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Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Knoxville, Tennessee
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 (ages 8–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule hosfordbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 865-776-6451
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:30–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30–9 pm |
| Thursday | 5:30–9 pm |
| Friday | 6:30–9 pm |
| Saturday | 1–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The kids classes are highly informative, technical and fun as well.”
“John and Gabe are great instructors that love questions, are knowledgable in both self defense and sport applications, and care about gym safety, culture, and cleanliness.”
Other martial arts here
“While BJJ was always my first love, I've found that thai boxing is also a lot of fun because of their enthusiasm.”
What members say
“John and Gabe are great instructors that love questions, are knowledgable in both self defense and sport applications, and care about gym safety, culture, and cleanliness.”
“I really like the family atmosphere that is created in their academy and have felt welcome while I have attended.”
“John and Gabe are highly skilled and passionate about teaching, creating a supportive and challenging environment.”
“John and Gabe are great instructors that love questions, are knowledgable in both self defense and sport applications, and care about gym safety, culture, and cleanliness.”
From the reviews
When I first moved to Knoxville 6 years ago, I'd already been training jiu jitsu. Choosing a new place to train was no small task but ended up being an incredibly easy choice.
Hands down the best gym I’ve ever trained at. The level of knowledge these guys display is seemingly never ending, and I learn something new every time I step on the mat. Since I moved to Knoxville 2 years ago these guys have been like a family to me on and off the mat. I can’t recommend them enough.
John and Gabe are great instructors. They are very knowledgeable and good at teaching. Highly recommended for anyone who is looking to train self defense centered Jiu Jitsu.
The Hosford jiu-jitsu academy is absolutely top notch. The instructors have a lifetime of learning and knowledge and are excellent teachers. The culture they have created is very positive and conducive to learning. This is not a "gym bro" school or somewhere where you worry about getting hurt from aggro meat heads.
New to BJJ? Start at Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Hosford 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 Hosford 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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