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Gracie Ohio Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 136 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Westerville, Ohio
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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gracieohio.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (614) 890-2340
Hours
| Monday | 7–9 AM, 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:30–2 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7–9 AM, 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 1–9 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I found the Gieseler’s and their instructors to be quality people, with a heart to teach both kids AND adults the gentle art of JiuJitsu.”
“The best hidden gem is the FREE women's class on Saturdays!”
“I attended two classes - The first, mixed level nogi class was fun and instruction was easy to digest with good drilling sessions.”
“Second class was a self-defense gi class - not having as much experience in this area, Matt gave some really helpful tips for both self defense and general bjj.”
“I’ve noticed when Rob and/or the other Black Belt Leads the class, there’s a lot more 1 on 1 with the kids and when others Lead it’s more of a free for all.”
“Second class was a self-defense gi class - not having as much experience in this area, Matt gave some really helpful tips for both self defense and general bjj.”
“They offer a wide variety of classes for all skill levels, including kids classes.”
Other martial arts here
“I would describe it as the most childlike-fun I've had since wrestling friends as a kid.”
What members say
“Every coach is knowledgeable, friendly, and takes the time to teach not just technique but also the values and character behind the sport.”
“I had never been here before, but I felt so welcomed when I brought her in for her first class — and now she’s been going for over a year!”
“- everyone is incredibly friendly, no one decided to choke me out just because I was easy prey - 'fundementals' will go through a single scripted set of techniques.”
“- everyone is incredibly friendly, no one decided to choke me out just because I was easy prey - 'fundementals' will go through a single scripted set of techniques.”
“Live session was a good time & great cardio.”
“I've already noticed a significant boost in my son's confidence, as the academy emphasizes both physical skills and mental discipline.”
From the reviews
This is a really great place to start your jiujitsu journey. I’ve been coming here for about 3 months now and the people here have made my experience amazing. The professors are very supportive and really good teachers. They teach techniques very meticulously and also make the class fun and interesting.
Complete Novice Review: I'm 1 visit in. I sort of wish I'd seen this review, so here's a concise list of tips & impressions: - a 'Gi' (uniform) will be provided, at least to newer members.
Our family loves this place! My husband trained here for a little bit several years ago and loved it, but unfortunately couldn’t make the time for it anymore. But he still followed them on social media and that’s how we found out they had a program for little ones.
Instructors have a difficult job of herding cats. My son is 3 and is in the Little Champs class. Overall the place is amazing. The student to instructor ratio is almost 1 to 1.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Ohio Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Gracie Ohio Jiu-Jitsu 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 Ohio Jiu-Jitsu 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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