How Nova Jiu-Jitsu Built a Community That Outgrew the Mats
Starring
About Fit & Fight Gym
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Nova Jiu Jitsu in Rochester, NY is a well-established Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy that has been training students since 2009 under the guidance of 3rd Degree Blackbelt Jason Plaisted, with a coaching team that brings decades of combined experience to the mats. The gym offers a variety of classes including traditional gi, no-gi, fundamentals, and women’s classes, all designed to make BJJ accessible and supportive for practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced grapplers. Nova emphasizes a welcoming environment where self-defense, physical fitness, and mental resilience are integrated into the training experience, creating a positive and inclusive martial arts community. (Nova Jiu Jitsu)
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In addition to adult classes, Nova provides a robust kids program that helps younger students build confidence, discipline, and sportsmanship in a fun and constructive setting, with separate class formats for different age groups. The schedule also includes open mat sessions and advanced skills classes, allowing members to refine their techniques and push their limits within a supportive environment. The academy’s offerings reinforce jiu-jitsu as a lifestyle that benefits participants both on and off the mats, encouraging personal growth and long-term engagement with the art. (nova-jiu-jitsu.gymdesk.com)
📍3300 Monroe Ave Suite 300, Rochester, NY 14618
Summary
This video tells the story of Nova Jiu-Jitsu in Rochester, New York, and how it grew from a small training space into one of the region’s most advanced and community-driven jiu-jitsu schools. It features Nova’s owner, third degree black belt Jason Plaisted, explaining how he built a high level training environment rooted in shared knowledge, strong culture, and support for all types of students, including kids and women. The episode also highlights the importance of fundamentals and how tools like Gymdesk help streamline operations and onboarding for the gym.
This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at an early morning class and open mat, showcasing the relaxed but highly technical culture that defines Nova Jiu-Jitsu. Jason shares how long-term relationships, consistent leadership, and intentional program design have helped the school retain students for over a decade. The video emphasizes that Nova’s success comes from building a genuine community first, with the business and growth following naturally.
