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Gracie Barra Cincinnati
5 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Cincinnati, Ohio
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
- Website & schedule graciebarracincinnati.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (513) 725-6619
The classes they run
“In addition safety is a priority teaching the foundations, break falls etc laying the groundwork for progression into the sport.”
“Their program is structured beautifully to introduce both kids and adults to Jiu-Jitsu in a way that’s accessible and inspiring.”
“I can share this from personal experience, as I had never trained in any martial arts before starting here.”
Other martial arts here
“She talked about doing karate but I don’t think she knew the difference and I showed her videos and she realized this is what she wanted.”
What members say
“The students and coaches here are incredibly welcoming, and no matter what level you’re at, you’ll never feel out of place.”
“The students and coaches here are incredibly welcoming, and no matter what level you’re at, you’ll never feel out of place.”
“The coaches are phenomenal—patient, detail-oriented, and committed to breaking down every technique so you truly understand it.”
“My daughter also trains Jiu Jitsu. She absolutely loves Professor Zack and coach Tyler who teach her class.”
“After more than 25 years of training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a variety of academies and settings, I can confidently say that Gracie Barra Cincinnati is top-notch!”
“It’s a really good environment, very safe and very clean and the instructors have been some of the best I’ve worked with.”
From the reviews
After more than 25 years of training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a variety of academies and settings, I can confidently say that Gracie Barra Cincinnati is top-notch! The Professors are not only highly knowledgeable but also approachable and genuinely committed to helping people grow through the art and sport of BJJ.
This place is a great place to train! Hands down awesome introduction to Jiu Jitsu for new people . They teach and instruct very well! Constantly available for questions. The plus side to this spot is the community. My daughter also trains Jiu Jitsu.
Great gym run by great people! I’ve trained with Professor Shelley for a number of years and he’s an awesome coach and very entertaining. I’m excited to see the students that come out of this gym!
I came in as a visitor from another Gracie Barra school (Gracie Barra SW Portland). I've had experience with dozens of Brazilian Jiujitsu schools (both GB on non GB) all over the world. I’m incredibly impressed with the new Gracie Barra school in Cincinnati.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Cincinnati
Gracie Barra Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati
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