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Diego Ramalho Brazilian Jiu Jitsu NC
4.6 ★★★★★ 130 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Spring Lake, North 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
- 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule diegoramalhobjjsl.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 910-491-7959
Hours
| Monday | 6–7 am, 9–10:30 am, 4:40–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:10–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–7 am, 4:10–9 pm |
| Thursday | 4:10–9 pm |
| Friday | 6–7 am, 5–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The instructors are incredible with the kids - patient, encouraging, and passionate about teaching BJJ fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment.”
“My daughter enjoys being part of the team because of the positive and uplifting environment that Professor Pedro and all the coaches provide.”
“My daughter became a Blue Belt after training Judo/Brazilian Jiujitsu at this academy and winning a couple of tournaments.”
“In my last open mat, I was the only white belt in a room full of blue, purple, brown, and black belts.”
“He takes the time to explain techniques in detail and ensures that everyone, from beginners to advanced students, is improving.”
Other martial arts here
“My daughter became a Blue Belt after training Judo/Brazilian Jiujitsu at this academy and winning a couple of tournaments.”
What members say
“Professor Pedro is an incredible instructor—his passion for BJJ is infectious, and he manages to balance discipline with a fun, engaging atmosphere that my kids thrived in.”
“He takes the time to explain techniques in detail and ensures that everyone, from beginners to advanced students, is improving.”
“The instructors are incredible with the kids - patient, encouraging, and passionate about teaching BJJ fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment.”
“The instructors are incredible with the kids - patient, encouraging, and passionate about teaching BJJ fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment.”
“I have improved my health and conditioning along the way too a level that I did not imagine and Professor Lucas is the biggest part of this achievement.”
“My husband and I are very thankful and feel blessed to be part of this jiu jitsu training facility and to watch our daughter grow, learn and thrive in a healthy environment.”
From the reviews
I’ve been training at Diego Ramalho bjj in spring lake for the past 3 years , and it’s been an incredible experience. The head professer, Pedro, is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
I have been training at ZR team Spring Lake for the last three years. I have a complicated work schedule that limits my time for regular training. Professor Diego worked with me in the beginning before introducing me to Professors Gui and Professor Lucas. They understood my desire to compete and be competitive.
Leaving this review with a heavy heart! My kids and I absolutely loved our time at Diego Ramalho Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. From day one, we were welcomed into what truly feels like a family.
I’m really impressed with my sons’ progress in Jiu-Jitsu/ Judo. The class is not only a great workout, but it also helps them build discipline and confidence. The instructors are fantastic — patient, supportive, and great at teaching the techniques in a way that’s easy to understand.
New to BJJ? Start at Diego Ramalho Brazilian Jiu Jitsu NC
Diego Ramalho Brazilian Jiu Jitsu NC 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 Diego Ramalho Brazilian Jiu Jitsu NC
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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