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Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Self-Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 65 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Pelham, Alabama
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
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciebarraalabama.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (205) 637-5551
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–8:15 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7:15 AM, 11 AM–1 PM, 4–8:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–7:45 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7:15 AM, 11 AM–1 PM, 4–8:15 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4:45–7 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The kids classes are just as good with superb coaching staff that truly understand how to make well rounded little martial artists.”
“Our kids competed in locally hosted tournaments and participated in kids' camps.”
“Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this gym offers an inclusive environment with plenty of opportunities to grow.”
Other martial arts here
“There are other classes (Judo, Muay-Thai,) that I haven't had the opportunity to take yet but I am looking forward to one day.”
“I would recommend this to anyone interested in Jiu-Jitsu or MMA.”
“There are other classes (Judo, Muay-Thai,) that I haven't had the opportunity to take yet but I am looking forward to one day.”
What members say
“The instructors offer world class instruction and all of them have the heart of a teacher and show tremendous passion and interest for the art and their students.”
“Gracie Barra is not only the most welcoming, professional and compassionate facility but the entire staff is incredibly supportive and helpful.”
“Gracie Barra is not only the most welcoming, professional and compassionate facility but the entire staff is incredibly supportive and helpful.”
“They take the time to break down techniques step-by-step, making them easy to understand and apply, regardless of your experience level.”
“Our kids competed in locally hosted tournaments and participated in kids' camps.”
“Gracie Barra is not only the most welcoming, professional and compassionate facility but the entire staff is incredibly supportive and helpful.”
From the reviews
Wow, what an awesome place. I have traveled all over and trained all over and I have to say this is one of the best BJJ gyms. Not only form the technical point of view, but as a group of spectacular people. There is quite a few black belts and brown belts that support all levels.
10 Stars if I could!! Very Clean! I just can’t say enough about this business. It all starts with the owner Professor Kaliffa Oliveria. He treats every student and customer with respect, understanding, patience and kindness. The Instructors and Professors are Amazing! Starting with Instructor John in GB1.
If you're looking for a place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this gym is hands down one of the best! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The instructors are highly skilled and genuinely care about your progress.
About a year and a half ago I moved to AL and I started going to this gym and it’s been amazing. I had stopped doing Jiu Jitsu for a while as the gym near me had not treated me well and I no longer wanted to go. Gracie Barra Pelham is a different story.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Self-Defense
Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama | Brazilian 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 Pelham Alabama | Brazilian 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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