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Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Academy - NC

4.9 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Goldsboro, North Carolina

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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 $80/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 3–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • 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 bonsaijjnc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 919-722-9501

Hours

Monday 12–1:30 pm, 4–8:30 pm
Tuesday 6–7 am, 4:30–9 pm
Wednesday 12–1:30 pm, 4–8:30 pm
Thursday 6–7 am, 4:30–9 pm
Friday 5–6:30 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Academy - NC, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 15 mentions

“My son has been coming here for about a year, and despite his young age, the team works really well with him and keeps him motivated.”

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Teens BJJ

“For families, there are amazing kids and pre-teen classes that teach discipline, confidence, and focus (plus, the kids have a blast).”

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🏆 Competition Team

“I walked in as a blank canvas and over a short period of time (under 1 year) I have pushed myself and have had success at multiple tournaments.”

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🔓 Open Mat

“Wonderful experience at their open mat.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“If you’re trying to combine the best workout of your life with self-defense, Bonsai Jiu Jitsu is it (WARNING: IT GETS ADDICTING!”

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🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, creating a supportive space where practitioners of all levels feel encouraged and valued.”

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Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Academy - NC — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Kickboxing

“And if you want to mix it up, they even have kickboxing classes too.”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 35 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Professor Woods is a great teacher and even went out of his way to break down some mistakes I was making during live rolls and how to improve them.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 13 mentions

“The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, creating a supportive space where practitioners of all levels feel encouraged and valued.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 21 mentions

“The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, creating a supportive space where practitioners of all levels feel encouraged and valued.”

great workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“If you’re trying to combine the best workout of your life with self-defense, Bonsai Jiu Jitsu is it (WARNING: IT GETS ADDICTING!”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My kids love their classes, and we’ve noticed a big boost in their confidence and discipline.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“The facility is clean and the environment is welcoming to all!”

From the reviews

Super dope gym! The structure for your training is like your typical gym. Warm ups, drilling then rolls. The gym was filled with awesome training partners and really had that family vibe. Everyone was so nice to me and introduced themselves immediately the moment I stepped on the mats.

★★★★★ — Rene, Mar 2023

Training at Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Academy NC has been life changing for me. The academy provides a safe and welcoming environment for families. The professors and coaches are exceptional, the community is fantastic, and the overall culture is remarkable.

★★★★★ — Mariah, Aug 2024

The environment has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. Everyone—from the coaches to the students—treats you with respect and encouragement. Ruben and the all of the instructors are not only highly skilled but also genuinely great teachers who break things down clearly and make sure everyone is learning and…

★★★★★ — Silas, Sep 2025

Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu is fantastic! My kids love their classes, and we’ve noticed a big boost in their confidence and discipline. The instructors are very professional, patient, and make learning fun and safe. Highly recommend for any family looking for quality Jiu-Jitsu training for their kids!

★★★★★ — Maria, Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 35 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Academy - NC

Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Academy - NC 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Academy - NC

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Academy - NC

2307 E Ash St, Goldsboro, NC27530

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.