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Gracie Barra Summerville Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Summerville, South 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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbsummerville.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 765-6903
Hours
| Monday | 12–1:30 PM, 3:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7–8:30 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1:30 PM, 3:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7–8:30 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 12–1:30 PM, 3:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Professor Andrew and his staff are very knowledgeable, create a safe environment, and they genuinely care for the kids they train.”
“Learning a martial art here is not only educational but also surprisingly fun, creating a welcoming environment for all levels of practitioners.”
Other martial arts here
“Coach Ashley is amazing at teaching Muay Thai teacher and my daughter loved it.”
What members say
“Our daughter has grown so much in the time she has been attending, and we are grateful for the world class instruction she is receiving.”
“Learning a martial art here is not only educational but also surprisingly fun, creating a welcoming environment for all levels of practitioners.”
“Learning a martial art here is not only educational but also surprisingly fun, creating a welcoming environment for all levels of practitioners.”
“The professors are engaging and excellent at explaining techniques and other variations.”
“Coach Arden, Coach Justin, and Coach Wes have built my kids’ confidence in the most beautiful way with patience, encouragement, and so much genuine care.”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gracie Barra Summerville is an outstanding place to train!”
From the reviews
Joining Gracie Barra Summerville has been the BEST decision! Extremely family friendly, such a positive atmosphere and great instruction. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly from the toddler classes up to the adult classes! Professor Andrew does wonders with our rambunctious 3 year old.
Professor is extremely professional and approachable. Best jiu jitsu gym in the Lowcountry!!! All coaches are friendly and help keep all kids and adults entertained and engaged the whole class.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gracie Barra Summerville is an outstanding place to train! The instructors are amazing, and the atmosphere is so welcoming. My two kids absolutely love the classes, and we've seen incredible progress in such a short time. The facility is clean, organized, and has a true sense of community.
I joined this martial arts gym and have been thoroughly impressed. The professor is incredibly knowledgeable, guiding us through techniques with expertise. The gym has a fantastic climate, making each session enjoyable.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Summerville Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
Gracie Barra Summerville Jiu-Jitsu & 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 Summerville 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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