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Akros Academy of Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Madison, Mississippi
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 3–5) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciemadison.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (601) 898-1144
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–12 AM |
| Thursday | 12–8 AM, 8:30 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Houston, the instructor, is exceptional with children, blending effective self-defense techniques with valuable lessons in discipline and morals.”
“And as a woman, you really do feel empowered even after the first class.”
“Clean facilities, professional and family-friendly environment and highly capable instructor make GJJ Madison the Premier self-defense training facility in the area.”
“I am enrolled in the Women Empowered program, which focuses on escaping all levels of an assault.”
What members say
“Overall, Houston is an excellent instructor and the facilities are top notch.”
“I had the chance to drop in for a class at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Madison, and I was incredibly impressed by how welcoming and friendly everyone was.”
“Clean facilities, professional and family-friendly environment and highly capable instructor make GJJ Madison the Premier self-defense training facility in the area.”
“Houston, the instructor, is exceptional with children, blending effective self-defense techniques with valuable lessons in discipline and morals.”
“Both of my daughters take classes here. They love it.”
“I began searching around the area’s martial arts schools and came across Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Madison CTC (Certified Training Center) and began doing some research.”
From the reviews
I began searching around the area’s martial arts schools and came across Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Madison CTC (Certified Training Center) and began doing some research. The CTC is a huge leap in approach - what’s different about this school (Gracie Academy) is they codified the instruction.
My family has a personal experience with Bullyproof, combatives and women empowered classes. My son has been enrolled in the Bullyproof program for over a year now and I am grateful for Houston and Michele's ability to teach practical and solid self defense techniques that jiu jitsu has to offer.
Both of my daughters take classes here. They love it. Houston is an excellent instructor and is great with kids!
I am so happy that I walked in here. What I have received from these classes is priceless! Confidence, knowledge and friendship. Dean Johnson's review below is so true. Please read it for the details. What I can add is my experience in their women's empowerment classes. I feel all women should do this.
New to BJJ? Start at Akros Academy of Jiu Jitsu
Akros Academy of Jiu Jitsu 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 Akros Academy of Jiu Jitsu
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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