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BJJ for Beginners in Miami
23 gyms in Miami, Florida show real evidence — from their own sites or students' reviews — of being a welcoming place to take your very first BJJ class. That first class is simpler than the nerves suggest: you don't need to be fit or flexible, you won't be thrown into hard rolling, and a patient coach walks beginners through technique with a partner at their own pace. Wear comfortable athletic clothes, bring water, and expect a warm-up, some movement drills, and a few positions and escapes learned slowly — most academies lend a gi so you don't need to buy anything yet. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 23 beginner-friendly options in town, it's worth calling ahead, saying it's your first time, and asking which class on the schedule they'd start you with.
1. Lotus Club Miami
4 ★★★★☆ 276 reviews
“Lets clarify that all this bad reviews are from people that have never trained at Lotus. 4 guys walked in the class and challenged the sensei to fight. It was 4 against 1, it was…” — Andres
2. Fight Sports Club Miami Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 203 reviews
“Best place to train jiu-jitsu. Very welcoming, classes for all levels. You'll always have a great time. Fast forward 4 years later. I'm still with Fight Sports, the last one…” — Frankie4Bjj
3. Cardoso Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 139 reviews
“I'm so glad I found Cardoso Jiu jitsu! the kids jiu jitsu classes are amazing-great for building confidence, disipline, and real self defense skills If you're looking for kids…” — Mayra
4. First Order of Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 134 reviews
“I have been coming here since 2019, when I had no prior experience with my two siblings in the adult class. It is such a welcoming environment where everyone is always eager to…” — Janelle
5. Alpha Miami Grappling South
5 ★★★★★ 115 reviews
“Went for the first time finally with my partner who’s a member there. Super clean place, great people, pristine mats, and a nice calm environment. Coming from a judo background…” — Danielle
6. MARIO SPERRY JIU JITSU
5 ★★★★★ 107 reviews
7. Art In Motion Jiu Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
“Great place for the kids to learn more than just jiu-jitsu and wrestling. The staff also focus on discipline and character building. The coaches are patient with the students but…” — Yani
8. Rilion Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy (HEADQUARTERS)
4.9 ★★★★★ 85 reviews
“I’m a 59 year old man trying out Jujitsu for the first time and so far it has been a very positive experience. The ambiance and energy of the place is very friendly and welcoming.…” — Armando
9. Alpha Miami Grappling Jiu Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 84 reviews
“Awesome gym! Was in town for a few days and attended a couple classes. Very welcoming like a family and they push you to do your best. If you live in the Miami area and want to…” — Ryan
10. Mortalis Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
“Mortalis is The Best place to learn and train Jiu-jitsu by Far. Not matter what your goal is nor your level. Everyone is going to make you feel welcome and part of the team/family…” — Maggie
11. Gracie Barra South Miami
5 ★★★★★ 80 reviews
“From the day I walked in I could tell this gym was different the energy was positive and genuine. The first person I met was “profe” Juan (an incredible instructor)who greeted me…” — Victor
13. Westchester's BEST Jiu-Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 65 reviews
14. FFA Mixed Martial Arts Miami
4.8 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
“I'm so glad I joined this gym. The coaches are great and the environment is very welcoming. I came in with very little knowledge about MMA, but feel like I have already learned so…” — Cait
16. Arena Combat Sports | Muay Thai Kickboxing | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Boxing
4.8 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
“I feel like this gym is truly one of a kind. It strikes the perfect balance between discipline and a welcoming, healthy vibe. The coach is one of the nicest guys you’ll meet, his…” — Yos
17. Atos Miami
4.9 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
“I visited Atos BJJ in Miami while I was in town and had a fantastic experience. From the moment I walked in, everyone was extremely welcoming and friendly. Even though I was just…” — Krzysztof
18. LIRA JIU JITSU
5 ★★★★★ 44 reviews
“Prof. Maggie and Prof. Luccas are absolutely incredible. They both are so knowledgeable and experienced and it shows when they teach a class. I visit Florida often and I always…” — Felice
19. Daniel Perez Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
“Daniel is a fantastic instructor and a great person. His academy has a welcoming environment and is a great place for everyone to train, from beginners to advanced students.…” — Bjj
21. Dungeon Martial Arts / Reapers Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 40 reviews
22. Daniel Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Athletic Advance
5 ★★★★★ 36 reviews
“Professor Ariel “Tarzan” is incredible with kids, beginners, and top athletes in MMA and BJJ. Miami is blessed to a professor with his experience and success at his new amazing…” — Elizabeth
23. Gracie Lab Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
“Absolutely love this jiu-jitsu gym! From day one, the coaches were welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping everyone grow — no matter your experience level. The…” — Dana
Booking your first class in Miami: practical notes
- Call ahead and say you're new. Ask which class they'd start a beginner with — many gyms have a fundamentals or all-levels class that's a gentler introduction than the main floor. A good front desk loves this question.
- Ask how rolling works. You won't be made to roll hard as a beginner; find out how and when a gym introduces live rolling so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
- Keep gear simple. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most academies here lend a gi, so you can try BJJ before buying anything. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Go at your own pace. Being winded the first time is normal and expected. Take breaks, drink water, and let your fitness build over your first few weeks — nobody expects a beginner to keep up with the regulars.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the cheapest, lowest-pressure way to find the room that fits. See free BJJ trial classes.