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American Grappling Academy

5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Elk Grove, California

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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 6–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule theamericangrapplingacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (916) 399-3477

Hours

Monday 5–9 PM
Tuesday 6:30–7:30 AM, 11 AM–12 PM, 5–9 PM
Wednesday 5–9 PM
Thursday 6:30–7:30 AM, 11 AM–12 PM, 5–9 PM
Friday 6–8 PM
Saturday 11 AM–12:30 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at American Grappling Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 26 mentions

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My daughter and I were visiting from Huntsville, Alabama and decided to drop in at American Grappling Academy while in town — and I’m so glad we did!”

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🏆 Competition Team

“I also jumped into one of the adult competition classes, and the level of instruction and attention to detail blew me away.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I would highly recommend this school for all the parents out there, as these guys practice real self defense in the form of grappling and jiu jitsu.”

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🌱 Beginners 8 mentions

“My child had a fantastic time learning Jiu-Jitsu for the very first time and making friends 🤙🏼🤘🏼👊🏼”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 26 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 15 mentions

“My child had a fantastic time learning Jiu-Jitsu for the very first time and making friends 🤙🏼🤘🏼👊🏼”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 21 mentions

“From the moment we walked in, everyone was incredibly welcoming and professional.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 7 mentions

“They took the time to explain details clearly and created a space where asking questions felt encouraged, not intimidating.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“Today was only a tryout but this place is great with kids.”

active competition team 3 mentions

“I also jumped into one of the adult competition classes, and the level of instruction and attention to detail blew me away.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“The gym is clean, organized and super kid friendly!”

From the reviews

I feel blessed and grateful that my son is in great hands. Both coaches are awesome and very technical, these guys are the real deal. The culture of the academy is awesome too, allowing parents/students a relaxed environment with no pressure.

★★★★★ — David, Feb 2026

The kids love it and enjoy it here. Going into a gym and seeing all these people can feel a bit overwhelming but As soon as we walked in, the coaches knew immediately we were not from there and welcomed us in. From the coaches, to the students, down to the parents, they were all welcoming.

★★★★★ — Shawn, Jun 2026

The coaches are great they take the time to go over the technique and are always willing to answer questions.The gym offers people of all skill levels and weight classes.The coaches have made a fun, competitive,family friendly atmosphere. I have two kids who also attend and they are excited everyday to attend class.

★★★★★ — Paul, Jun 2021

My son goes here and I can't rave about them enough! He looks forward to every class. Supportive coaches who truly care about everyone's progress. Training is structured but fun for all levels. Highly recommended for anyone to looking to grow their skills in a motivating and positive environment.

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Feb 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 26 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at American Grappling Academy

American Grappling 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at American Grappling 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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find American Grappling Academy

9414 Elk Grove Florin Rd, Elk Grove, CA95624

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.