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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Knoxville

5 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Knoxville, Tennessee

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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
  • Membership memberships run around $85/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule gracieuniversity.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (865) 888-5800

Hours

Monday 6–10 PM
Tuesday 6–9 PM
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 6–10 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 AM–3 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Knoxville, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 7 mentions

“Great place if you want to start learning and great kids and friendly family environment and experience.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“He instills character lessons along with presenting foundational Gracie Ju Jitsu concepts to prepare kids for real world situations.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“It was my first time trying out jiu jitsu so I did the free trial and the instructor Jason was very nice and helpful!”

All gyms that run beginners →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 10 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“This is my first time doing jiu jitsu and Jason the instructor is awesome. Very knowledgeable, extremely attentive, and most of all makes learning jiu jitsu quick, fast, and fun.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“It was my first time trying out jiu jitsu so I did the free trial and the instructor Jason was very nice and helpful!”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 6 mentions

“Great place if you want to start learning and great kids and friendly family environment and experience.”

🎖️ legit lineage & affiliation 6 mentions

“I chose Gracie Knoxville because of the reputation behind the Gracie name, but what really sealed the deal was a personal call from the owner, Jason.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“Gjj Knoxville is super clean and very well run by an honest & knowledgeable instructor!”

From the reviews

The best place in Knoxville to train Jiu-Jitsu the correct & safe way - I am grateful for the skills and friendships I have gained training with Jason at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Knoxville. ✝

★★★★★ — Indigo, Jul 2025

I chose Gracie Knoxville because of the reputation behind the Gracie name, but what really sealed the deal was a personal call from the owner, Jason. He was incredibly friendly, personable, and inviting right from the start. The atmosphere at the gym reflects that same energy—encouraging, supportive, and welcoming.

★★★★★ — Alex, Jul 2025

Instructor Jason is passionate about Gracie Ju Jitsu!!! He is knowledgeable and relates well to the kids in the bully proof classes!! He instills character lessons along with presenting foundational Gracie Ju Jitsu concepts to prepare kids for real world situations.

★★★★★ — C, Jul 2025

A safe and clean place to train. Instructors are focused on teaching at the right pace in a structured fashion.

★★★★★ — David, Dec 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 10 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Knoxville

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Knoxville 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Knoxville

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Knoxville

5040 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN37912

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.