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IRONGRIP Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 69 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Raleigh, North 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
- 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 5–12) — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule irongripjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (984) 313-9303
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The curriculum is well-structured, offering a mix of fundamental drills and more advanced concepts that keep classes challenging and engaging.”
“If you're looking to learn self-defense or get in shape Five stars - I can't recommend Iron Grip Jiu Jitsu highly enough!”
“The instructors are world-class, with a perfect blend of technical expertise and approachable teaching styles that make learning enjoyable for all skill levels.”
“He creates a positive and disciplined environment where kids learn technique, respect, and confidence.”
What members say
“Coach Glayton is very knowledgeable and easily puts himself in the shoes of someone who is just starting to be able to help with whatever they’re struggling with.”
“Showed up to a trial class after missing the sign up link, and Glayton (head instructor) came out and talked to me for 20+ minutes before even taking my first class.”
“I would recommend IronGrip Jiu Jitsu to anybody that is hard working, has a desire to learn, and brings a humble and positive attitude.”
“The techniques are clearly presented and Glayton comes around and gives pointers and tips to make sure you are getting the most out of your time in the gym.”
“Iron grip as such a good group of men and women that provide a positive atmosphere for learning and competition.”
“The facility is clean, spacious, and well-equipped with quality mats and training gear.”
From the reviews
An incredible experience. Training Jiu Jitsu under Glayton Melo (the instructor) is a real privilege. The classes are excellent for students of all experience levels -- Glayton spends hands-on time with you, and he is a clear and skilled teacher.
Iron Grip Jiu Jitsu is a hidden gem for martial arts enthusiasts in the area. The instructors are world-class, with a perfect blend of technical expertise and approachable teaching styles that make learning enjoyable for all skill levels.
Words can’t express how I feel about Irongrip, Glayton, and the TEAM. All I can say is that this facility is clean, organized, and motivating. Glayton, coach, defines what true leadership is. He is dedicated to quality results by implementing an effective approach to BJJ for all levels.
Best decision of my life. Showed up to a trial class after missing the sign up link, and Glayton (head instructor) came out and talked to me for 20+ minutes before even taking my first class. His personal approach and connection to every student is something I never could have expected but value beyond belief.
New to BJJ? Start at IRONGRIP Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
IRONGRIP Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 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 IRONGRIP Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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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