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Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Somerset, KY
5 ★★★★★ 100 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Somerset, Kentucky
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 somerset.insightbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (606) 222-0590
Hours
| Monday | 12–2 PM, 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–2 PM, 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 12–2 PM, 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 2–4 PM |
The classes they run
“As a working and traveling parent with two kids actively involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we've visited and trained at a variety of gyms across the country.”
“Whether you are a hobbyist or a competitor, you will receive top-notch instruction that will cater to your personal goals as an athlete.”
“My husband and I guest trained at Insight and joined their open mat when we happened to be in the area.”
“You will learn the Renzo Gracie style of Jiu Jitsu to help you have the confidence and ability to protect yourself in a world that keeps getting more and more unpredictable.”
Other martial arts here
“They also have let us use their facilities for our youth wrestling team.”
What members say
“The environment here is welcoming, excellent coaches, willing to work with students to learn the days lesson and master learning.”
“The environment here is welcoming, excellent coaches, willing to work with students to learn the days lesson and master learning.”
“The environment they provide at Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu-Team Renzo Gracie-Somerset, KY is very clean, friendly and family-oriented.”
“My daughter has loved Insight since she has started.”
“Whether you are a hobbyist or a competitor, you will receive top-notch instruction that will cater to your personal goals as an athlete.”
From the reviews
If you are looking for that something to help motivate you to get in shape, become healthier, and improve your everyday life, this is your one stop shop! Sheldon Valka, his wife Shana, and their children Darian and Silas are an asset to the community of Somerset.
An absolutely wonderful Jiu jitsu gym. The owner and head coach Sheldon is a wonderful teacher, very hospitable, knowledgeable, and has created a fantastic culture at this gym. I've visited a couple of times now, they had a free seminar with their professor Kirk, which was just amazing to be apart of.
I dropped in while visiting town for the weekend. Wonderful experience in a clean professional environment. Professor Sheldon is dedicated to improving his students even if you're only visiting. I would highly recommend Insight BJJ to anyone in the area.
I love the family atmosphere of this staff and gym! Sheldon is extremely knowledgeable and his coaching skills are incredible as well as easily understandable! Will be back im the near future!
New to BJJ? Start at Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Somerset, KY
Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Somerset, KY 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 Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Somerset, KY
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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