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Gracie Barra Andover - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-defense
5 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Andover, Massachusetts
Part of Gracie Barra
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 3–14) — 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
- 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 graciebarraandover.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 781-509-1369
Hours
| Monday | 5:45–7 am, 3:40–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 3:40–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:45–7 am, 3:40–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 3:40 pm–12 am |
| Friday | 12–8:30 am, 6:30–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We had wonderful free trial experience and our children could not wait to become members and learn everything there is to know about Jiu-Jitsu.”
“I’ve been taking the women’s self-defense classes at Gracie Barra Andover and I’m honestly loving it.”
“We have been looking for a gym for beginners that will be welcoming , clean and professional and that is exactly what you get at Gracie Andover.”
What members say
“Coach Lucas is amazing and has a great way with kids, my three boys really enjoyed the class, which was very fun and learned so much!”
“We have been looking for a gym for beginners that will be welcoming , clean and professional and that is exactly what you get at Gracie Andover.”
“We have been looking for a gym for beginners that will be welcoming , clean and professional and that is exactly what you get at Gracie Andover.”
“The instructors are highly skilled, patient, and dedicated, always paying attention to technical details and each student’s progress.”
“I’ve seen such a boost in my son’s confidence, discipline, and focus since he started.”
“The academy often hosts seminars, social events, and competitions, which really brings everyone together and makes training even more enjoyable.”
From the reviews
The Gracie Barra Andover is undoubtedly one of the best jiu-jitsu academies I’ve ever come across. The environment is welcoming and professional, perfect for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
I went to my first class today and I am lost for words at how well I was treated. From the moment I arrived the kids was just ending and there were so many kids there and I loved the family friendly environment.
We had wonderful free trial experience and our children could not wait to become members and learn everything there is to know about Jiu-Jitsu. There were multiple instructors working with the group and making sure form and technique were well followed and applied. Safety first was obvious and a high priority.
I’ve been taking the women’s self-defense classes at Gracie Barra Andover and I’m honestly loving it. The classes are super practical and you actually learn things you can use in real life. Every class I feel more confident and aware, and it’s been a huge learning experience for me.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Andover - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-defense
Gracie Barra Andover - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-defense 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 Gracie Barra Andover - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-defense
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site