Home › For beginners › Philadelphia, PA
BJJ for Beginners in Philadelphia
14 gyms in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 14 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. Ethos Jiu-Jitsu Collective
5 ★★★★★ 252 reviews
“We absolutely LOVE SASPhiladelphia Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!! Our 6 year old started 4 months ago on a trial, and after the 1st class we already knew we were going to join! The coaches…” — Sheem
2. The Jiu Jitsu Company
5 ★★★★★ 202 reviews
“It was my first time in Philadelphia, and we decided to train at The Jiu Jitsu Company. What an incredible experience and facility. I’ve been training for 27 years, and I place a…” — Ariel
3. Logic Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, & Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 186 reviews
4. Daniel Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 140 reviews
“Dropped in for two classes during my trip to Philly and had an amazing time. Coach Fujita was awesome, the students were welcoming, and had some fun rolls. Definitely recommend…” — Iván
5. Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 119 reviews
“I have been wanting to get back into martial arts after a decade hiatus. I tried several other schools in the area but they didn’t speak to me. The students at Philadelphia…” — Jeremy
7. Balance Studios HQ: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai
4.9 ★★★★★ 81 reviews
“I started training jiujitsu about 3 years ago and I happen to google best places at the time and came to Balance Studios. I quickly fell in love with training even as a beginner.” — Dina
8. Balance Studios: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai
4.8 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
10. Royal StriKing Muay Thai & BJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
“Had my first class there today and it was everything I was hoping for, perfect mix of fun and pushing yourself and learning new skills and super friendly instructors and fellow…” — Ertiza
11. Gracie Academy Philadelphia
5 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
“Extremely clean environment to learn Jiu jitsu. Flexible class schedule, and very knowledgeable instructors. Everyone is friendly and welcoming to new people as well. Stop by and…” — Anthony
12. 127 BJJ, LLC
5 ★★★★★ 38 reviews
“I trained here for a couple weeks while I was in a life transition. 127 was a top notch place to train. Good experience range of training partners, high level technique, and ample…” — Eli
14. Daniel Gracie Northeast Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 20 reviews
“I felt welcomed from day one. Professor Sideco is amazing at teaching and explaining technique. They have a great and fun kids program too! If you’re thinking to come check it…” — Natalya
Booking your first class in Philadelphia: 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.
Beginner BJJ near Philadelphia
All BJJ gyms in Philadelphia, PA → · All beginner BJJ cities →