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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Alexandria
5 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Alexandria, Virginia
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 (ages 3–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciejiujitsualexandria.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (571) 347-7191
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I have high expectations, and Coach Zac blew them away this morning with the way he taught and connected with the kids in the “Mat Munchkins”.”
“If you’re looking for real self-defense based Jiu Jitsu with solid instruction and a positive environment, I highly recommend this gym!”
“I’d keep showing up to classes but never really felt like I was learning or retaining anything as a beginner.”
What members say
“Everyone is encouraging and the head instructor, Zac, is super knowledgeable and kind, and will work within your limits but also test those limits to help you grow.”
“The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the instructors were patient, professional, and made him feel completely at ease.”
“I had my doubts with signing up because we have goals of starting a family and I was hesitant to commit to a program that I may have to roll out of during pregnancy.”
“They have a clear, structured curriculum to follow, quality videos I can study at home, and after class I actually leave with techniques I can understand and use right away.”
“Our kids love learning the techniques and building friendships with other kids in a positive and enthusiastic environment.”
“My teenage son just finished his first week at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Alexandria and it’s been a fantastic experience.”
From the reviews
The Alexandria BJJ location has a top-notch martial arts program. It’s a structured, detailed course in groundwork techniques that are applicable for practical situations. I love the positive, constructive atmosphere, particularly from a female perspective, given most martial arts are traditionally male-majority.
We had such a wonderful experience with Zac. He was extremely patient with my 3yo daughter and made her feel comfortable right away. He explained and demonstrated each move clearly, and his friendly, yet confident approach kept her fully engaged.
We are so happy to have found Coach Zac and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Alexandria. Our kids love learning the techniques and building friendships with other kids in a positive and enthusiastic environment. Jiu-jitsu has made them better athletes, teammates, and (future) coaches as they help other kids.
I have high expectations, and Coach Zac blew them away this morning with the way he taught and connected with the kids in the “Mat Munchkins”. He has found the perfect balance between being authoritative and fun. Thanks for making today perfect for my son.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Alexandria
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Alexandria 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 Jiu-Jitsu Alexandria
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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