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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Dedham
5 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Dedham, Massachusetts
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 5–12) — 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
- Website & schedule graciededham.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (781) 613-0468
The classes they run
“I grew up training and competing in martial arts until high school, so when my wife and I moved to Boston, I knew I wanted to find a great dojo and get back on "the path".”
“Professional instruction that is clear and welcoming to beginners while challenging for experienced learners.”
What members say
“Derric and Dan are truly excellent instructors, with a deep knowledge of the ethos, spirit, and tactical precision of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.”
“Professional instruction that is clear and welcoming to beginners while challenging for experienced learners.”
“Professional instruction that is clear and welcoming to beginners while challenging for experienced learners.”
“David explains every detail of a technique and coaches you in a way which enables you to learn quickly and makes the class very rewarding and fun.”
“Derric and Dan are truly excellent instructors, with a deep knowledge of the ethos, spirit, and tactical precision of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.”
From the reviews
I grew up training and competing in martial arts until high school, so when my wife and I moved to Boston, I knew I wanted to find a great dojo and get back on "the path". I've been training here and at the Quincy location for about 4 months and I absolutely love it.
So, I took a shot at trying out Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Dedham led by instructor Derric Crothers. My first thought walking in seeing the class in session: I was in no way going to be able to do any of this. But I put on the uniform, walked to the mat and watched the group practice.
This is a very welcoming environment and clean facility. David explains every detail of a technique and coaches you in a way which enables you to learn quickly and makes the class very rewarding and fun. Thank you David for helping me improve in many ways. Much gratitude and respect. Erick
Professional instruction that is clear and welcoming to beginners while challenging for experienced learners. A great place to learn and perfect a new skill. Recommend to anyone interested in picking up Jiu Jitsu and taking it to the next level.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Dedham
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Dedham 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 Dedham
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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