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Black Sheep BJJ/Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu El Paso
5 ★★★★★ 199 Google reviews · BJJ gym in El Paso, Texas
Part of Carlson Gracie
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
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule blacksheepbjjep.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 915-745-7909
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“With the recent addition of classes like kids MMA and Judo, we greatly appreciate the variety that they have to offer.”
“They offer a variety of classes for all ages, BJJ (gi and no-gi), MMA, Judo, and kids programs.”
“They offer a variety of classes for all ages, BJJ (gi and no-gi), MMA, Judo, and kids programs.”
“Not only has he gained confidence, discipline, and focus, but the support from all the coaches—especially during tournaments—has been incredible.”
“Whether you're trying to get in shape, learn self-defense, or compete, this gym welcomes everyone with open arms.”
“The atmosphere was friendly, motivating, and professional, and it felt like a place where both beginners and experienced people can grow.”
Other martial arts here
“Progress technically as a martial arts student who competes regularly in Brazilian jiu jitsu, and has aspirations to compete in MMA as well.”
“With the recent addition of classes like kids MMA and Judo, we greatly appreciate the variety that they have to offer.”
“Unlike many BJJ schools that start students on their knees, Black Sheep incorporates wrestling techniques, making the training more applicable to real-life situations.”
“We came in not knowing anything about jiujitsu or martial arts (beyond whatever they might have picked up from Karate Kid!”
What members say
“Great coaching, clean facility, and a team that actually cares about helping people grow on and off the mats.”
“The sense of community here is unmatched welcoming, supportive, and filled with people who genuinely care about growth.”
“If you are seeking a martial arts school in El Paso that challenges you and fosters a supportive environment, this is the place to be!”
“Unlike many BJJ schools that start students on their knees, Black Sheep incorporates wrestling techniques, making the training more applicable to real-life situations.”
“They offer a variety of classes for all ages, BJJ (gi and no-gi), MMA, Judo, and kids programs.”
“Not only has he gained confidence, discipline, and focus, but the support from all the coaches—especially during tournaments—has been incredible.”
From the reviews
I have been training at Black Sheep Bjj now for over 10 months. I moved to El Paso as a blue belt and had been looking for a school to train at. I wanted to be in a school where I could 1.
Training at Black Sheep BJJ was amazing. Professor Aldo is amazing with kids and adults. Environment was so friendly and welcoming by staff and families. I will definitely be training here when we are back in town!
Best martial arts gym in El Paso — hands down. Whether you’re looking to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) or Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Black Sheep BJJ is the place to be. This is the first jiu-jitsu gym I’ve ever trained at, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to begin my martial arts journey.
This academy is hands-down one of the finest in El Paso’s jiu-jitsu scene. The sense of community here is unmatched welcoming, supportive, and filled with people who genuinely care about growth. The facilities are top-notch, clean, and equipped with everything needed to train effectively.
New to BJJ? Start at Black Sheep BJJ/Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu El Paso
Black Sheep BJJ/Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu El Paso 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 Sheep BJJ/Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu El Paso
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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