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BJJ Swamp Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 196 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Gainesville, Florida
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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bjjswampacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (352) 284-6563
Hours
| Monday | 9–11 AM, 4:45–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9–11 AM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–12:30 PM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9–11:30 AM, 4:45–8 PM |
| Friday | 9–11 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 12:30–1:30 PM, 6–7 PM |
The classes they run
“When I enrolled my son in BJJ Swamp Academy, I did not imagine that this gym would become our second home in town.”
“There is a great group of women here and they even have a women’s class every Friday night!”
“I would recommend this academy for any child, teen and adult!”
“I had the privilege of dropping in on Saturday No Gi Basics and Advanced classes while visiting the area.”
“It is a place you can call home whether you are seeking to compete, learn self defense, or get a good workout.”
“It is a place you can call home whether you are seeking to compete, learn self defense, or get a good workout.”
“There’s morning and night classes 7 days a week and over 25 available classes on a given week for both beginners and advanced classes.”
Other martial arts here
“I originally went in for kickboxing, which was great on its own, but I also decided to try jiu-jitsu and had so much fun!”
What members say
“There’s morning and night classes 7 days a week and over 25 available classes on a given week for both beginners and advanced classes.”
“From day one, the atmosphere was extremely welcoming and friendly, with a strong sense of community that makes you want to keep coming back.”
“The instructors give great attention to detail in every lesson, which really helps you improve whether you’re new or experienced.”
“after a few competitions, numerous potlucks and a couple promotions Swamp feels like a place safe from the distractions of the world.”
“There is a great group of women here and they even have a women’s class every Friday night!”
From the reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve been training at BJJ Swamp Academy for about 5 years, along with my younger brother, and I can honestly say this place is more than just a jiu-jitsu gym. Ken, the black belt owner, doesn’t just teach techniques — he’s been like a big brother and mentor to me over the years.
I started training at the swamp about 8 months ago. This isn’t the first gym I’ve trained at but it’s definitely been my favorite. The community here is something that is so welcoming, a lot of different backgrounds, and people at different training levels making it a great place to learn and really craft your own…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I trained at The Swamp Gainesville for about a year before work required me to relocate, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best BJJ schools I’ve ever been a part of. It’s a great place for complete beginners, but it also offers a high-level environment for more experienced practitioners.
When I enrolled my son in BJJ Swamp Academy, I did not imagine that this gym would become our second home in town. My son trains four days a week, and I’m even considering starting classes myself. All the coaches are awesome and so nice and fun with the kids. I have special appreciation for Mr.
New to BJJ? Start at BJJ Swamp Academy
BJJ Swamp 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.
Your first BJJ class at BJJ Swamp 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.
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