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Hill Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · BJJ gym in North Canton, 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule hilljiujitsuacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (330) 390-4554
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–12 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–12 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–12 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–12 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 6–7 AM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My kids and I have been training at Hill Jiu Jitsu Academy for a couple years now, first in Hartville and now in North Canton.”
“Open mat is a great too with folks willing to work with you based on your comfort and ability level.”
“If you are looking for an academy that focuses on technique, self-defense and a welcoming atmosphere; Hill Jiu Jitsu is where you belong.”
“Joe Hill is a high quality instructor and I particularly enjoyed his sequence based methodology which is friendly for beginners and advanced students alike.”
Other martial arts here
“I have to say that when I first started I was intimidated to see everyone there with their Gi's ("karate outfit") on ready to start class.”
What members say
“Coach Hill is absolutely great with kids teaching in a way that seems fun but educational at the same time.”
“If you are looking for an academy that focuses on technique, self-defense and a welcoming atmosphere; Hill Jiu Jitsu is where you belong.”
“If you are looking for an academy that focuses on technique, self-defense and a welcoming atmosphere; Hill Jiu Jitsu is where you belong.”
“If you are looking for an academy that focuses on technique, self-defense and a welcoming atmosphere; Hill Jiu Jitsu is where you belong.”
“Coach Hill is absolutely great with kids teaching in a way that seems fun but educational at the same time.”
“We drive all the way from Louisville, it is well worth it!”
From the reviews
If you're in the area, I highly suggest visiting the academy. Joe Hill is an awesome instructor! He's very patient and genuinely cares about each of his students. He encourages asking questions during class when you're unclear about anything or just want to learn more.
I was scared to try something new, especially at my age, but a friend of mine was really into Jiu Jitsu and pushed me to try it out. After stalking Hill academy for almost a year, I finally got the courage to do the trial. One class, and I was hooked and mad at myself for waiting a year. Joe is a great teacher.
I was visiting from out of town and looking for a place to roll so I tried out Hill Jiu Jitsu Academy. The owner (Joe Hill) was very welcoming as were his students. I had a really fun time and got a great workout in (I was there for the evening class and then we were allowed to roll for at least an hour after class).
There are many places you could train Jiu Jitsu, but if you want quality instruction and a fun place to call “home” look no further. Been going here for over a year now and can’t imagine training anywhere else. Highly recommend. The best time to start is today and the best place in the area to train is Hill Jiu Jitsu.
New to BJJ? Start at Hill Jiu Jitsu Academy
Hill 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 Hill 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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