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Gracie Barra Knightdale Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Knightdale, 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
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbknightdale.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (919) 619-7560
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–6 PM |
The classes they run
“My daughter and I have had a great experience at GB Knightdale.”
“If you’re in Knightdale and want elite-level training from beginner level to World Champion and from someone who cares about your growth, keep your eye on this place.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Coach Brian was great. He was knowledgeable, patient and would show us the nuances of each technique and drill.”
“If you’re in Knightdale and want elite-level training from beginner level to World Champion and from someone who cares about your growth, keep your eye on this place.”
“He actually takes the time to teach, making sure everyone understands the techniques, no matter their level.”
“His strength and conditioning were good too, pushing us but not wearing us too much for next day's session.”
“Not only is Brian a Gracie blackbelt, but he also has blackbelt knowledge of the 10th Planet system.”
“He teaches them discipline amongst other things in BJJ.”
From the reviews
Lets Go!! Gracie Barra Knightdale!! This is going to be top tier school for sure.. My good friend and Coach Brian DeMuro lives and breathes jiu-jitsu, he’s a soon to be 2nd Degree black belt in the Gi and incredibly knowledgeable in the 10th Planet system+ That mix of traditional and modern grappling is exactly what…
Get ready Knightdale! Coach Brian DeMuro is super passionate about jiu jitsu and training in general. Whether you are a beginner to pro level, Brian has the expertise and knowledge to help you achieve your goals. Not only is Brian a Gracie blackbelt, but he also has blackbelt knowledge of the 10th Planet system.
Coach Brian is an incredible person. I first met him at grace barra clermont back in 2016. I had just had a divorce and wanted to get back to something I loved..I did judo from the time I was 6 till I was about 24. First day on the mat I get to roll with Brian. He was kind, patience and very informative.
Coach Brian is an incredible martial artist with not only a passion for the sport but a passion to teach. His enthusiasm and charismatic energy makes a difference for everyone stepping on the mats.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Knightdale Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
Gracie Barra Knightdale Jiu Jitsu and 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 Knightdale Jiu Jitsu and 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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