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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Nappanee
5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Nappanee, Indiana
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 3–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gjjnappanee.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (574) 777-0723
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:30–6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 3:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Fantastic teacher who really cares about the kids and does an excellent job giving them the tools to defend themselves all while in a fun and friendly atmosphere.”
“I highly recommend it if you're looking to learn self defense and have fun.”
“I first came as a complete beginner and am still amazed at how seem less the wonderful instructors make the learning process.”
What members say
“Absolutely love Lauren and Luke, they are amazing instructors!”
“I first came as a complete beginner and am still amazed at how seem less the wonderful instructors make the learning process.”
“Fantastic teacher who really cares about the kids and does an excellent job giving them the tools to defend themselves all while in a fun and friendly atmosphere.”
“I dropped in at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Nappanee while in town for the holidays.”
“All my children are rapidly growing in their confidence and their ability to defend themselves.”
From the reviews
Highly recommend! Great atmosphere and the instructors are incredible at teaching. If you’re on the fence about joining, ask them about their free trial.
Luke and Lauren and spectacular instructors! The Women Empowered classes are full of insight, laughter, and a special sense of community.
I absolutely love this gym. I first came as a complete beginner and am still amazed at how seem less the wonderful instructors make the learning process. It is easy to notice the care the instructors give the gym and the passion they have for what they teach.
This is the best martial arts experience I have had! Great environment to train in. No matter if you are brand new or have experience, there is something for you at every class. The instructors are very patient and knowledgeable. You will not regret spending your time and money here!
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Nappanee
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Nappanee 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 Nappanee
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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