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Bayou Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bayoujiujitsu.us — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 225-505-8500
Hours
| Monday | 4:30 pm–12 am |
| Tuesday | 12–8:30 am, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 4:30–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The coaches are knowledgeable, supportive, and push you to be your best while making sure you’re learning proper technique.”
“My family and I attend Bayou Jiu Jitsu: Four years ago, my son began to learn-self defense and my husband has trained on/off when his work schedule allows.”
“The class schedule is accommodating with classes in the early morning, midday, evening, and weekend open mats.”
“If you're looking for a high-quality, friendly atmosphere to train Jiu Jitsu, Judo, MMA, or self-defense, definitely come by Bayou Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense.”
“Professors Kevin and Peygan bring incredible expertise and passion, making every class engaging and approachable for all skill levels.”
Other martial arts here
“If you're looking for a high-quality, friendly atmosphere to train Jiu Jitsu, Judo, MMA, or self-defense, definitely come by Bayou Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense.”
“If you're looking for a high-quality, friendly atmosphere to train Jiu Jitsu, Judo, MMA, or self-defense, definitely come by Bayou Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense.”
What members say
“Kevin, Jakson, and Peygan are great coaches who are passionate about Jiu jitsu and truly care about their students development and wellbeing.”
“Whether you're here for fitness, self-defense, competition, or to make friends, you’ll find a welcoming and motivating environment.”
“If you're looking for a high-quality, friendly atmosphere to train Jiu Jitsu, Judo, MMA, or self-defense, definitely come by Bayou Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense.”
“The coaches are knowledgeable, supportive, and push you to be your best while making sure you’re learning proper technique.”
“My kids attend bayou jig jitsu and love it teachers are great with kids they are learning alot will love to see how far they will go”
“I never imagined I’d be stepping onto a competition mat, but with the support of this gym, I’ve gained the confidence and skills to push myself further.”
From the reviews
Joining Bayou Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense has been truly life-changing for me! When I first started, I was an overweight, exhausted mom just looking for a way to get in shape. I would start things then get bored of the same old exercises, and lose interest.
Can’t say enough good things about Bayou. I’ve been training here for over 2 years and I’ve loved every minute of it. The Central gym is in a convenient location and the gym itself is extremely nice with high quality mats that are kept meticulously clean.
-Professor Kevin the owner is very knowledgeable and pushes you to better yourself! This is exactly what you need in this sport. -Professor Peygan and Coach Sydney do awesome with the kids!
Beautiful gym and mats! Kevin and Peygan are great instructors and I have been training under Kevin for 4 years. I highly recommend you stop by and talk to them about drop ins or signing up to learn this great martial art! Very welcoming to all new comers and visitors!
New to BJJ? Start at Bayou Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
Bayou Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense 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 Bayou Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
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
