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Gracie Barra Bellevue TN Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 62 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Nashville, Tennessee
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
- 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 graciebarra.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 615-942-7629
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son, who is naturally shy, has made huge progress in breaking out of his shell, gaining confidence and interacting comfortably with coaches and other kids.”
“I have 3 teens under their tutelage and have 2 kids that will be joining soon, along with me.”
“Now he’s developed a real hunger to compete — and to win.”
“The adult classes are just as great—challenging, well-structured, and welcoming to all skill levels.”
What members say
“This school has given me many great opportunities, and the owners are the best professors I have ever had.”
“Structuring their classes around every age group and athletic abilty aids in bringing jiu jitsu to everyone in a welcoming environment.”
“As a dad, I couldn’t be prouder of my son, and I’m incredibly thankful to the family here at Gracie Barra for helping shape a future CHAMPION.”
“And a big plus for me is that even if you missed a class or technique you will always a second chance to review it.”
“Chris and Justin are incredible coaches -- great with kids, youth, and adults alike.”
“I brought in a team mate who hadn't trained at a Gracie Barra before and he was very impressed with the structure and the quality of the class.”
From the reviews
My husband is Professor Wes. His journey started with BJJ ten years ago. He was always a baseball guy until he had one intro class. He immediately jumped into this sport. It has been amazing for our marriage and our family. It gives him time for himself but the most important thing is a brotherhood.
This is one of the best bjj dojo I have trained. The place is flawless! Porf. Wess is a very welcoming person and patience. You will train in a safe environment with nice people around you. Safety, companionship and discipline is always encourage.
Welcome to Nashville, Bruno. My 5-year-old son has found a great mentor in Professor Bruno at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu. His engaging and nurturing teaching style has not only taught my son Jiu-Jitsu skills but also instilled in him self-respect and confidence.
This place is awesome! My daughter loves the classes. Our previous gym was great (2 1/2years) but we changed to this gym after we moved because it was closer. They are fantastic with the kids- they manage to be super informative, instructive, fun, while also keeping the discipline and maturity of the students in mind.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Bellevue TN Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
Gracie Barra Bellevue TN 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 Bellevue TN 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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