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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Fort Smith
5 ★★★★★ 120 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Fort Smith, Arkansas
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
- 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 3–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciefortsmith.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (479) 551-2896
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 3–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–9 PM |
| Thursday | 3–9 PM |
| Friday | 3–8 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The place is spacious, always clean and has the bonus that there is an area for the children to wait while you take your class.”
“I was left with a good impression, this is a gym program ran by a team of people who have your best interest when it comes to Gracie self defense.”
“I signed my son up at the beginning of this year for the bullyproof program, this is the first time he has done any kind of martial arts or sports and he loves it.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Awesome facility, great coaches, all around best in Fort smith!”
“I signed my son up at the beginning of this year for the bullyproof program, this is the first time he has done any kind of martial arts or sports and he loves it.”
“Stephanie was extremely kind and welcoming, answering all of my questions and helping to ease my nerves.”
“The training provided invaluable techniques on how to safely and effectively manage a hostile person without causing harm.”
“I can not say enough good things about Josh and everyone else at Gracie Jiu-jitsu Fort Smith, I would recommend them to everyone.”
“The place is spacious, always clean and has the bonus that there is an area for the children to wait while you take your class.”
From the reviews
I recently completed Safe Wrap training, and I can confidently say it was an exceptional experience! The training provided invaluable techniques on how to safely and effectively manage a hostile person without causing harm.
Myself and several others took the SafeWrap class here. It was very well taught. We were there about 6 hours but other than a few sore, seldom used muscles, I felt great. The trainers were very thorough and definitely knew the material. They were very good about talking us through the motions when we were struggling.
My family and I love Gracie jujitsu. It’s been a positive influence on my two daughters building self-confidence and also teaching them self-defense.
I did a drop in last night looking for a gym in the area to train at, as my partner and I are moving to the area temporarily for her to complete her medical licensure. Upon walking into Gracie Ft.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Fort Smith
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith
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.