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Gracie Jiu Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · BJJ gym in St Cloud, Minnesota
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
- Website & schedule startbjjminnesota.squarespace.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (320) 316-5089
The classes they run
“Eager, friendly staff are wonderful with children using positive reinforcement in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Eager, friendly staff are wonderful with children using positive reinforcement in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.”
From the reviews
Professor Brock is extremely helpful and a great teacher. I was a bit nervous to start BJJ but everyone has been exceptionally welcoming. Classes are never overcrowded so you don't feel left out. The teachers are very encouraging and always have time to show you the proper techniques.
I am new to the area and have been a fan of Brock Larsons for many years. He is an excellent role model and instructor who cares about his students and their personal achievements. I would highly recommend taking classes if only for routine and discipline.
I Love this place. Great people, great energy, awesome classes that are both fun and extremely educational. I recommend coming here to anyone that wants to make a positive change in their life.
I'm a little biased, as I've trained with Professor Brock for about 12 years now, but I think he's top notch 😂. Swing into START, we'll take care of ya!
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Gracie Jiu Jitsu 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
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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Start BJJ MN
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site