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Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina
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
- Membership memberships run around $30/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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 3–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 houznjiujitsu.academy — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 327-5298
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Kids, dads, and moms can all learn in a supportive atmosphere that combines solid technique, kindness, and a true sense of community.”
“From plenty of scheduled classes for all schedules, to a great kids program, and even competitors or advanced program.”
“Every 3rd Saturday of the month they hold a “Open Houz” and host those from other places/academies for a free event that includes snacks, music, and open mat.”
“Because he is a UFC veteran, his unique style of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is effective in high level BJJ competitions, elite MMA competitions, & self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“Because he is a UFC veteran, his unique style of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is effective in high level BJJ competitions, elite MMA competitions, & self defense.”
What members say
“Best instructor in the Charleston area with the most experience.”
“Everyone is welcoming, helpful, respectful, and super fun to be around and train with.”
“Everyone is welcoming, helpful, respectful, and super fun to be around and train with.”
“Kids, dads, and moms can all learn in a supportive atmosphere that combines solid technique, kindness, and a true sense of community.”
“From plenty of scheduled classes for all schedules, to a great kids program, and even competitors or advanced program.”
“Because he is a UFC veteran, his unique style of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is effective in high level BJJ competitions, elite MMA competitions, & self defense.”
From the reviews
Coach Rafael hosts a monthly open mat that my husband has been attending for over a year. I finally joined him today and the experience was everything I had heard about. A positive training environment, mutual respect for all athletes regardless of affiliation, and a really great time. I’m looking forward to returning!
Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy is by far the best all around academy in the Charleston, SC area. Professor Rafaello is both equal parts classy-gentleman and badass-surgical BJJ practitioner.
Raf and Vanessa are responsible for a truly beautiful gym with a 100 percent positive vibe. An absolutely great place for some to start or continue their Jiu Jitsu journey.
Best instructor in the Charleston area with the most experience. If you are looking to learn jiu jitsu or improve your game, this is the place to be.
New to BJJ? Start at Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy
Houzn 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 Houzn 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.
More BJJ gyms near Mt Pleasant
Royce Gracie Academy of Mount Pleasant
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