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Black Bear BJJ & Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Augusta, Maine
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
- 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
- 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 blackbearbjjandfitness.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (207) 441-1133
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 10–11:30 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11 AM |
| Sunday | 5–7 PM |
The classes they run
“(He takes the kids BJJ class) The coaches are great—knowledgeable, patient, and they make every class fun while keeping the kids fully engaged.”
“I was inspired by everyone at Black Bear to travel out to Vegas and compete in Masters Worlds, and it was a great decision.”
“They offer a range of classes along with pop up self defense classes ect.”
“The classes are well organized, the facility is clean, and everyone from beginners to experienced students feels supported in this space.”
Other martial arts here
“Most knowledgeable and supportive instructors with a well rounded opportunity for mixed martial arts training.”
“I really enjoy coming here for cardio kickboxing!”
What members say
“Jeremy and Chris are patient, knowledgeable instructors and the school is welcoming to everyone regardless of age, gender, or skill level.”
“Jeremy and Chris are patient, knowledgeable instructors and the school is welcoming to everyone regardless of age, gender, or skill level.”
“Jeremy and Chris are patient, knowledgeable instructors and the school is welcoming to everyone regardless of age, gender, or skill level.”
“I was inspired by everyone at Black Bear to travel out to Vegas and compete in Masters Worlds, and it was a great decision.”
“The classes are well organized, the facility is clean, and everyone from beginners to experienced students feels supported in this space.”
“> I can’t recommend this gym enough—especially for kids who want to try something new, build confidence, and have fun!”
From the reviews
Incredible school! This was my second time in Maine for work for a few months during the summer and after the first visit, I immediately looked them up when I came back. The instructors are incredible, the atmosphere is awesome, and the group of people here are very welcoming and just genuine, cool people.
Since we started at Blackbear Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and fitness , my kiddo has absolutely loved it! (He takes the kids BJJ class) The coaches are great—knowledgeable, patient, and they make every class fun while keeping the kids fully engaged. The gym is always clean and has a safe, welcoming atmosphere.
I've lived in 6 states and been to BJJ gyms in all of them. None felt like home like Black Bear. Great coaches and environment! My 10-year-old daughter does the kids' classes, and they learn and have a great time.
Showed up as an older student wanting to learn something new in the martial arts world, so to speak. Everyone has been phenomenal, instructors and students alike. Everyone is encouraged to grow and learn at a pace that makes them comfortable.
New to BJJ? Start at Black Bear BJJ & Fitness
Black Bear BJJ & Fitness 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 Black Bear BJJ & Fitness
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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