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Daniel Island Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Charleston, South Carolina
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
- 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
- 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule dijiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 343-0004
Hours
| Monday | 7–8:15 AM, 12–1 PM, 5:30–6:30 PM, 6:35–7:45 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–1 PM, 5:30–6:30 PM, 6:35–7:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 7–8:15 AM, 12–1 PM, 5:30–6:30 PM, 6:35–7:45 PM |
| Thursday | 12–1 PM, 5:30–6:30 PM, 6:35–7:45 PM |
| Friday | 7–8:15 AM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The gym has all levels of practitioners from the highest levels to beginner levels in Gi and non Gi.”
“Tom Sheehan and the instructors were very knowledgeable and even took the time during my sessions to teach me one on one applicable skills for my job.”
“Came in for a Saturday morning open mat, and they had a great turnout.”
“Couldn’t recommend this gym more for a beginner looking to get started as well as those with experience.”
“I train here with my son Highly recommend Great instructors and classes!”
What members say
“Great rolls, family friendly environment, safe and friendly training partners, and excellent instruction by Tom.”
“Couldn’t recommend this gym more for a beginner looking to get started as well as those with experience.”
“Great rolls, family friendly environment, safe and friendly training partners, and excellent instruction by Tom.”
“Tom Sheehan spent every class thoroughly explaining all the techniques in fine detail, to the point that I don't think I'll ever forget any of them for a long time.”
“I started attending the Women Defense classes and absolutely love them.”
From the reviews
Hi, my name is Ross. I have been doing Brazilian Jujitsu for about four years on/off with covid. I was visiting Charleston for a month in January 2023 and looking for a place to train. I found Devine Brazilian Jujitsu on Daniel Island.
If you’re looking for a great place to train or even to start your Jiu Jitsu journey, Devine BJJ on Daniel island is the place to go in the Charleston area! I only got in a few sessions before moving home, but I was welcomed like a long-time member.
I was looking for a gym to train at while visiting from out of town and was welcomed with open arms to Daniel Island BJJ. Great rolls, family friendly environment, safe and friendly training partners, and excellent instruction by Tom.
I started attending the Women Defense classes and absolutely love them. The ladies are amazing and Tom is a great instructor.
New to BJJ? Start at Daniel Island Jiu Jitsu
Daniel Island Jiu Jitsu 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 Island Jiu Jitsu
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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