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Arte Suave Jiu Jitsu Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Beckley, West Virginia

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons No-gi Competition team

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
  • Membership memberships run around $20/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes (ages 5–13) — 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
  • 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
  • Website & schedule artesuavebeckley.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 304-250-8128

The classes they run

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

🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“Excellent environment to learn BJJ with people who love to teach and compete in various competitions.”

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🔓 Open Mat

“Dropped in to an open mat while I was passing through town.”

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🧒 Kids BJJ

“Amazing place with a very good mat space and an extra room for the kids class.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

Other martial arts here

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

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 39 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Great instructions, vibes, and teamwork.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“From the very first class, I was welcomed into a respectful, encouraging environment where everyone supports one another.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 9 mentions

“My teammates are incredibly supportive — always pushing me to do my best while celebrating every small victory along the way.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Upper Belts go out of their way to teach beginners the basics of BJJ and build a strong mental fortitude!”

active competition team 4 mentions

“Excellent environment to learn BJJ with people who love to teach and compete in various competitions.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 4 mentions

“High Level Professors✅ Friendly Atmosphere ✅ Clean Mats/ people ✅ Overall 10/10 Highly Recommend✅”

From the reviews

Joining Arte Suave jiu-jitsu academy has truly been life-changing. From the very first class, I was welcomed into a respectful, encouraging environment where everyone supports one another. The instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping each student grow, both in skill and confidence.

★★★★★ — Angguna, Oct 2025

joined arte suave 4 months ago and found a family. good people, real jiu jitsu, and a team that even hangs out outside the gym. it’s easily one of the best things i’ve done for my mental and physical health 💯 this gym isn’t for everyone, but it might be for you. same species, different animal 🤘

★★★★★ — Jacob, Oct 2025

Couldn’t recommend Chris and this academy more. I dropped in while traveling and was met with hospitality, kindness, and above all else, wisdom and proper instruction regarding BJJ. If you’re in the area, hit Chris up in confidence!

★★★★★ — Michael, Jul 2025

I dropped in for a class while in town for work. Everyone in the academy was great. The instruction was awesome and the class structure was on point. I have already recommended this academy to friends in the area.

★★★★★ — Tim, May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 39 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Arte Suave 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.

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 Arte Suave Jiu Jitsu Academy

321 S Fayette St, Beckley, WV25801

Get directions

More BJJ gyms near Beckley

Family Martial Arts/Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Beckley

5 ★★★★★ 17 reviews

311 Beckley Plaza, Beckley, WV

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 4–16

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Affiliated no-ego, friendly academybuilds confidence & discipline

2.7 miles away

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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.