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Gracie Barra Charlotte Jiu - Jitsu & Self Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 80 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Charlotte, 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
- Membership memberships run around $156/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbcharlotte.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 704-352-9694
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 am–2 pm, 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7:30 am, 10:30 am–1:30 pm, 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 5:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7:30 am, 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“To all men, women,and children - just come through the door, and meet this wonderful family…See you on the mat.”
What members say
“The head instructor is amazing and the members are all very nice and welcoming.”
“Diogo and Thea foster an environment of respect, and discipline while keeping the entire experience fun and welcoming for all.”
“The team and students are all awesome people, very friendly and willing to work with you on a group and individual basis, which makes your progress in BJJ all the more enjoyable!”
“One knows exactly what techniques will be drilled each day in class and this curriculum is transferrable to any Gracie Barra school.”
“Gracie Barra Charlotte creates an extremely welcoming atmosphere, regardless of your skill level.”
“I personally, feel that training in a clean, pure BJJ environment is crucial to advancing myself on and off the mats.”
From the reviews
Thea and Diogo provide an all around positive experience for anyone looking to start practicing Jujitsu. Gracie Barra Charlotte creates an extremely welcoming atmosphere, regardless of your skill level. Diogo is a fantastic teacher, looking to see growth in his students.
Tried a few different places in town before committing to GB Charlotte. Knowledgeable instructor and fun group of students were key to my decision! Even though I was completely new to BJJ when I started, I was always welcomed and had a great time.
I've been training at Gracie Barra Charlotte since they opened their doors. I relocated from Denver, CO as a purple belt and couldn't wait to see what I might learn from Diogo the head instructor. Besides world class Jiu Jitsu training, I've also learned a thing or two about how a professional business is run.
I have trained at Gracie Barra Charlotte now for 6 months and love it! They have created an excellent learning environment where ANY skill level is welcome. I cannot say enough good things about them. Invest in yourself by training here and you will find more out about yourself than you would at any "gym".
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Charlotte Jiu - Jitsu & Self Defense
Gracie Barra Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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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