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Daniel Gracie Kalamazoo
4.9 ★★★★★ 81 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Kalamazoo, Michigan
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 danielgracieteammichigan.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (616) 888-4419
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–9 PM |
The classes they run
“It all starts with building blocks and this is a great place for a foundation in the sport of martial arts.”
“My experience with the Daniel Gracie gym and team is seeing what it has done for my son and the focus and dedication he has for this sport.”
“This is the place to be wether you would like to compete, get in shape, or learn to defend yourself with solid tactics that will work in a real life setting.”
“My son started here about a year ago as a beginner and those building blocks are the foundation of what now has become a focus that is amazing.”
Other martial arts here
“Great place for new and experienced bjj and mma enthusiasts alike.”
What members say
“Such great coaches that make sure you continue to learn and also use correct form while also challenging you.”
“My son started here about a year ago as a beginner and those building blocks are the foundation of what now has become a focus that is amazing.”
“The instructor, Eli, was friendly and patient in demonstrating the moves and the facility was kept clean and new.”
“This is the place to be wether you would like to compete, get in shape, or learn to defend yourself with solid tactics that will work in a real life setting.”
“The coach wrestled at Davison highschool, a top ten team in the nation, and also did jujitsu at the daniel gracie philly location, a top team in the world for professional jujitsu.”
“My experience with the Daniel Gracie gym and team is seeing what it has done for my son and the focus and dedication he has for this sport.”
From the reviews
Cody, Miguel and Ron are fantastic coaches and great people. They did a great job forming a community that feels like a family. If you want to join a family and be good at jiu jitsu this is the place to be! The numbers dont lie!
My experience with the Daniel Gracie gym and team is seeing what it has done for my son and the focus and dedication he has for this sport. He is enjoying his time and learning so many things here. He is 100% dedicated to something he chooses to be involved with. He loves it.
This is one of the few gyms in the area that embraces all levels to BJJ. It could be your first day as a white belt or you could be a purple belt, they’ll still find a way to accommodate your experience to the sport and help you jump levels.
Have been involved in multiple sports since about the time I could walk, and I honestly can say I’ve never received anywhere close to the level of coaching I have received from Cody, Miguel & Ron. Top of the line is an understatement!
New to BJJ? Start at Daniel Gracie Kalamazoo
Daniel Gracie Kalamazoo 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 Daniel Gracie Kalamazoo
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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