# Common Ground Jiu-Jitsu > Pasadena, United States ## Overview **Name:** Common Ground Jiu-Jitsu **Description:** Common Ground Jiu-Jitsu is an independent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school located in Pasadena, California, specializing in the Ecological Dynamics approach to learning BJJ. Founded in 2018, Common Ground is the first BJJ school in the Los Angeles area to use this science-backed training methodology, where students develop technical skills through carefully designed "games" and live training from day one. Common Ground is proud to represent a strong lineage through Renzo Gracie and Shawn Williams. The academy teaches modern BJJ techniques developed at the highest levels of competition, ensuring students receive world-class instruction. The school offers comprehensive programs in Gi Fundamentals (2-year curriculum), No-Gi Fundamentals (3-year curriculum including wrestling and leglocks), and Mixed Martial Arts (3-year curriculum integrating striking and grappling). Head instructor Alex Aung is a 3rd degree black belt under Shawn Williams (5th degree black belt under Renzo Gracie). With nearly 30 years of BJJ experience and a background as a licensed psychotherapist, Alex creates an optimal learning environment that balances technical excellence with psychological safety. The academy also features instructor Sally Chung, a brown belt who brings expertise in helping students feel empowered through BJJ. The school's culture is guided by values of technique, performance, humility, harmony, compassion, community, critical thinking, and freedom, with a strong emphasis on creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming training environment for students of all levels. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 464 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 Pasadena, CA 91101, United States **Phone:** 626-491-5850 **Email:** hello@commongroundbjj.com **Website:** https://www.commongroundbjj.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: http://instagram.com/commongroundbjj - Facebook: https://facebook.com/commongroundbjj ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Thursday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Friday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM ## Pricing ## Instructors ### Alex Aung - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Nearly 30 years of BJJ experience. Black belt under Shawn Williams (Renzo Gracie lineage). Former licensed psychotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience. Founded Common Ground Jiu-Jitsu in 2018 with a mission to help people from all walks of life achieve mastery through world-class instruction in a safe, supportive environment. ### Sally Chung - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Brown belt instructor passionate about empowering people to develop self-defense skills regardless of size or athletic background. Started training BJJ in her twenties to learn practical self-defense as a 100-pound woman. Committed to helping students feel confident and capable through technical mastery. ## Programs ### Gi Fundamentals **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Essential techniques in BJJ covering major positions, control, escapes, submissions, guard passing, guard retention, and takedowns. 2-year curriculum with full hour instruction plus full hour randori each class. Taught and trained in the gi. **Classes:** ### No-Gi Fundamentals **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Systematic approach to no-gi grappling including upper body submissions, leglocks, submission defense, guard passing and retention systems, plus wrestling skills and takedowns. 3-year curriculum with full hour instruction plus full hour randori each class. **Classes:** ### Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Modern approach to self-defense and combat covering integration of striking and grappling skills. Explores four essential domains: shootboxing, clinchboxing, grappleboxing, and fenceboxing. 3-year curriculum with full hour instruction and technical sparring. **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** March 01, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/california/pasadena/common-ground-jiu-jitsu)