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Gulf Shores Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Checkmat)

5 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Part of Checkmat

BJJ gym Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons

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

  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule gulfshoresbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (251) 752-8096

Hours

Monday 5:30 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 5:30 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday 10 AM–8 PM
Friday 5:30 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday 8 AM–12 AM
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 Gulf Shores Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Checkmat), confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 21 mentions

“Now that I have kids of my own and my oldest is finally old enough to start training, finding the right environment became even more important.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

👤 Private Lessons

“My son and daughter has trained under Coach Gustavo and my son has done private lessons with him.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Great place to learn discipline and self defense skills.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 20 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 6 mentions

“Great training, great evironment and a legit black belt coach!”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“He is very family-oriented, excellent with kids, and creates a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 13 mentions

“He is very family-oriented, excellent with kids, and creates a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“His teaching style is clear and effective he breaks down techniques in a way that makes them easy to understand and always takes the time to answer any questions you have.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“My son recently started jiu-jitsu and he loves it!”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 4 mentions

“My son is learning discipline, building confidence and getting an amazing workout.”

From the reviews

We have not visited the gym yet but I cannot express my gratitude enough for Professor Gustavo and his dedication to his students. My son has been working with him for about a year (mid November).

★★★★★ — Hannah, Sep 2025

I’ve trained at many gyms over the years in different states and even different countries, and one thing has always mattered most to me — finding a gym that truly feels like family.

★★★★★ — Olivia, May 2026

My son recently started jiu-jitsu and he loves it! I was a bit worried to start because there were no reviews but we gave it a try and we can’t be happier! Gustavo’s classes are engaging, fun and challenging in the best way. My son is learning discipline, building confidence and getting an amazing workout.

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Sep 2025

Professor Gustavo is an outstanding jiu-jitsu black belt and an excellent leader. He is very family-oriented, excellent with kids, and creates a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.

★★★★★ — Caleb, Jan 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 20 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Gulf Shores Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Checkmat)

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 Gulf Shores Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Checkmat)

2050 E 2nd St, Gulf Shores, AL36542

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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.