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Carlson Gracie Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu powered by BFMMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Summerville, South Carolina
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
- Membership memberships run around $75/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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule blackforcemma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (419) 957-4741
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Specifically, it's amazing to see how passionate and patient all the coaches are with the kids (and adults, too) classes.”
“I was in Charleston for the night so I decided to stop in for a gi class.”
“Best place to train for self defense and martial arts.”
“The instructors are very detail oriented and work with people at all levels.”
Other martial arts here
“I can definitely say hand on heart they need to check out Black Force MMA Academy (it’s near the back of Best Buy in Summerville) The owner and head coach is incredible.”
“She now trains 5-6 days a week in Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and boxing and has full confidence in her coaches.”
“She now trains 5-6 days a week in Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and boxing and has full confidence in her coaches.”
What members say
“Love the atmosphere and the Professor & staff are very knowledgeable to help you achieve your goals and beyond!”
“The instructors are very detail oriented and work with people at all levels.”
“I recommend to any family or individual looking to train in martial arts, learn new skills or just wanting to work on personal fitness.”
“They are always upbeat and positive, while still reinforcing proper techniques and strict discipline.”
“I can’t say enough good things about Carlson Gracie Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”
“The cost is very affordable.”
From the reviews
Dropped in for a week. Initially I was lost because I’ve never been here, however, someone saw my blank stare and proceeded to help me with a smile on their face. They were extremely welcoming and friendly and glad to have me come in.
Best place to train for self defense and martial arts. Family environment with knowledgeable, kind and patient coaches. Everyone accepts you for you, no judgement. We play hard and have fun! Even give back to our veterans and their families. Thank you Coach Dwight and Michelle.
I can’t say enough good things about Carlson Gracie Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The coaches are not only incredible at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but they’re also amazing with kids. They teach discipline respect and confidence while keeping the classes fun and engaging.
Black Force MMA definitely changes your life tremendously. Most definitely recommend coming here. Great people and amazing staff, they have so many options whether it would be jiu jitsu wrestling boxing or just working out will put you in a better mood and have a better mindset with everything that you do.
New to BJJ? Start at Carlson Gracie Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu powered by BFMMA
Carlson Gracie Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu powered by BFMMA 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 Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu powered by BFMMA
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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