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Gonzales Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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 4–13) — 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
- 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 gonzalesjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 505-414-8083
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8 pm |
| Friday | 5–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“After my daughter faced bullying at school, we enrolled her in jiu-jitsu with Professor Abie, Coach Laura, and Coach Brandon.”
“I inquired about their open mat and after a quick email response by Professor Abie, my brother-in-law and I were kindly welcomed to their academy.”
“Whether you’re brand-new to jiu jitsu or an experienced grappler, you’ll feel welcome here.”
Other martial arts here
“He has taken the time to attend wrestling events and even family functions to support the kids and that level of involvement is rare and deeply appreciated.”
What members say
“The facility is clean, well-organized, and welcoming to kids of all levels.”
“He has taken the time to attend wrestling events and even family functions to support the kids and that level of involvement is rare and deeply appreciated.”
“Really walked my through each move and I really learned some techniques that I will carry always.”
“My daughter has competed and always came home with a placing for her division—she’s so proud every time!”
“The environment pushes students to be tough, disciplined, and competitive, while still emphasizing character, humility, and family values.”
From the reviews
After my daughter faced bullying at school, we enrolled her in jiu-jitsu with Professor Abie, Coach Laura, and Coach Brandon. The transformation has been incredible. Her confidence skyrocketed, and she went from shy to strong, brave, and determined.
My son has been training here for close to a year and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. The coaches are truly exceptional, they don’t just teach jiujitsu techniques; they focus on building confidence, discipline, and problem-solving skills that show up both on the mats and in everyday life.
My 11-year-old and 7-year-old absolutely LOVE the coaches here! They are so welcoming, encouraging and professional. My daughter has competed and always came home with a placing for her division—she’s so proud every time!
Will definitely be back for another class! First time training and I was happily welcomed into the gym. I would trust these coaches with my two sons. I was provided everything I needed to participate and just showed up with a good attitude and well hydrated 😅. Coaches were very attentive and supportive.
New to BJJ? Start at Gonzales Jiu-Jitsu
Gonzales Jiu-Jitsu 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 Gonzales 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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