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Lion Heart Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 58 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Hoover, Alabama
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 6–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule trainbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (205) 547-1740
Hours
| Monday | 6–7 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7 AM, 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7 AM, 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–7 AM |
| Saturday | 10–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The instruction by Professor Wehby is technical but not overly complicated and applies both to the the sport of jiu-jitstu and real life self defense.”
“The atmosphere that's been created at this academy allows beginners to learn without feeling uncomfortable while also pushing the more advanced students to improve.”
“All the kids were engaged, busy, and loved the obstacle course.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“George Wehby is a great instructor with a wealth of knowledge in BJJ, and trains a great group of people that I've been fortunate enough to meet and roll with.”
“The atmosphere that's been created at this academy allows beginners to learn without feeling uncomfortable while also pushing the more advanced students to improve.”
“Furthermore, Professor Wheby fosters a supportive community where everyone is encouraged to learn and grow together.”
“His attention to detail and willingness to provide individualized feedback have tremendously improved my technique and confidence on the mats.”
“Everyone is welcomed, and very diversified classes with different sexes, conditioning and experience allows everyone to learn at their own pace without intimidation.”
“Ladies, this place is family-friendly, CLEAN, challenging in a great way, and super FUN!”
From the reviews
I've been a member of Lionheart for around 2 years now, and I can't say enough good about it. I've been around combat sports and martial arts for some time now, and Professor Wehby is by far the most superior instructor that I have had the pleasure of learning from.
I recently came here to train and learn. I had a great time learning and training with everyone! The atmosphere was very welcoming and everyone was friendly. Eric made it very easy for me to adapt and was great at giving instructions and showing techniques.
I showed up Wednesday morning 9/10/25 at 6 am just to get some training in, not from here so it’s difficult to predict how that’s going to be received. I’m from Grand Rapids Michigan in Birmingham for just a day on a business trip.
Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu and Professor George Wheby in Birmingham, AL, have been instrumental in transforming my martial arts journey. The training environment at Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu is exceptional, offering a perfect blend of discipline, camaraderie, and technical expertise.
New to BJJ? Start at Lion Heart Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Lion Heart Jiu-Jitsu Academy 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 Lion Heart Jiu-Jitsu Academy
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site