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Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu of Dallas
5 ★★★★★ 155 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Dallas, Texas
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
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 marcelogarciadallas.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 214-546-7379
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 6–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10:30 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | 12–1:30 pm |
The classes they run
“Women classes are offered every Saturday and being able to train with skilled female upper belts has been fantastic!”
“I attend the night NoGi classes and the upper belts are both plentiful and eager to help you out.”
“The gym is filled with a diverse group of students, from hobbyists to competitors, all of whom train hard and help each other improve their jiu-jitsu skills.”
“I was particularly impressed after taking some private lessons with an outstanding instructor, Minah.”
“Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, Marcelo's coaching will help you grow and improve in ways you never thought possible.”
Other martial arts here
“had never done any kind of martial arts, wrestling, or Jiu-Jitsu before.”
What members say
“Every gym is different but here's what this one is known for: world class instruction, a HUGE emphasis on safety, and a great atmosphere.”
“The people here are incredibly welcoming, and the head coach, Rob, is a very good man—humble, respectful, and someone I’ve grown to admire a lot.”
“The people here are incredibly welcoming, and the head coach, Rob, is a very good man—humble, respectful, and someone I’ve grown to admire a lot.”
“I’ve been training here since 2015 and what makes this place so special to me is its laid back atmosphere while providing the highest level of techniques.”
“The gym is filled with a diverse group of students, from hobbyists to competitors, all of whom train hard and help each other improve their jiu-jitsu skills.”
“I am honored to be a black belt under the guidance of Rob Ables at Marcelo Garcia of Dallas.”
From the reviews
I️ literally drive one hour, down and back, just to train at this gym. Jiu-jitsu is not my career. The commute is inconvenient. And I could probably save a lot of time by just going to some local gym.
Every gym is different but here's what this one is known for: world class instruction, a HUGE emphasis on safety, and a great atmosphere. I found this place when I needed somewhere to train after moving from San Diego and it's the best gym I've ever seen.
Marcelo Garcia Dallas is my home away from home! I’ve been training here since 2015 and what makes this place so special to me is its laid back atmosphere while providing the highest level of techniques.
As a women in BJJ I value this gyms teaching techniques, training partners and community. When I first started at this gym I was immediately welcomed by the members and was thrilled to see a gym that has such a strong women's community.
New to BJJ? Start at Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu of Dallas
Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu of Dallas 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 Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu of Dallas
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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