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McClendon Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Alexandria, Kentucky
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 (ages 6) — 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mcclendonmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (859) 307-9717
Hours
| Monday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The instructors and I are patient, highly skilled, and wonderful with children, focusing on discipline and confidence just as much as technique.”
“Also, the older students are all very accomplished martial artists with multiple medals and competition wins across the world.”
“If you’re looking for a place that combines fitness, discipline, and practical self‑defense, this is it.”
Other martial arts here
“I was a bit intimidated to start MMA, but this studio made me feel welcome from day one.”
“They have a more of a Dutch style kickboxing system which is awesome because I love throwing hands!”
What members say
“The classes are challenging but supportive, and there’s a real 'family vibe' here rather than an intimidating 'fighter' atmosphere.”
“The instructors are incredibly patient and take the time to break down techniques step-by-step, which is great for someone with no previous experience.”
“They are encouraging to our children and have helped them build self confidence and mental strength along with teaching them.”
“Also, the older students are all very accomplished martial artists with multiple medals and competition wins across the world.”
“The instructors and I are patient, highly skilled, and wonderful with children, focusing on discipline and confidence just as much as technique.”
From the reviews
McClendon Martial Arts is amazing! My son had been attending for almost 5 years. He loves coming to class every week. Mr. McClendon is such a great instructor and is able to push the kids to do their best while keeping it fun. All of the instructors and the staff have been wonderful to work with.
McClendon Martial Arts is awesome! They have help my son stay active and he is always excited to go to class. The staff is kind, patient and excellent teachers! For all ages and multiple times available that allows flexibility.
My daughter has been taking classes for a year and I just started too! The have an amazing group of instructors with so much knowledge and patience! We love everyone there and have met so many great people.
We absolutely love McClendon Martial arts! It's been great with our very energetic son (5yr) for almost a year. He who loves the little Spartans group. Fun enough to keep him interested while also learning the discipline and form. All the instructors have been nothing but patient and kind and knowledgeable.
New to BJJ? Start at McClendon Martial Arts
McClendon Martial Arts 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 McClendon Martial Arts
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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