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Clever Combat Jiu-Jitsu & MMA

4.9 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Latham, New York

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
  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule clevercombat.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 518-472-0349

Hours

Monday 3–7:30 pm
Tuesday 3–7:30 pm
Wednesday 3–7:30 pm
Thursday 3–7:30 pm
Friday 3–7:30 pm
Saturday 10 am–1 pm
Sunday 10:30 am–1 pm

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 Clever Combat Jiu-Jitsu & MMA, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 2 mentions

“If you want to take your training seriously—whether it’s for yourself or your kids—this is the place to be.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“It’s good vibes while learning self defense.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“The techniques and teaching style is very easy to follow along with and are well suited from a beginner all the way to black belt.”

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

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

🥊 Muay Thai 4 mentions

“The wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai programs here are top-notch, and the coaches really know how to bring out the best in their athletes.”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🏟️ MMA 6 mentions

“The staff, atmosphere, quality of instruction, and value are unmatched by any other MMA gym in the area.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🤸 Wrestling 8 mentions

“Clever Combat is unique because it offers high level BJJ, striking, wrestling, and even yoga classes- a comprehensive MMA experience.”

Other gyms that also teach wrestling →

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 34 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 9 mentions

“Clever Combat is the perfect place for newcomers and experienced martial artists alike to train with a friendly, welcoming team from all walks of life.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 14 mentions

“Everyone is very friendly, didn’t feel awkward at all Everyone was ready to help and teach me, highly recommended to try it out before any other gym for jujitsu in the area…”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“Bill, is a knowledgeable and experienced grappler who provides detailed instruction to bolster your development and understanding of Jiu Jitsu.”

From the reviews

Great experience in my handful of times visiting Clever Combat. The students and senior members were very friendly and welcoming. The techniques and teaching style is very easy to follow along with and are well suited from a beginner all the way to black belt. Hope to visit again when my schedule permits

★★★★★ — G, May 2022

Definitely the best MMA gym in Albany. I have been trying to join an MMA gym in Albany area for a while so I've been to almost all gyms in the area. Clever Combat is unique because it offers high level BJJ, striking, wrestling, and even yoga classes- a comprehensive MMA experience.

★★★★★ — Akaki, Jun 2023

Clever combat is an outstanding gym to be a part of. The instructors are professional and talented in many different facets. Other members are welcoming, making it a great environment for beginners or more experienced people. The facility is clean and also has a lot of carnivorous plants to check out!

★★★★★ — Golan, May 2022

Clever Combat is the perfect place for newcomers and experienced martial artists alike to train with a friendly, welcoming team from all walks of life. There is a wealth of knowledge amongst both students and instructors, with a team that is always eager to help anyone working their way through exploring their own…

★★★★★ — William, May 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 34 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Clever Combat Jiu-Jitsu & MMA

Clever Combat Jiu-Jitsu & MMA 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Clever Combat Jiu-Jitsu & MMA

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 Clever Combat Jiu-Jitsu & MMA

239 Old Maxwell Rd Bldg C, Latham, NY12110

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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.