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Kraken Grappling Club
5 ★★★★★ 47 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Norfolk, Virginia
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
- 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 krakengrapplingclub.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 757-470-8312
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“By far one of the best decisions I made was to enroll my daughter in training here.”
“I haven't had an opportunity to take all the classes but I have been able to enjoy the noon nogi jiu jitsu classes.”
“Started at 41 and have been rolling for a few months both Gi and No Gi with multiple instructors.”
“Professor Taylor is one of the sickest competitors out there and has a great understanding of every aspect of grappling.”
“I love the approach and one on one teaching they do throughout the classes.”
“If you truly want to learn self defense or develop skills you want to improve on, this is absolutely the gym you should choose.”
“Her brother and fellow black belt Samson is drippy as hell and can blitz past your guard as if you’ve never trained before.”
What members say
“Dropped in on travel for work and had a great class led by coach Taylor and had some great rolls with the rest of the crew.”
“My 12 year old son has just recently started Jiu Jitsu here but everyone is so welcoming from the start.”
“She has not only made new friends who have become more like family, but she has begun to learn that she is capable of much more than she thinks is even possible.”
“My son loves going and I like to see his sense of accomplishment.”
“Professor Taylor is one of the sickest competitors out there and has a great understanding of every aspect of grappling.”
“A lot of self respect and confidence is what my child has received by coming here over the last couple of years.”
From the reviews
By far one of the best decisions I made was to enroll my daughter in training here. She has not only made new friends who have become more like family, but she has begun to learn that she is capable of much more than she thinks is even possible.
Mark, Taylor and Samson are incredible teachers to my child. They teach Respect, Honor and dignity. Jui Jitsu teaches core values as well as defense. A lot of self respect and confidence is what my child has received by coming here over the last couple of years. I would recommend this place for you or your child.
My 12 year old son has just recently started Jiu Jitsu here but everyone is so welcoming from the start. I love the approach and one on one teaching they do throughout the classes. They take the time to work one on one with all of the students as they go around and see what needs to be worked on.
Great instructors, kid friendly, challenging yet fun. Supports competitive students and team comrades. Many affiliates nation wide.
New to BJJ? Start at Kraken Grappling Club
Kraken Grappling Club 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 Kraken Grappling Club
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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