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East Athens Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 95 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Athens, Georgia
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 (ages 10) — 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 eastathensjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 619-313-3472
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 4–9 pm |
| Friday | 4–9 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son never got into any sports until now - and this is because he feels safe and it has become fun to learn and train.”
“As a woman I feel very safe and comfortable coming here and am able to learn a lot and practice with all levels.”
“Rolls are tough and challenging but there is a mutual hearty respect and competitive camaraderie that transcends from the coach to the very beginners.”
Other martial arts here
“They’re also adding more classes next month (wrestling and weekend class) so that’ll be dope.”
What members say
“On top of the excellent coaching, the gym itself is noticeably cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming than my previous gym.”
“Rolls are tough and challenging but there is a mutual hearty respect and competitive camaraderie that transcends from the coach to the very beginners.”
“On top of the excellent coaching, the gym itself is noticeably cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming than my previous gym.”
“JR is is one awesome teacher, from his amazing ability to go detail by detail; in a short amount time you’ll be amazed by the level of progression you accomplish.”
“Myself coming from an Alliance gym in Iowa with an excellent teacher and pedigree, I am happy to have found this gem of a gym.”
“On top of the excellent coaching, the gym itself is noticeably cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming than my previous gym.”
From the reviews
East Athens Jiu Jitsu is an excellent spot to train in Athens, GA. The culture is very welcoming to both newcomers and experienced practitioners alike. The Coach JR is an expert instructor and does a great job of displaying the techniques in depth.
If you want to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Athens area, then this is the place to be. Head coach JR is a better teacher than most of my college professors were and has something to offer anyone of any skill level. Beyond the amazing technique the facility is clean and the atmosphere is welcoming to anyone.
I had an amazing experience! Coach JR is top-notch, providing excellent coaching in a supportive environment. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, he caters to all levels with personalized attention. The facility is clean and well-maintained, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – Superior Training, Coaching, and Environment East Athens Jiu-Jitsu is on a completely different level compared to the last gym I attended. The training here is far more detailed, thoughtful, and effective.
New to BJJ? Start at East Athens Jiu Jitsu
East Athens 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 East Athens 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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