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May River BJJ
5 ★★★★★ 69 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Bluffton, South Carolina
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 mayriverbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 815-4222
Hours
| Monday | 12–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9–10 AM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1 PM, 4–7 PM |
| Thursday | 9–10 AM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 12–1 PM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Most importantly, the innovative teaching style centered around ecological approach speeds up the learning process for kids and adults.”
“Coach Blnd runs most of the Nogi classes in an ecological style, where you are guaranteed to break a sweat.”
“Coach John runs the evening Gi classes and runs a structured curriculum focusing on the fundamentals.”
“Whether you’re there for some self defense, physical fitness or looking to get ready to compete, they have you covered.”
“My boyfriend was able to get in some good rolling time during their open mat hours, the staff was very friendly and welcoming.”
“Whether you’re there for some self defense, physical fitness or looking to get ready to compete, they have you covered.”
“Whether you're brand new or have years of experience, you'll find a welcoming and challenging environment to train in.”
Other martial arts here
“Great BJJ/kickboxing gym with great coaches and people.”
“Adam had a great Gi curriculum starting with some Judo details from the feet(which I love) down to a detailed break down on passing an open guard.”
“The mat size is spacious and allows multiple groups to wrestle.”
What members say
“Coach Blend, Coach John, and Coach Jerry are patient and knowledgeable with children of all ages and abilities.”
“My boyfriend was able to get in some good rolling time during their open mat hours, the staff was very friendly and welcoming.”
“My boyfriend was able to get in some good rolling time during their open mat hours, the staff was very friendly and welcoming.”
“Adam had a great Gi curriculum starting with some Judo details from the feet(which I love) down to a detailed break down on passing an open guard.”
“Coach Blnd runs most of the Nogi classes in an ecological style, where you are guaranteed to break a sweat.”
“There’s no feeling like having all your buddies cheering for you at competition, or doing the same when one of your teammates is out on the mats.”
From the reviews
My musha shugyo continues. This time I’m in Bluffton, South Carolina at May River BJJ. May River BJJ has a welcoming and friendly culture in their gym. Everyone was all smiles and laughs. Exactly what you need to offset the fact we are all trying to choke each other out.
Love this school. My daughter started training here over a year ago and the coaches are absolutely amazing with the kids. There is a lot of experience between all the coaches.
So glad I found May River BJJ during our get away to Hilton Head. My boyfriend was able to get in some good rolling time during their open mat hours, the staff was very friendly and welcoming. May River BJJ had an all around positive, clean, safe and welcoming rolling environment.
If you are looking for a clean and friendly BJJ gym, this is it! Most importantly, the innovative teaching style centered around ecological approach speeds up the learning process for kids and adults.
New to BJJ? Start at May River BJJ
May River BJJ 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 May River BJJ
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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