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Grapplers Lair

4.9 ★★★★★ 61 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Belton, Texas

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

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 4–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule grapplerslair.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 254-721-5650

Hours

Monday 4:30–9:30 pm
Tuesday 4:30–9:30 pm
Wednesday 4:30–9:30 pm
Thursday 4:30–9:30 pm
Friday 6:30–8:30 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Grapplers Lair, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 17 mentions

“They donate a lot of time to provide free services for veterans, help children evade bullies, help the enrolled children enhance their skills, etc.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“They teach respect alongside important self defense techniques I trust my children to be better than they were the training before!”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners

“All classes at every level are great for beginners and advanced alike!”

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Grapplers Lair — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA 2 mentions

“If you are new to MMA like me, the people were friendly and inviting.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🥊 Boxing

“Never worn boxing gloves before in your life?”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🦵 Kickboxing

“You couldn't find a better gym in Temple to train Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing.”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 61 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“TJ is an awesome instructor, and an amazing talent who works very hard to make sure that his students become the best they can be!”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“If you're looking for an environment that is judgemental free and everyone is nice, welcoming, and friendly.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 12 mentions

“If you're looking for an environment that is judgemental free and everyone is nice, welcoming, and friendly.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

“They teach respect alongside important self defense techniques I trust my children to be better than they were the training before!”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“My son loves it when he gets to help, or show someone how to do something.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 8 mentions

“I’ve gained more energy for my kids, greater emotional stability navigating marriage and a busy life, and improved focus throughout my workday.”

From the reviews

Started a month ago here at grapplers lair and there are a few places closer but none of them care about the kids they way they do here. I look forward to seeing how my son grows through this program 🥰

★★★★★ — Ashly, Sep 2023

Words can’t describe how much the Grappler’s Lair has changed my life. I have been a member since 2018 and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I started off with little to no fighting knowledge and my experience level has grown drastically since. My discipline, focus, and confidence levels have improved as well.

★★★★★ — Southside’S, Dec 2021

Grapplers Lair is not just a mixed martial arts Gym. It’s a family. I have trained at The Lair since 2001, and there is not better place to be. TJ is an awesome instructor, and an amazing talent who works very hard to make sure that his students become the best they can be!

★★★★★ — John, Feb 2018

Awesome experience! Our 5 year old son had a wonderful time and learned a lot during his time with Coach TJ. They keep their facility clean. The staff is great! Easy to communicate, honest, and cares for their community. We are moving and hope we can find a BJJ facility as good as Grapplers Lair.

★★★★★ — Daniela, Mar 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 61 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Grapplers Lair

Grapplers Lair 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Grapplers Lair

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Grapplers Lair

120 N Penelope, Belton, TX76513

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.