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Gracie Barra Charleston Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 105 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Mt Pleasant, South 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciebarracharleston.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 653-9153
Hours
| Monday | 10:30 AM–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7–8 AM, 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7–8:30 AM, 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son, 5, enjoys getting his energy out playing games that challenge his strength and discipline, and never wants to miss a class!”
“From beginners to experienced athletes, everyone is supported, respected, and encouraged to grow.”
Other martial arts here
“I’m 46 years old and I’ve never done any form of BJJ or wrestling.”
What members say
“It’s a very welcoming and nurturing environment that has helped me grow tremendously in my personal and professional life in just a short period of time.”
“It’s a very welcoming and nurturing environment that has helped me grow tremendously in my personal and professional life in just a short period of time.”
“What stands out the most is his teaching style—he doesn’t just demonstrate techniques, he teaches you how to think like a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.”
“I was in town for a few days and had the chance to drop in for a class at Gracie Barra under Professor Fernando Correa, what an awesome experience!”
“The environment is welcoming to all, the curriculum is organized, the facility is clean, and the professors are top tier.”
“As a parent it feels good to know that she has the knowledge, skill, and confidence to defend herself in real- life situations.”
From the reviews
More than a Jiujitsu club. We are one of the founding members and this place has become our favorite place to go not just for our five years old son but for us too. The team and members have become family. We feel lucky to be part of this community. Thank you
I was in town for a few days and had the chance to drop in for a class at Gracie Barra under Professor Fernando Correa, what an awesome experience! From the moment I walked in, the gym had a welcoming, respectful atmosphere.
if you’re looking for a place to train jiu jitsu and become involved in an amazing community, gracie barra charleston is where you need to be. without a doubt, it is the best jiu jitsu gym and the professors are incredible. specifically, professor henrique and professor vand.
I cannot say enough great things about GB Charleston. My kids and I have been training here since they opened, and it has exceeded all expectations coming in. My kids started as 4 (son) and 6 (daughter) year olds, and are really growing up with this as a second home.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Charleston Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
Gracie Barra Charleston Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense 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 Charleston 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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