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AOA BJJ Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · BJJ gym in El Paso, Texas

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi 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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • 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 aoacommunity.com — book classes and see the live schedule

Hours

Monday 9 am–9 pm
Tuesday 9 am–9 pm
Wednesday 9 am–9 pm
Thursday 9 am–9 pm
Friday 9 am–9 pm
Saturday 10 am–1 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 AOA BJJ Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 4 mentions

“My daughter also really enjoys training jiu-jitsu and the youth sports performance classes.”

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🩳 No-Gi

“The classes always had plenty of training partners for gi and no gi in both judo and jiu-jitsu classes.”

All gyms that run no-gi →

🥋 Gi

“The classes always had plenty of training partners for gi and no gi in both judo and jiu-jitsu classes.”

All gyms that run gi →

🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“AoA offers a unique environment that builds first-time grapplers and pushes competitors alike.”

All gyms that run competition team →

🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, John’s instruction and the top-notch facility will take your training to the next level.”

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at AOA BJJ Academy — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA

“Jujitsu, MMA, boxing, and fitness for both adult and children classes are offered here!”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🥊 Boxing

“Jujitsu, MMA, boxing, and fitness for both adult and children classes are offered here!”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🤼 Judo

“The classes always had plenty of training partners for gi and no gi in both judo and jiu-jitsu classes.”

Other gyms that also teach judo →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 59 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“Whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or preparing for a tournament, you’ll find great coaching, tough training, and a room full of people who want to get better.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 11 mentions

“Whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or preparing for a tournament, you’ll find great coaching, tough training, and a room full of people who want to get better.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 18 mentions

“Whether you're looking to continue your health journey, up your Jiu jitsu game or even lift weights in a clean and welcoming environment, this is the place for you.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“His depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to break down complex techniques make learning both effective and enjoyable.”

great workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“You can guarantee it is clean, and well-maintained, with a variety of equipment for every workout need—whether you're into strength training, cardio, or group classes.”

active competition team 2 mentions

“AoA offers a unique environment that builds first-time grapplers and pushes competitors alike.”

From the reviews

I love this gym, JE is a great coach and an amazing person. I highly recommend trying out this gym, whether you’re trying to get in shape or trying to improve your jiu jitsu.

★★★★★ — Julio, Apr 2025

I can't recommend it enough! AOA BJJ Academy is the newest facility in Northeast El Paso. You can guarantee it is clean, and well-maintained, with a variety of equipment for every workout need—whether you're into strength training, cardio, or group classes. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.

★★★★★ — Dee, Feb 2025

Absolutely great! The energy and the environment is very family oriented. I got in on the adult class at 6pm. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better experience! Been searching all over El Paso for a BJJ gym. Let me tell you, this is the ONE.

★★★★★ — Hiroki, May 2025

Top-notch environment, great experience, and a surprising amount of gym equipment. This place is great for everything from BJJ to group workouts, and the owner John truly cares about his community!

★★★★★ — Conor, Feb 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 59 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at AOA BJJ Academy

AOA BJJ Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 AOA BJJ 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. 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 AOA BJJ Academy

4601 Hondo Pass Dr Ste i, El Paso, TX79924

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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.