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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Connecticut
5 ★★★★★ 38 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Berlin, Connecticut
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
- 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 graciect.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 860-828-5555
Hours
| Monday | 12–2 pm, 4:30–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–2 pm, 4:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Friday | 12–2 pm, 6–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I am a married, 40+ year old guy with three young kids, and I will always find the time to go because of the environment and style that Coach Daniel has in his classes.”
“Whether you want to compete in tournaments or practice casually, you will find it here.”
“His teaching method is very clear, and he is always willing to work one-on-one with people like myself who tend to need a bit more explanation.”
“I have always been interested in the martial arts, but I was especially drawn to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because of its practicality and potential real world applications.”
“They offer a mix of beginner to more advanced classes with Coach Dan's teaching style tailored to each.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Coach Daniel is absolutely amazing in every aspect, hes respectful Extremely knowledgable Has patience that is unmatched and to be honest hes just an all around great guy.”
“If you're looking to get a good work out and learn BJJ in a fun and safe environment, this is a welcoming place for you to train.”
“This is a family place where you aren't rushed out the door because times up, he consistently runs over to make sure all students understand the techniques.”
“Dan and his team have created an extraordinary environment - balancing attention-to-detail, discipline, and gritty work ethic with humility, wisecracking, and camaraderie.”
“I have gained both confidence and cardiovascular endurance from training here and, as a result, I have seen improvement in my performance in other physical activities.”
“Whether you want to compete in tournaments or practice casually, you will find it here.”
From the reviews
I've been training here for more than two and a half years, and I can't see myself anywhere else. Even as someone with no prior martial arts experience, the environment is not at all intimidating, thanks to Daniel's welcoming personality and the great group of people who regularly attend class here.
Relson Gracie Connecticut is an outstanding place to train for any age, sex, and skill level. My last school shut down and I went to Relson Gracie CT. Dan and the team welcomed me with open arms and as part of the family. Everyone there has your best interest in mind. There is plenty of instruction and rolling.
Relson Gracie CT has everything that you can ask for in a Jiu-Jitsu academy. Coach Dan and the team do a great job at creating an environment that is accommodating to different skill levels and different goals. They offer a mix of beginner to more advanced classes with Coach Dan's teaching style tailored to each.
I love this place because the coach AND the academy’s community want and care that you learn the techniques. Coach Daniel ensures that every student properly practices the precision and accuracy with each new offense or defense. I can confidently say that I have walked away from each class knowing something new.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Connecticut
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Connecticut 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 Jiu-Jitsu Connecticut
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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