Advantage & Yamato.No-gi, taught the right way.
A beginner-friendly No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in North Burnaby. No experience, no gi, no pressure — just safe, friendly training led by a black belt. English with Japanese support.
An independent academy,run by the person who teaches it.
Yamato is the ancient name for Japan — and the spirit this academy is built on. This isn't a franchise, but a friendly, focused No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class with regular members already on the mat, led by the instructor who trains right alongside you.
Whether you want fitness, self-defense, or simply to try something new, you'll learn step-by-step in a safe, welcoming environment. Complete beginners aren't just allowed — they're who this is built for.
Start from zero.Learn the right way.
No experience needed. Every class builds the fundamentals that keep you safe and help you improve.
Body Movement
The foundational movements that make every technique actually work.
Simple No-Gi Technique
Clear, beginner-friendly techniques you can use from your very first day.
Safe Partner Drills
Controlled, cooperative drilling so you learn without getting hurt.
Grappling Concepts
The why behind the how — the concepts that tie everything together.
Train Respectfully
How to train safely, with control and respect for your partner.
Live Rounds
When you're ready, put it together with friendly, controlled live training.
If any of these sound like you,you belong here.
The gentle overcomes the hard.
柔Jū yoku gō o seisu
Technique and timing — not strength or size — are the heart of jiu-jitsu. That principle is exactly how we teach: patient, precise, and open to everyone.
When to train.
Regular members already train here, so the mat is busier than any RSVP list suggests. More class times are being added — message us for the full schedule.
Bring comfortable athletic clothes (rashguard, tee, shorts, or leggings). No gi required.
Nervous? Here's exactlywhat happens.
Walking into a martial arts gym for the first time is the hardest part. So there are no surprises — this is your first hour, start to finish.
Just walk in
No paperwork, no sales pitch. Come in athletic clothes, find Hiroki, and say hi. That's the whole check-in.
Warm up together
Light movement to get your body ready. Go at your own pace — nobody is watching or judging you.
Learn 2–3 techniques
Hiroki demonstrates slowly, then you practice with a partner who already knows the drill. Questions are welcome.
Watch or join
Live training happens at the end. On day one you're free to sit it out and watch — most beginners do, and that's completely normal.
Bow out, ask anything
Class ends with a bow. Stay a few minutes to ask about anything — technique, schedules, or whether this is right for you.
Decide later
No one will chase you for a signup. Take your time, and come back when you're ready.
The first class is free — including the one where you only watch.
Simple, honest pricing.
Your first class is always free. No sign-up fee, no long contract.
First Trial
- Your first class, on us
- No experience needed
- No gi required — just athletic wear
Monthly Membership
- Regular No-Gi classes
- Train with the regular members
- Student rate: $100 / month
- Recommended for steady progress
Drop-In
- Any single class after your trial
- Visitors & travellers welcome
- Student rate: $20 / class
Private Lessons
One-on-one coaching, tailored entirely to your goals.
Student pricing requires a valid student ID.
Hiroki Takaya
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Kanagawa, Japan — where he first stepped onto the mats. Martial arts have been part of his life since childhood: he trained judo, kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Japan, and it was jiu-jitsu that captured him completely.
He discovered how rewarding it is to teach while still a university student in Japan, and went on to teach Japanese students for seven years — he holds a teaching credential in Japan for middle school and high school. Developing strong competitors interests him, but what drives him more is simply this: he wants as many people as possible to discover how fascinating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu really is.
The things people worry about.
I'm not fit at all. Is that a problem?
Will I get hurt?
Do I need a gi or any gear?
I'm not young anymore. Am I too old?
Do I need to bring a partner?
My English isn't strong. Is that okay?
Come train with us.
Your first class is free. Drop in, watch, or step on the mat — no pressure.
Our mats are inside a full fitness facility on Hastings St, with change rooms, showers and parking. You train jiu-jitsu in a proper gym, not a back room.
More times being added
Burnaby, BC V5B 1R4
Book your free first class
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What to bring
Please remove watches, rings, and necklaces, and avoid clothing with zippers or metal parts.