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Gladiators Academy of Lafayette
4.9 ★★★★★ 195 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Lafayette, Louisiana
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 4–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gladiatorsla.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (337) 504-2730
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I was much more nervous about my son joining than he was but it was clear from the very first class that their was no need to worry.”
“Being a part of Gladiators has helped her to be more active, feel better about herself, learn self-defense and an overall love of being a part of a like-minded family.”
“The environment is welcoming for beginners and challenging for experienced athletes.”
Other martial arts here
“) and members are great, and the environment is perfect for anyone serious about MMA or BJJ.”
What members say
“The coaches (Shout out to Coach Jared!) and members are great, and the environment is perfect for anyone serious about MMA or BJJ.”
“I was much more nervous about my son joining than he was but it was clear from the very first class that their was no need to worry.”
“Being a part of Gladiators has helped her to be more active, feel better about herself, learn self-defense and an overall love of being a part of a like-minded family.”
“My son has been going here over two years and given him a valuable life skill and confidence in himself.”
From the reviews
When my son started here, he was too nervous to participate. Coach Josh pulled him aside and, calmly but assertively, told him he would do the drills and participate to make his dad proud. My son attended almost every session since then as a willing and enthusiastic participant.
After much consideration about my age, health, and fitness level I decided to give it a go anyway. It has been a great experience. The coaches make sure you grasp the content and keep you engaged through the process. The environment is friendly and inclusive.
My son has been going here over two years and given him a valuable life skill and confidence in himself. Not to mention a team of great mentors and coaches that keep striving for his best.
It took about 6 months for my 6 years old son to get comfortable, but now he can not wait for the next class :) He has improved so much! I highly recommend Gladiators Academy of Lafayette
New to BJJ? Start at Gladiators Academy of Lafayette
Gladiators Academy of Lafayette 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 Gladiators Academy of Lafayette
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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