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Macarra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Norwich
5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Norwich, Connecticut
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
- 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 360defensemartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 860-889-1818
Hours
| Monday | 7–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–12 pm |
| Wednesday | 7–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–12 pm |
| Friday | 5–6 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30–11 am |
| Sunday | 5–7 pm |
The classes they run
Other martial arts here
What members say
“If your thinking about trying BJJ you’ll be welcomed and you will learn from a knowledgeable instructor.”
“Friendly people, great instruction.”
From the reviews
The staff at Macarra BJJ Norwich are professional grade. The classes meet everyone’s needs. The facility is always clean and has open doors to the public. I’ve trained martial arts my entire life and I confidently suggest anyone in eastern Connecticut interested in BJJ come give Professor Charlie McShane and his team…
Been going here for a little over a year now and have had nothing but great experiences here. BJJ was something that i wanted to try for years and my only regret about this school is not starting sooner.
A great place with great people. If your thinking about trying BJJ you’ll be welcomed and you will learn from a knowledgeable instructor. It’s a good time!
Friendly people, great instruction. Been there about a year and there's something for everyone no matter what your goals are.
New to BJJ? Start at Macarra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Norwich
Macarra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Norwich 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 Macarra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Norwich
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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