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Arte Suave Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy Charlotte
5 ★★★★★ 103 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Charlotte, North Carolina
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 — 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
- 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 artesuavejiujitsuacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 704-989-1454
Hours
| Monday | 11 am–12 pm, 5–8:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 5:45–8:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–7 am, 11 am–12 pm, 5–7:45 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7 am, 5:45–8:45 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–12 pm, 5–7:45 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been attending Arte Suave for almost two months now and I have to say this has been the best thing we could've done for him.”
“The kids program and women's programs are huge and fantastic.”
“He and his wife are high level competitors and it was an honor and privilege to train there with them and the other students.”
“I was visiting Charlotte today and trained under Coach James Walsh for the adult class and open mat.”
“Upon joining the gym I didn’t know what to expect and was a little nervous to attend my first class as I was 40 years old with no experience.”
What members say
“I travel to different cities often and try to get into a jits class wherever I go-- this instructor Hiago gives excellent instruction and detailed explanation and great rounds.”
“Their dedication to each student's growth is unmatched, and it’s clear they go above and beyond to help everyone succeed—whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner.”
“Whether you’re a beginner, parent looking for a family friendly gym or seasoned world champ, this gym has what you need!”
“I travel to different cities often and try to get into a jits class wherever I go-- this instructor Hiago gives excellent instruction and detailed explanation and great rounds.”
“If you want your child to have discipline, camaraderie, fun, and pride in excellence, this is the place for you.”
“He and his wife are high level competitors and it was an honor and privilege to train there with them and the other students.”
From the reviews
My entire family and I have been training here for over 2 years now and we absolutely love it. They have kids classes starting at 4 years old PLUS an incredible woman's program/classes taught by a female professor. If you are looking for a Jiu Jitsu gym for you and your family I can highly recommend ASJA.
My son has been attending Arte Suave for almost two months now and I have to say this has been the best thing we could've done for him. He tells me he feels more confident and strong since he started. So far, there has not been a class where the sparring wasn't closely supervised, which is a relief.
I can't even find words good enough to explain how much my child loves this place. The coaches are so good at what they do. My child looks forward to coming every single class and they even greet her and love her as if they were her parents. I have seen so much change in my child since starting jiu-jitsu.
My son and I have been training here for just over a year and half. Amazing, passionate and respectful trainers and members. Very well kept facility. They cater to all levels, kids, adults, whether you're interested in competitions or just simply enjoying BJJ.
New to BJJ? Start at Arte Suave Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy Charlotte
Arte Suave Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy Charlotte 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 Arte Suave Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy Charlotte
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site