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Gracie Barra Meridian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Meridian, Idaho
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
- 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 graciebarrameridian.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 208-886-5972
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–7 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–7 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–7 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–7 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–7 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30–8 AM, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The coaches are truly exceptional, Professor Scott is top tier—not only are they incredibly knowledgeable, but they have such a positive and encouraging way of teaching the kids.”
“Excellent coaching, from beginners intermediate to advanced they have something for everyone.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Excellent coaching, from beginners intermediate to advanced they have something for everyone.”
“As impressed as I was with the staff and felllw students- I was shocked to see our son, join them as if he’s been attending the gym like is wasn’t his first day.”
“The environment is welcoming, supportive, and focused on helping each child succeed at their own pace.”
“My daughter loves being here and adores all the main Coaches she has worked with although Faby is definitely her favorite ❤”
“This is A fantastic Gracie Barra to attend For families, My three children and I attended this gym.”
“The room is very clean and you have the opportunity to watch your little ones during their training.”
From the reviews
We take our daughter to this specific Gracie Barra and they are fabulous. At first it could be considered under whelming however there is such a sense of unity from day 1. You get a free week to try it out and right off the bat they suit you up in a white Gi so you match the class.
Signed our son up for the trial class, while he’s more on the shy side, I was very surprised at the interaction he got once we entered thes door. From Lisa, greeting us and quickly getting him into a Gi. To professor Scott taking a few minutes to say hello as well.
This is the best Jiu-Jitsu gym around! From the moment my daughter started we felt welcomed and part of a family! Professor Scott and the instructors are highly skilled making the learning process enjoyable and effective. Lisa is also incredible and has always gone the extra mile for our family.
I had a very moving experience with my 5-year-old granddaughter at Garcia Barra. The team was professional, the reception and check-in were just magnificent. The coaches are angels and so patient with the little ones, given their age, it's not easy to guide them.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Meridian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
Gracie Barra Meridian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and 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 Meridian Brazilian 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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