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Deep Waters Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 56 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Columbia, South Carolina
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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule deepwatersjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (803) 766-6019
Hours
| Monday | 5–6 AM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–6 AM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–6 AM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–6 AM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–6 AM, 11 AM–12 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and top notch instruction for both adults and kids.”
“With such a diverse schedule and high level instruction across the board, Deep Waters is the perfect place to train, whether you’re looking to compete or just get in shape.”
“Dropped in for an open mat while I was visiting friends in the area and I couldn't have had a better time.”
“The kids not only learn valuable self-defense skills but also develop discipline, respect, and confidence.”
“He takes the time to ensure each student, from beginner to advanced, receives personalized attention to improve their technique and confidence on the mat.”
Other martial arts here
“Deep Waters also boasts an outstanding judo team under the expert guidance of Sensei Oleg.”
What members say
“Great coaches and community here with some high level dudes.”
“There are several black belts that train there who have created an incredible environment and team atmosphere that’s welcoming to people from all walks of life.”
“There are several black belts that train there who have created an incredible environment and team atmosphere that’s welcoming to people from all walks of life.”
“He takes the time to ensure each student, from beginner to advanced, receives personalized attention to improve their technique and confidence on the mat.”
“The women’s team, led by Brooke, is empowering and inclusive.”
“He takes the time to ensure each student, from beginner to advanced, receives personalized attention to improve their technique and confidence on the mat.”
From the reviews
Best martial arts school in Columbia hands down! Instructors are professional and instruction is top notch. Everyone I have met here has been very welcoming and encouraging. Adult (and kids) classes are run very well.
I have trained for 19 years. In town visiting Fort Jackson and stopped in for open mat. This gym has a couple of great things going for it. You will be welcomed as family when you walk through the door. The technique is top notch, and every belt level is very proficient. Highly recommend going here.
The instructors at Deep Waters are the true standard of martial artists. This school is full of practitioners with many years of experience. There are several black belts that train there who have created an incredible environment and team atmosphere that’s welcoming to people from all walks of life.
Deep Waters Jiu Jitsu welcomed me in while in town for my son’s Army graduation. They were all courteous and good sports even though I didn’t have my Gi. Great training and highly recommend if you are in Columbia or traveling through.
New to BJJ? Start at Deep Waters Jiu Jitsu
Deep Waters 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 Deep Waters 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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