HomeTennesseeKnoxville › Morris Self Defense - Martial Arts - Jiu-Jitsu - Knoxville

Morris Self Defense - Martial Arts - Jiu-Jitsu - Knoxville

5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Knoxville, Tennessee

BJJ gym Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule morrisselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 865-344-5008

Hours

Monday 5:45–8:30 pm
Tuesday 5:45–8:30 pm
Wednesday 5:45–8:30 pm
Thursday 5:45–8:30 pm
Friday 5:45–8:30 pm
Saturday 12–2:30 pm
Sunday 1:30–3 pm

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Morris Self Defense - Martial Arts - Jiu-Jitsu - Knoxville, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 8 mentions

“My children (ages 14 and 11) have learned many techniques as well as new things, but are still having fun while doing it!”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense 14 mentions

“My kids are not only learning self defense but are creating lasting relationships with the other kids in the class.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Morris Self Defense - Martial Arts - Jiu-Jitsu - Knoxville — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥊 Muay Thai

“Currently doing Muay thai here”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🥊 Boxing

“I am enjoying the boxing class and my children are loving the youth Jiu-Jitsu class.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 30 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 3 mentions

“Chris and his instructions are very friendly and have great communication skills!”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“He is able to simplify and explain techniques in a way that even an experienced martial artist like myself can learn new things they hadn't noticed before.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“Super clean facility and the owner Chris is so passionate about everything he does.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

From the reviews

We have been with Morris Self Defense for the past few months and absolutely love it! My children (ages 14 and 11) have learned many techniques as well as new things, but are still having fun while doing it! Chris and his instructions are very friendly and have great communication skills!

★★★★★ — Koressa, Sep 2020

Professor Morris's years of teaching at the university level is demonstrated very clearly in his instruction. He is able to simplify and explain techniques in a way that even an experienced martial artist like myself can learn new things they hadn't noticed before.

★★★★★ — Lazaro, Sep 2020

We are happy to be a part of this wonderful class!! My kids are not only learning self defense but are creating lasting relationships with the other kids in the class. The staff at Morris self defense come highly trained and work well with the kiddos. They are very motivating and make the class fun for everyone.

★★★★★ — Erin, Sep 2020

I have been training with Chris for a year, and I would highly recommend him for anyone who is looking to defend themselves or get better in jiu jitsu. His style of teaching is great because he breaks down the move, and then we drill it to a science.

★★★★★ — Jack, Apr 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Morris Self Defense - Martial Arts - Jiu-Jitsu - Knoxville

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Morris Self Defense - Martial Arts - Jiu-Jitsu - Knoxville

6920 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN37921

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.