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We're hosting a very small number of Basic Training sessions as we close out the 2026 roller derby season! Gotham Basic Training is the place for anyone interested in learning the sport of roller derby, trying out for a derby league, interested in being a referee or just working on your skating and roller derby skills for overall fitness and fun.
New to our basic training classes? Scroll down this page for our FAQs.
Logistics: Location (all levels): Boerum Hill School for International Studies, 284 Baltic St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Campus Building - K293 Time (all levels): 8pm - 10pm Cost (all levels): $40 per session or $70 for two sessions (both level 2&3 sessions, or both level 1 sessions) Registration:Register here! You must create a JackRabbit profile to register for our classes. While the software requires you to add a credit card while creating your account, it WILL NOT be charged until you add the classes and confirm your registration!
What is Basic Training? Gotham's Basic Training is dedicated to training and developing roller derby skaters at all skill levels. Our mission is to provide a fun, safe, and competitive environment for all who participate.
What gear do I need? All participants are required to wear the following protective gear and cannot be on the track with any missing items (see the link below for what these items should look like!):
Helmet
Wrist guards
Elbow pads
Knee pads
Mouth guard (ideally one you can talk in, we recommend Sisu)
4-wheel (quad) roller skates specifically designed for roller derby (see below!!)
Athletic sneakers
While you can learn to skate in boots with a heal (like Moxi’s, they will make learning roller derby skills very difficult). Because we use our toe stops in roller derby, you are also going to want skates that have an adjustable (vs bolted on) toe stop. A skate and gear package like this one is a great option, and the Roller Derby Recyclables group on Facebook is a good resource for used gear. For skate sizing, you typically want to size down around 2 sizes from your sneaker size if you wear “women’s” sizing (stay around the same if you wear “men’s” sizing), but we recommend trying skates on when possible or reaching out to a skate shop (like Bruised Boutique) to ask. It is very important that your skates fit correctly (neither too loose nor too tight) for your own safety.
We are unfortunately not in a position to offer loaner gear at this time, but if you reach out to info@ggrd.nyc, we might be able to connect you with others who can.
Please also bring a big water bottle and come dressed in athletic clothing.
Do I have to purchase insurance? Yes. Participants must purchase WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) insurance, a high deductible supplemental insurance policy that is specifically for roller derby skaters, before the first day of class. The cost is $75. We recommend that you purchase insurance after registering for classes because our classes frequently sell out. Both Gotham and the WFTDA strongly recommend that skaters carry their own primary health insurance in addition to WFTDA insurance. For more information, read the WFTDA insurance FAQs. Any other questions? Contact basictraining@ggrd.nyc.
Who can join? Gotham Basic Training is the place for anyone interested in learning the sport of roller derby, trying out for a derby league, interested in being a referee, or just working on your skating and roller derby skills for overall fitness and fun. All skill levels and genders that identify with WFTDA-style play are welcome!
