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Criterion Jiu Jitsu of Louisville
5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Louisville, Kentucky
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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule criterionbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 502-373-6136
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 PM–12 AM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–7 PM |
The classes they run
“We tried a few other places but either the classes were too big and kids out of control (he would often get hurt) or, well, let’s leave it at that.”
“I enjoyed the amount of free rolling at the end of class and the opportunity to bounce ideas off people.”
“I am truly fortunate to have found the school and wholly recommend it to anyone wishing to learn or improve their self-defense, physical and emotional health.”
“I think a strong desire to learn, patience, and an open mind have been my biggest advantages as a beginner.”
Other martial arts here
“Been there for two weeks and had an honour to attend both Judo and Jiu-Jitsu classes.”
What members say
“You can feel the passion in everything that Coach Rob teaches! He brings out the best of every student.”
“When you come to your first class, you will immediately see how Coach Setree’s love for teaching BJJ and for our development his students really shines.”
“The doors and mats are often open in the region welcoming athletes to cross-train from club to club and discipline to discipline.”
“Rob Setree exemplifies mastery of this art with his efficient style that always prioritizes technique over speed, strength, and explosiveness.”
“Apart from top-notch instruction, I really appreciate the aesthetic of Criterion BJJ - a safe, spacious, clean and fun environment, and frankly a beautiful space to train in.”
“My confidence, my self-awareness, my resiliency, and my physical fitness have all flourished, and my mental perception of limitations have been surpassed in the best ways.”
From the reviews
Initially, I was introduced to martial arts in the 70’s upon the return of my Uncle from his service with the United States Army in Vietnam. Since then, my interests were primarily focused on Judo and Japanese Jujutsu. Over the years, I have been involved in various clubs and schools around the country.
I’ve been a student at Criterion BJJ for a couple years now and joining this gym has been a life-changing decision for me. Now as a 1-stripe Blue belt I can confidently attest to how there is so much to be gained from studying Jiu Jitsu.
Hey! I am a 25-year-old male that has been practicing at Criterion for the past 4 months. This is my first experience with any form of martial art, and I have to say I love it!
Criterion Jiu Jitsu is where you want to train if you're looking to get involved in high-level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with friendly practitioners in a relaxed environment (Seriously, it's colloquially referred to as the "Grapple Chapel" due to its location at an old, exquisite church).
New to BJJ? Start at Criterion Jiu Jitsu of Louisville
Criterion Jiu Jitsu of Louisville 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.
Your first BJJ class at Criterion Jiu Jitsu of Louisville
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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