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Hammerhead Mixed Martial Arts Gym of Team Carlson Gracie
5 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Olympia, Washington
Part of Carlson Gracie
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
- Phone (971) 708-0238
The classes they run
“Great, low pressure training for kids and adults.”
“As a woman practicing MMA, it’s hard to find a space to train where you feel comfortable and welcome.”
“I would recommend Hammerhead to anyone interested in trying MMA for the first time or people who have been doing it for years already.”
Other martial arts here
“This place is also offers Muay Thai with much emphasis on technique.”
“If your a beginner don't be scared the veterans will help you learn the skills of mixed martial arts.”
“Wrestling, kickboxing and jiu jitsu.”
What members say
“I would recommend Hammerhead to anyone interested in trying MMA for the first time or people who have been doing it for years already.”
“Everyone has been kind and welcoming, but I can tell that they are serious about training.”
“As a female I'm used to being one of the only girls in the gym, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that lots of really talented women train here.”
From the reviews
The best gym I have been to. Perfect for all level of fighters. Joey Guel's level of expertise is exceptional. He's an experienced fighter that knows what works and what doesn't work. He shows a genuine interest in his students and does right by them. Guaranteed you will get better just by showing up.
I have trained at many different BJJ/MMA gyms and what makes this place outstanding is the friendliness and maturity of instructors and students, quality of instruction, and a complete range of skill level of training partners (novice to expert).
I have been training here since 2019. I went to several gyms in Olympia and found this gym to be the best. The head instructor Joey Guel is very personable and has a unique relationship with each of his students.
By far the best gym in this area. Joey Guel is a top notch instructer in multiple disciplines. His knowledge is derived frome years of actual mma combat across the globe. You can effectively train in multiple striking and grappling janras. I've been training almost my whole life. I hate driving and wasting gas.....
New to BJJ? Start at Hammerhead Mixed Martial Arts Gym of Team Carlson Gracie
Hammerhead Mixed Martial Arts Gym of Team Carlson Gracie 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 Hammerhead Mixed Martial Arts Gym of Team Carlson Gracie
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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