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Grizzley Den Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Stafford, Virginia
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
- 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 — 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
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule grizzleydenbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (571) 643-1897
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 6:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 6:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 10 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“While he is a multi-time high-level tournament champion, he gets more excited seeing his students improve, develop self-confidence and become better people on and off the mats.”
“The instructors actually pay attention to what you do when you free roll and will constantly praise you when you do well.”
“Was my first time going and definitely won’t be my last being a female you need to learn how to protect yourself and here at Grizzley Den you can!”
“Was my first time going and definitely won’t be my last being a female you need to learn how to protect yourself and here at Grizzley Den you can!”
“My daughter crossed trained on Friday and was super excited.”
What members say
“Super welcoming environment, great instructors, and an awesome atmosphere overall.”
“He takes the time to ensure everyone understands the techniques, regardless of experience level, and creates an environment where learning feels both structured and welcoming.”
“He takes the time to ensure everyone understands the techniques, regardless of experience level, and creates an environment where learning feels both structured and welcoming.”
“He takes the time to ensure everyone understands the techniques, regardless of experience level, and creates an environment where learning feels both structured and welcoming.”
“While he is a multi-time high-level tournament champion, he gets more excited seeing his students improve, develop self-confidence and become better people on and off the mats.”
“The Cleanliness is top tier.”
From the reviews
When looking for a jiu jitsu coach, you will not find anyone more enthusiastic and knowledgable than Coach Isaiah. This man has competed in literally hundreds of tournaments through out his journey from small local tournaments to Pan’s, Master Worlds to even Superfights on Pay Per View.
I can’t say enough good things about Grizzley Den jiujitsu. The atmosphere here is amazing and extremely professional. Everyone treats each other with utmost respect on and off the mats.
Grizzley Den Jiu-Jitsu in Stafford, VA is hands down one of the best places to train. Coach Riley is the real deal—not just an instructor, but living proof that showing up and improving even 1% every day works. What really stands out is that this isn’t new to him.
I have the opportunity to train at this gym as a guest for a couple of weeks, and so far it has been an outstanding experience. Coach Isaiah Riley is an exceptional instructor he is both patient and genuinely invested in his students’ growth.
New to BJJ? Start at Grizzley Den Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Grizzley Den Jiu-Jitsu Academy 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 Grizzley Den 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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