Chris Haueter.