Private Sessions

What it is

In martial arts gyms generally, a private session is time with a coach outside the group class. In a group class, the coach teaches one plan to the whole room. In a private lesson, the time can go to the question you keep bringing to class, the position you keep losing, or the next step toward a goal you have set with your coach.

Private Sessions are offered at the Sterling academy in two slots: a 30-minute session on Friday evening and a 60-minute session on Saturday morning. They are for members.

To make the time count, come with one clear goal rather than five. Tell the coach about any injury, condition, or learning difference before you start, since every technique can be modified and every drill scaled. Take notes afterward, then bring what you worked on back into your group classes, where it gets tested against resisting partners. Ask which coaches and disciplines are available for the slot you want.

Coaching in a private session follows the same standard as every Apex class, with one coaching standard across both academies: technique before intensity, and every drill scaled to the student.

Who it is for

• Members at the Sterling academy. The schedule lists Private Sessions with the adult classes (18+), and members-only classes carry no age restriction for members, so younger members can ask a coach.

Private sessions suit members preparing for a competition or a promotion, members coming back from time away who want to rebuild, and members who learn well with direct feedback. A private session also helps when you are between belts and want a coach's eye on the details, or when your schedule keeps you out of group classes for a stretch and you want to stay sharp. Parents of younger members can talk with the coach beforehand about goals for the session.

How you join

1. Book a free group class. Choose a trial class in BJJ, wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, or MMA.
2. Become a member. Once you have trained, the academy explains membership, with no high-pressure sales, ever.
3. Ask a coach about a private session. Tell them what you want to work on and which slot suits you.

At Apex Jiu Jitsu & MMA Sterling

Members only

2 classes a week

• Private Sessions · Fri 5:00 PM; Sat 8:50 AM

See the Sterling schedule

New here? Start with a free BJJ class

Questions about Private Sessions

How long is a private session?

It depends on the day. The Friday evening slot is 30 minutes, and the Saturday morning slot is 60 minutes. Exact times are on the Sterling class schedule and in the academy section below. A shorter session suits one focused fix; a longer one leaves room to work a problem, then test it. Ask a coach which length fits what you want to work on.

Can non-members book a private session?

Private Sessions are listed as members-only, so they are not available as a trial. If you are new to Apex, book a free first class in a group program instead. It shows you how the coaches teach, it shows the coach where you are starting, and it is the right place to ask about adding private sessions once you are a member.

Can a child have a private session?

The Sterling schedule lists Private Sessions with the adult classes, and the academy's rule is that members-only classes carry no age restriction for members. So a member of any age can ask. Talk with a coach about whether a private session makes sense for your child, and what it would focus on, before you book one.

How do I book a private session?

Private Sessions are for members and appear on the Sterling class schedule in two slots, Friday evening and Saturday morning. Members can ask a coach about one and share what they want to work on and which slot suits them. Your coach will walk you through what your membership includes and what, if anything, is separate, with no surprise fees.