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Leadership Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 173 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Charlotte, North Carolina

BJJ gym Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule leadershipma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 704-532-3371

Hours

Monday 2:30–8:30 pm
Tuesday 2:30–8:30 pm
Wednesday 2:30–8:30 pm
Thursday 2:30–8:30 pm
Friday 2:30–8:30 pm
Saturday 10 am–1 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Leadership Martial Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 35 mentions

“My son has been attending Leadership Martial Arts for several months and I can't say enough good things about the experience.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“As a father, knowing she had been bullied in fourth grade, I wanted to put her in something that would not only teach her self-defense but also build her confidence.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Leadership Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA

“Anywhere near Charlotte and you’re a BJJ fan or MMA you have to check out this gym.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🎽 Karate

“Leadership Karate did exactly that.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 173 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Now he's been doing weekly classes and every instructor is great.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“We are so glad to have found Leadership Martial Arts, they are so welcoming and make you feel like you're family!”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 10 mentions

“It’s not just about martial arts; it’s about personal growth, discipline, and forming bonds with peers in a supportive environment.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“It has been wonderful to see my son’s confidence grow both on and off the mat.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 10 mentions

“As a father, knowing she had been bullied in fourth grade, I wanted to put her in something that would not only teach her self-defense but also build her confidence.”

From the reviews

Our son has been taking ninja classes since march and he absolutely loves them! He has become more confident and has so much fun during classes! We are so glad to have found Leadership Martial Arts, they are so welcoming and make you feel like you're family!

★★★★★ — Milena, Jun 2020

My son was getting bullied on the bus so decided to try out martial arts. He’s been at Leadership since April and we are so pleased with the progress he’s made and the confidence he has built. The instructors are wonderful people and my son absolutely loves it here !

★★★★★ — Andrea, Aug 2025

I started bringing my 13-year-old son to training because a good friend of ours already training there recommended the school. My son LOVES it. Derek is a wonderful trainer making the classes both challenging and fun/playful for the kids. My son respects him a lot and is becoming more disciplined.

★★★★★ — Veronika, Dec 2014

Awesome place, great instructors - great atmosphere. Easily the best and most professional around! Mr Richardson shows a true passion for the martial arts that shows through his teaching methods and enthusiasm. Kids learn character development traits that most other schools do not teach.

★★★★★ — Robert, Mar 2012

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 173 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Leadership Martial Arts

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Leadership Martial Arts

9928 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC28273

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.