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Gracie Barra Asheville
4.9 ★★★★★ 75 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Asheville, North Carolina
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule avlbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 828-575-3649
Hours
| Monday | 7–8 am, 10–11 am, 12–1 pm, 4–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7–8 am, 12–1 pm, 4:30–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7–8 am, 10–11 am, 12–1 pm, 4–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7–8 am, 12–1 pm, 4:30–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 7–8 am, 12–1 pm, 4–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I originally came here for my son to attend classes & had an incredible first impression of the studio seeing how their coaches//professors interacted with the children.”
“As a woman it can often feel intimidating being in a male dominated space like this, especially being brand new.”
“I’m now in my late 40’s and in the best shape that I’ve been in since high school.”
“I look forward to every class because I gain more self disapline, grow my skills, and learn valuable lessons that can be played out in real world situations.”
“As a woman it can often feel intimidating being in a male dominated space like this, especially being brand new.”
What members say
“Professor Josh and Coach Dakota are Great Coaches both are Very knowledgeable and open to sharing all their Knowledge.”
“The people and instructors are always there cheering you on the sidelines and the environment is nothing but positve and welcoming.”
“These two men are more than just teachers, they are my friends and they do everything they can to make you feel like family and are outstanding role models.”
“Excellent gym and the highest quality instruction, technique, and teachers in the Asheville area.”
“Both have helped me immensely in competitions, they keep me calm and focused on my goals I want to attain.”
“I’ve been a student at Gracie Barra Asheville for a little over a year now and it has completely changed my life.”
From the reviews
Professor Josh is a great instructor and runs a great facility. My son takes classes there and is really enjoying the experience. There are a ton of kids in the kid's classes and they seem to have a very large number of people involved in the adult classes, as well.
I’ve been a student at Gracie Barra Asheville for a little over a year now and it has completely changed my life. The expert instruction from Professor Josh and Coach Dakota is second to none.
I love Gracie Barra Asheville! The people who train are amazing and the instructors make it a community. The instructors are respectful, professional, and considerate. Dakota is an AMAZING instructor and person who is respectful, professional, born to teach, fun, and skilled.
This school is absolutely amazing! It's motivating, empowering and welcoming. As a beginner I was very worried about fitting in and learning something new, especially when I wasn't a very active person, but this class has built up my self-confidence tremendously in just the few weeks I have been attending...
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Asheville
Gracie Barra Asheville 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 Gracie Barra Asheville
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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