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Budo Tatami

5 ★★★★★ 81 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Gainesville, Georgia

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes (ages 3–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule budotatamifc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (470) 693-9447

Hours

Monday 4:30–9:30 PM
Tuesday 4:30–9:30 PM
Wednesday 4:30–9:30 PM
Thursday 4:30–9:30 PM
Friday 5–7:30 PM
Saturday 2–4 PM
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 Budo Tatami, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 21 mentions

“Sensei Ismael is so patient with the children, but he is also fair, and teaches the students valuable lessons about discipline, respect, self control, and friendship.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

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

🥊 Boxing

“Really great place to learn kick boxing, jiu jitsu, and stay in generally good shape.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🦵 Kickboxing

“Really great place to learn kick boxing, jiu jitsu, and stay in generally good shape.”

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 81 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Sensei Ismael is the best instructor I have worked with.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“The environment is respectful, welcoming, and focused on discipline and development.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 22 mentions

“Whether you are new to martial arts or someone with lots of experience, there is instruction levels for everyone and this is a place where you’ll feel like family.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“He has been taught many skilled techniques and maneuvers from his Sensei, whom is an outstanding teacher.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“🙌🏾 Not only are the Adult classes phenomenal, but also the kids programs are great for kids to get into martial arts and learn skills as well as discipline.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 14 mentions

“🙌🏾 Not only are the Adult classes phenomenal, but also the kids programs are great for kids to get into martial arts and learn skills as well as discipline.”

From the reviews

Ismael is the best coach I have ever trained with! He truly cares about the principles of martial arts and how it leads to being a better individual on and off the mat. He has created an environment for the individual and for the family to feel comfortable and included.

★★★★★ — Kioshi, Nov 2022

Budo Tatami has a very clean and well laid out facility. Sensei Ismael is the best instructor I have worked with. The way he teaches the martial arts is a great workout and it’s fun.

★★★★★ — Coby, Nov 2022

I highly recommend Budo Tatami to anyone that is looking for Jiu-Jitsu classes. My son is seven years old and attends classes twice a week and loves them. He has been taught many skilled techniques and maneuvers from his Sensei, whom is an outstanding teacher.

★★★★★ — Daniel, Apr 2024

Sensei Ismael is not only in a remarkable instructor and athlete but also an incredible father, friend and husband. He has dedicated his entire life to martial arts and he has become an inspiration for our kids and our entire family.

★★★★★ — Miguel, Nov 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 81 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Budo Tatami

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 Budo Tatami

6730 Browns Bridge Rd Ste 400, Gainesville, GA30506

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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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.