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Carlson Gracie Columbus
4.6 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Columbus, Ohio
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
- 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
- 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
- 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 carlsongraciecolumbus.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (614) 203-5568
Hours
| Monday | 6–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–7:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–7:15 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 11 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I can't tell you what a relief that was; I normally travel with my gi / nogi gear, and I was charged $25 at the last two schools I visited.”
“Brandon is practical instructor with real world experience that can impart his teachings in a way that few can.”
“I have known Brandon for almost a decade and watched him grow from a beginner to a passionate practitioner and instructor.”
Other martial arts here
“We warmed up with some shadow boxing, a basic BJJ warm-up, and some wrestling drills.”
“We warmed up with some shadow boxing, a basic BJJ warm-up, and some wrestling drills.”
What members say
“I would highly recommend Carlson Gracie Columbus for anyone looking to receive great instruction in the art of Jiu Jitsu.”
“I have known Brandon for almost a decade and watched him grow from a beginner to a passionate practitioner and instructor.”
“His gym is inviting and friendly that is welcoming to both the first time student and seasoned practitioner.”
“The instructor, Brandon Willis, is top notch in providing great techniques and making sure you master it before moving on to the next.”
“The first thing I noticed upon my arrival was there was no air conditioning.”
“He dedicates himself to his students' growth and understanding of all aspects of jiu jitsu and takes pride in teaching them the Carlson Gracie style and philosophy of fighting.”
From the reviews
I was in town for work and searched for local BJJ academies. I found Carlson Gracie Columbus and reached out via e-mail because their class schedule was listed on their website. I asked if / when would be a good time to drop in, and if there was a mat / visitor fee.
I would highly recommend Carlson Gracie Columbus for anyone looking to receive great instruction in the art of Jiu Jitsu. The instructor, Brandon Willis, is top notch in providing great techniques and making sure you master it before moving on to the next. He caters to the needs of all students no matter what ranking.
This gym is an integral part of my life. The training that I receive here is elite, and Brandon is a top tier coach. I’ve been coming for almost 4 years and have made lifelong friendships, while bettering myself physically. Whatever your level of training or skill, there is a place for everyone here.
Welcoming and tough group of guys. In town for a business meeting and found this gym. Got in some great mat time. The owner Brandon is a Bjj black belt and doesn’t hesitate to jump in and train. Will definitely be stopping in again if I’m ever this way. Thanks again!
New to BJJ? Start at Carlson Gracie Columbus
Carlson Gracie Columbus 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 Carlson Gracie Columbus
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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