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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Savannah
5 ★★★★★ 152 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Savannah, Georgia
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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gjjsav.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 912-346-0917
Hours
| Monday | 8:30–9:30 am, 6–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am–12:30 pm, 6–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30–9:30 am, 6–8 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am–12:30 pm, 6–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am–1 pm |
The classes they run
“I highly recommend anyone who is in Savannah or traveling; looking to train in the "gentle art," enhance their life or the children's, visit and join Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Savannah.”
“The gym has a great mix of beginners, hobbyists and competitors.”
“I attended an open mat last Saturday (June 13th) open mat and Sunday (June 14th) for a Leg Lock class then open mat.”
“For both self-defense and sport/competition jiu jitsu, James and Jimmy are excellent instructors and advocates for the sport.”
“Whether you are a beginner or a world caliber athlete, all skill levels are accepted and welcome.”
What members say
“There is a reason why we drive 40 mins out to Savannah for our kids to train at Gracie gym and it is because of this amazing coach, Jimmy.”
“Whether you are a beginner or a world caliber athlete, all skill levels are accepted and welcome.”
“I caught the end of their kids class and they run a very safe and supportive class.”
“Great detailed instruction with an emphasis on fundamentals and form.”
“My daughter also loved rolling, competition, and going to class there.”
“For both self-defense and sport/competition jiu jitsu, James and Jimmy are excellent instructors and advocates for the sport.”
From the reviews
The best instruction, training partners, and people you could ask for. The longer I train here, the more I appreciate the opportunity to train under James and in the environment he has created that supports and helps us all to grow and learn safely. James really makes sure that Jiu Jitsu is for everyone.
I attended an open mat last Saturday (June 13th) open mat and Sunday (June 14th) for a Leg Lock class then open mat. As a Royce Gracie disciple, when I travel to Savannah I visit Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Savannah. The fellow martial artists are all respectful, cool, and high quality, even for beginners.
Great gym. I’ve been training here for over three years and it’s been an outstanding experience. The environment is welcoming, the people are great, and there’s a wide range of ages and skill levels, which makes it a great place for anyone—from beginners to experienced practitioners.
Trained at GJJSAV for five years and loved it there. Great detailed instruction with an emphasis on fundamentals and form. James does a phenomenal job breaking down the moves/positions and correcting form. They also explain the philosophies behind the positions and describe scenarios much like a flowchart.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Savannah
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Savannah 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 Savannah
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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