Home › South Carolina › Charleston › Gracie Barra West Ashley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
Gracie Barra West Ashley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 79 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Charleston, 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule lp.gbwestashley.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 603-8777
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–12 PM, 3:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–12 PM, 3:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 4:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Children and adults learn skills that will help them on and off the mat all while building strength, confidence, problem solving skills and mental toughness.”
“The class schedule is diverse, offering something for everyone, whether you're looking to compete or just get in a great workout while trying something new.”
“The atmosphere is incredibly supportive, making it an excellent environment for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.”
What members say
“Welcoming, Professional, and World-Class Instruction I was in Charleston for work and dropped in for a class at Gracie Barra Charleston — and I’m so glad I did.”
“Welcoming, Professional, and World-Class Instruction I was in Charleston for work and dropped in for a class at Gracie Barra Charleston — and I’m so glad I did.”
“Welcoming, Professional, and World-Class Instruction I was in Charleston for work and dropped in for a class at Gracie Barra Charleston — and I’m so glad I did.”
“The instructor ran an outstanding class, clear explanations, excellent pacing, and a level of technical detail that really shows their expertise and passion for teaching.”
“They do an incredible job balancing fun with discipline, and it’s been wonderful to see my son grow in both skill and confidence.”
“Welcoming, Professional, and World-Class Instruction I was in Charleston for work and dropped in for a class at Gracie Barra Charleston — and I’m so glad I did.”
From the reviews
I cannot recommend Gracie Barra West Ashley enough! From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms by a team of highly skilled and passionate instructors. The atmosphere is incredibly supportive, making it an excellent environment for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
We could not be more pleased with our switch to GB West Ashley. Professor Fabio and his wife Liz run a top notch gym focused on family, community and the overall development-mentally and physically-of the athletes.
I recently stopped in for a class at this academy while traveling, and I couldn’t be happier that I did. From the moment I stepped through the door, the professors and students made me feel right at home. The environment is warm, respectful, and incredibly positive.
Welcoming, Professional, and World-Class Instruction I was in Charleston for work and dropped in for a class at Gracie Barra Charleston — and I’m so glad I did. From the moment I walked in, Professor Fabio Alves and the team made me feel like family. The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, respectful, and positive.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra West Ashley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
Gracie Barra West Ashley Brazilian 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 West Ashley 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.
More BJJ gyms near Charleston
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Of Charleston
5 ★★★★★ 29 reviews
Black Label Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 106 reviews
Charleston Krav Maga & BJJ
4.8 ★★★★★ 74 reviews