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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky Shelby County
5 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Shelbyville, Kentucky
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciekentucky.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 502-513-5018
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The instructors have been training for 10+ years and know their trade and know how to teach it, whether it be kids or adults.”
“If you're looking for a great way to get in shape, learn self-defense, and make friends, I highly recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.”
What members say
“Not only will you get a great workout, you will meet fantastic people and instructors that will coach you into greatness.”
“The owner was amazing and I spiritually and welcoming great place to stop in and train.”
“Some JJ schools are shark tanks waiting to devour new recruits, but GJJKY eases you into the sport and brings you into a family that pushes you to a better version of yourself.”
“Not only will you get a great workout, you will meet fantastic people and instructors that will coach you into greatness.”
“I have been attending class with Gracie jitsu of Kentucky at the Shelbyville location for going on 3 years now.”
“Very clean, amazing instructors, and a wonderful place for the family.”
From the reviews
I've been training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for about six months now, and I'm loving it! The instructors are all very knowledgeable, experienced, and they really know how to teach. I've learned so much in such a short amount of time, and I feel much more confident in my skills. The atmosphere at the gym is also great.
My son and I train in Wisconsin and stopped by the Shelbyville location for a drop in class. The facility was very clean and spacious. Professor Nick taught the class and was very thorough, providing easy to follow details and made the class fun.
I have been attending class with Gracie jitsu of Kentucky at the Shelbyville location for going on 3 years now. I was 27 at the time and had never done any type of Martial Arts before then so I was a bit nervous being older and jumping into this. After the first class I was hooked.
Training Jiu Jitsu is one of the best things I’ve ever done for my mental and physical health. For those of you that think this is only a “young man’s game”, you’re wrong. I started at 40.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky Shelby County
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky Shelby County comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 of Kentucky Shelby County
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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