Private Lessons

Private Lessons at Unicorn Jiu Jitsu

Group classes are where you build your jiu jitsu. Private lessons are where you figure out why something isn't working, drill the thing you keep forgetting, or get ready for a competition with someone's full attention on you and nothing else. They're also one of the fastest ways to get started if you're brand new and not quite ready to walk into a group class yet.

We offer private lessons in jiu jitsu, kickboxing, and self defense with four coaches who bring very different backgrounds and teaching styles to the mat.

Hillary VanOrnum // Jiu Jitsu Third Degree Black Belt // Head Coach // Multiple-time World and Pan American Champion

Hillary has been competing and coaching jiu jitsu since 2011 and has helped students win at every level, from their first local tournament to the World Championships. She started BJJ as an adult with no grappling background, and she genuinely remembers what it feels like to not understand what's happening on the mat. Her private lessons work for competitors who want to sharpen their game before a tournament, beginners who want to build a foundation before joining group classes, and anyone who has a specific problem they want to solve and needs focused time to work on it. Hillary works with both adults and children.

Hillary also works with people who are just getting started as coaches or thinking about opening their own gym.  There is a big difference between being good at jiu jitsu and knowing how to teach it, and an even bigger gap between teaching and actually running a school. If you're navigating any part of that journey, from figuring out your coaching identity to understanding what it takes to open and sustain a gym, Hillary has been through all of it and is happy to share what she's learned.  She also focuses this type of coaching on the difference between being an instructor and being a coach and can help guide you to become the coach or instructor you would like to be.

Brian VanOrnum // Jiu Jitsu First Degree Black Belt // Assistant Head Coach // Masters World and Pan American Champion

Brian didn't start training until he was in his late 30s, and he went on to win Masters World Championships at both blue and purple belt. He knows exactly what it takes for someone who comes to jiu jitsu later in life to compete at the highest level, because he did it himself. If you're a masters competitor, a newer student trying to figure out the basics, or someone who wants to train smarter and not just harder, Brian is a great fit. Brian works with both adults and children.

Andrew Wright // Kickboxing and Self Defense Head Striking Coach // Blue Belt // 19 Years in the Security Industry

Andrew has been training martial arts since he was 8 years old and has studied Judo, kickboxing, and MMA under coaches who have competed at the highest levels. He spent years in a formal coaches program learning how to teach, not just train. His private lessons are practical and grounded in real world application, whether you want to learn kickboxing for fitness and competition or you want to develop real self defense skills you can actually use. Andrew works with both adults and children.

Deborah Garnett // Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt // Assistant Coach // Certified Strength, Mobility, and Nutrition Coach

Deborah brings something to private lessons that most jiu jitsu coaches can't: she's also a certified fitness professional with deep expertise in kettlebell strength training, functional mobility, and habit-based nutrition. Her private lessons can focus purely on jiu jitsu technique, or she can help you build the physical foundation that makes your jiu jitsu more sustainable. If longevity on the mat, injury prevention, or figuring out how to keep training as you get older is on your mind, Deb is the person to work with. Deb works with both adults and children.

Packages Available

Privates can be booked individually or in packages of five or more lessons at a discounted rate. Members and non-members are both welcome to book private lessons with any of our coaches.

To schedule a private lesson or ask about pricing and availability, reach out to us at info@unicornjiujitsu.com and we will find the right coach and time for you.