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BlackSmith Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 254 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Niceville, Florida
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 (ages 4–16) — 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
- 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 blacksmithjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 760-608-9519
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30–7:30 am, 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30–7:30 am, 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 5–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Of course this atmosphere was laid in foundation from the dynamic duo of Jimmy and Lisa Smith and their kids.”
“As a woman, I can confidently say this is hands down the most friendly and inclusive environment I’ve ever trained in.”
“I’m in Destin for a visit and decided to stop by and try the women’s gi class today.”
“I stopped in for a class and open mat when visiting some family at the local Air Force Base and am so glad I did!”
“Whether your brand new on your 1st day, experienced, or a hobbyist professor Jimmy and professor Lisa have created a place to where it all comes together.”
Other martial arts here
“While I’m new to jiu jitsu, I’ve trained Muay Thai at a few different gyms, and the atmosphere here is second to none.”
“Also if you want to train mma that is offered as well and Jamie is an excellent instructor.”
What members say
“Great vibes and great instruction and I met a lot of great people in a very short amount of time.”
“They were incredibly welcoming to newcomers and made our family feel comfortable in what would have normally been an intimidating experience.”
“The instructors Jimmy and Lisa along with their sons are very knowledgeable, extremely friendly and always willing to teach or to just have a chat.”
“They bring skill, patience, and positivity to every class and always make sure everyone is learning quality techniques while having fun and smiling along the way.”
“Very welcoming community and good competition/chances to learn and get better.”
“Would highly recommend anyone to come try a class based on the cleanliness, effective jiu jitsu techniques, and apparent overall “health” of the community.”
From the reviews
Our son, Samuel trained at Blacksmith for 3+ years. I cannot say enough good things about this place. Coach Jimmy and Lisa were incredible teachers/mentors to Sam. They created such a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The environment was very learning friendly.
Had a blast black smith jiu jitsu niceville! Lisa & Jimmy were super accommodating to myself and the kiddos. Greatly appreciate their openness for allowing me to train and the new connections made with members of the club. Highly recommend if you’re in Destin, Fort Walton, or Niceville to pop in!
Our family joined Blacksmith for a few months while we were temporarily located in Niceville. They were incredibly welcoming to newcomers and made our family feel comfortable in what would have normally been an intimidating experience. I took the women’s classes and our kids joined in on the kids classes.
Blacksmith earned the best martial art training facility 2024, And once you step foot in the door, you’ll know exactly why. You’re met immediately with a warm friendly environment. Blacksmith has a community like no other and I’m proud to be apart of.
New to BJJ? Start at BlackSmith Jiu Jitsu
BlackSmith Jiu Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 BlackSmith Jiu Jitsu
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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