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Action Reaction Jiu Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Richmond, Virginia
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes (ages 4–10) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule actionreactionbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 424-356-4847
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 6–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm |
| Friday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Flavio is an experienced coach and instructor who creates a safe and fun training environment for kids and adults.”
“As a woman, I was worried about starting BJJ but I’ve had nothing but good experiences thanks to Flavio and the gym.”
“From the casual practitioner to those wanting to compete, he will push you to be the best version of yourself on the mats!”
“If you have been thinking about learning self defense or want to try the amazing art or Jiu Jitsu I highly recommend you stop by ActionReaction Jiu Jitsu Academy.”
“I am still a beginner since I have only been training for over a year, so was nervous going to a different JJ facility for the first time.”
What members say
“The coach is incredibly knowledgeable and considerate, always ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.”
“I am still a beginner since I have only been training for over a year, so was nervous going to a different JJ facility for the first time.”
“The environment is welcoming and supportive, perfect for both beginners and advanced practitioners.”
“The coaches are knowledgeable and attentive, providing detailed guidance to every student.”
“Warm friendly environment and very clean gym.”
“The class structure is well-organized, focusing on both technique and practical applications.”
From the reviews
Training at Action Reaction is the best decision I’ve ever made! Flavio is the most patient, knowledgeable, and kind coach. He truly makes the experience great and shapes it to your needs. The gym culture is welcoming and family oriented.
I attended a drop-in No-Gi JJ class at noon here. I am still a beginner since I have only been training for over a year, so was nervous going to a different JJ facility for the first time. But I had a great time learning, training and rolling here with them.
I’ve been training here since January and my experience has been fantastic. After every class I feel I have learned something new and useful. The culture of this gym is great too, they really look after beginners.
Flavio Kenup is a great instructor! 10/10 would recommend to anyone thinking about joining.
New to BJJ? Start at Action Reaction Jiu Jitsu Academy
Action Reaction Jiu Jitsu Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Action Reaction Jiu Jitsu Academy
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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