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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington: Carter’s Academy
5 ★★★★★ 40 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Lexington, South Carolina
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule cartersacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 803-546-6079
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–9 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–1 pm, 4:30–6 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am–12:30 pm |
The classes they run
“Men like John Carter have a strong influence on children and I recommend his school to any, and all, parents seeking a positive environment for their kids.”
“Not only am I taking the women’s program, I have also moved on to Aikido and Gracie Combatives in the group classes.”
“The Women's Empowered program is a supportive, safe space for women to learn practical self-defense with an amazing group of people.”
“When I started I had absolutely no experience with martial arts.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“He's an incredible instructor who genuinely cares about his students and creates a fun, welcoming environment for everyone.”
“John (owner/instructor) was welcoming, professional and made me, a short time visitor, wish I was staying in the area longer.”
“I started training BJJ there and when I recently visited Columbia to see family, I wanted to get in some training on Saturday morning.”
“You can expect detailed instruction with a goal of building lifelong skills from Sensei Carter.”
“Part of the benefit of Gracie is once you are a member you can access other training centres part of the network.”
“I was welcomed with open arms and the facility was clean and professional.”
From the reviews
I am a head instructor at GU in Torrance and was invited to teach a Seminar at John's school. I was welcomed with open arms and the facility was clean and professional. Staff, instructors and students are super friendly. I had a great time. GJJ Lexington has my full endorsement! Keep up the good work!
My 4yr old loves this academy. We originally had him in gymnastics and he did not like that at all. This class has really helped with his focus, & confidence. Now he asks us every night if he can go.
I started my journey as a Dojo Mom, watching from the sidelines. John Carter is great with the kids. He has a way of teaching that helps every type of student. After about 5 months of watching there was an opportunity for me to take the free women’s self defense class.
Superb program for self defense! Sensei John Carter is an excellent instructor. He makes the information relatable and easy understand. The women's self defense class is a comfortable and welcoming environment. I felt at home in my first class. Reflex development drills ensure the information is retained.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington: Carter’s Academy
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington: Carter’s Academy 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 Lexington: Carter’s Academy
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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