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Leviathan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Cleveland
5 ★★★★★ 114 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Cleveland, Tennessee
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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule leviathanacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 423-322-9984
Hours
| Monday | 6–7 am, 11 am–12 pm, 6–8:10 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–7 am, 6–8:10 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8:10 pm |
| Friday | 6–7 am |
| Saturday | 9–10:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I can't say enough about the hospitality myself and my daughter were treated to while in town Leviathan.”
“The head instructor and owner, Breck, is one of the top competitors in the area whose competition record speaks to his technical ability.”
“The coaches are very knowledgeable, and will help you regardless of how you want to use bjj - self-defense, exercise, competitively, etc.”
“All coaches really try to keep goals reachable for kids across all skill levels, but push them to make themselves better each class.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Breck Still is an excellent coach with a plethora of knowledge and the experience to back it up.”
“The community is welcoming, fostering an environment where everyone can learn and grow, regardless of skill level.”
“I personally had the most hesitation to even try it due to previous life situations and everyone here has been patient and supportive of me.”
“What really sets this gym apart are the teaching techniques--learning the correct fundamentals while gradually building skills.”
“We’ve also appreciated the emphasis on anti-bullying, trauma sensitivity, and personal responsibility.”
“The head instructor and owner, Breck, is one of the top competitors in the area whose competition record speaks to his technical ability.”
From the reviews
Ladies - Come train with us! After 2 years of my husband and oldest son training with Professor Breck, I finally tried my 1st class. A year has flown by and I LOVE it! I wish I would have started training earlier (especially before I moved away to college).
I've been attending Leviathan for a few years now. Breck Still is an excellent coach with a plethora of knowledge and the experience to back it up. He is attentive to each student's needs and responds to feedback well.
Our family is so thrilled to have found Leviathan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after moving to the area. One thing that sets Leviathan apart is their great coaching staff. There are multiple black belts who call this gym home, which is unique to the greater Chattanooga/Cleveland area.
Leviathan was my first martial arts gym that I’ve came to and mostly enjoyed. My brother and I first trained there 2 years ago and still stuck to the gym due to the friendly environment and encouragement Breck, several black belt instructors, and peers have given us.
New to BJJ? Start at Leviathan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Cleveland
Leviathan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Cleveland 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 Leviathan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Cleveland
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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