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Blue Gorilla Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 90 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Radford, Virginia
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 $25/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 (ages 5–16) — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bluegorillabjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (540) 831-3655
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–6:30 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–6:30 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–6:30 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 2–4 PM |
The classes they run
“We attended both an open mat and a fundamentals class, and it was great to see so much emphasis on drilling during fundamentals.”
“I knew I wanted my daughter's in jiu jitsu from the moment we were expecting and I don't trust anybody as much as coach Adam to teach them.”
“We attended both an open mat and a fundamentals class, and it was great to see so much emphasis on drilling during fundamentals.”
“If you're looking for a place to get fit, learn self-defense, or just want to learn how to use your "dad bod" as a weapon of mass destruction, this is the spot.”
“They were so welcoming and made my first time so much fun.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“The gym has a strong sense of community, great coaching, and a culture that values loyalty and respect both on and off the mats.”
“You'll never see Coach Adam without a smile, and everyone there is so warm and welcoming (and patient!”
“They found that while Coach Adam is the bee's knees, the rest of the staff are supportive and compassionate as well.”
“We attended both an open mat and a fundamentals class, and it was great to see so much emphasis on drilling during fundamentals.”
“Fast forward 3 months later and my child has not only become more confident, but stronger, more disciplined, and looking forward to mat time at Blue Gorilla.”
“On top of that, he’s a highly skilled practitioner who still competes at a very high level.”
From the reviews
I’ll try to keep this as impartial as possible so it’s actually helpful for anyone considering this gym. Facilities: The place is extremely clean and well maintained. The staff disinfects and cleans every single day, which for me is huge.
I was hesitant to bring my neurodivergent child into any gym, and perhaps moreso with a jujitsu gym where things get really up closer and personal. I met with Coach Adam and his wife, Jerri, and expressed my concerns and hopes.
I love, absolutely love training here! My 7 yr old daughter also trains here with me as well. In the past yr almost we both have learned and grown so much with knowledge, skill and confidence. All the coaches are amazing! Everyone who trains here is top notch, super friendly and helpful.
Blue Gorilla is setting a high bar for how a community-focused business should be run! It’s a place that “should” feel intimidating based upon its martial arts environment, but instead, as soon as you walk through the door, you’re treated like a neighbor: no matter who you are or what you believe.
New to BJJ? Start at Blue Gorilla Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Blue Gorilla Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 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 Blue Gorilla Brazilian 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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