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Carlson Gracie Team Stamford

4.9 ★★★★★ 45 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Stamford, Connecticut

Part of Carlson Gracie

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons No-gi 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
  • 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 5–12) — 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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule bjjstamfordct.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (203) 978-3696

Hours

Monday 11:15 AM–12:45 PM, 4:15–7:30 PM
Tuesday 5–7:30 PM
Wednesday 11:15 AM–12:45 PM, 4:15–7:30 PM
Thursday 5–7:30 PM
Friday 11:15 AM–12:45 PM, 4:15–7:30 PM
Saturday 10:45 AM–1:15 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 Carlson Gracie Team Stamford, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 12 mentions

“Cesar runs a very professional and disciplined gym that also creates a fun environment for kids and sense of comraderie amongst the adults.”

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🏆 Competition Team

“Because of the training, my son start competing and today he already have many medals.”

All gyms that run competition team →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Not only does this school focus on self-defense techniques, but it also offers an excellent opportunity to get in shape.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners

“Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the instruction provided is top-notch.”

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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 Carlson Gracie Team Stamford — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

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 45 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 6 mentions

“I’ve studied martial arts for over 10 years, so I know a great instructor when I see one.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 8 mentions

“This Academy is one of the most welcoming and safest environments I have ever been in; especially now during such uncertain times.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 16 mentions

“With over 30 years of experience and training under the renowned Gracies family and Master Cassio Cardoso, this school provides an unparalleled learning environment.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 9 mentions

“My son (9) and I both train there and he and his team have step-changed our abilities with their attention to all the small details of every move.”

great workout & conditioning 2 mentions
active competition team 3 mentions

“My son competes, and the way the gym prepares and supports him through that process has been amazing.”

From the reviews

From a woman's perspective, knowing self-defense is imperative these days. When I was searching for a reliable school I came across Cesar's gym. Since my very first class, I felt like I joined this BIG FAMILY. Very respectful, professional and knowledgeable.

★★★★★ — Caroline, Oct 2020

I’ve studied martial arts for over 10 years, so I know a great instructor when I see one. Cesar is an amazing instructor and I am truly grateful for being one of his students. I started training 3 years ago and it’s easily been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

★★★★★ — Carlos, Oct 2020

This Academy is one of the most welcoming and safest environments I have ever been in; especially now during such uncertain times. Following the mandatory closing, the soft reopening of the academy under the strict guidelines of the CDC, Federal, State & Local authorities compounded even further by the "in house"…

★★★★★ — Bill, Oct 2020

Outstanding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School in Stamford, CT! I have the pleasure of training at the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Stamford, CT, led by the exceptional Professor Cesar Pereira.

★★★★★ — David, Aug 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 45 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Carlson Gracie Team Stamford

Carlson Gracie Team Stamford 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 Carlson Gracie Team Stamford

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 Carlson Gracie Team Stamford

76 Progress Dr Ste 238, Stamford, CT06902

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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.