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Nature Jiu Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Sanford, North Carolina

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

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

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule nature-jiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 828-719-7517

Hours

Monday 6–7 am, 5–9 pm
Tuesday 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm
Wednesday 6–7 am, 5–9 pm
Thursday 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm
Friday 6–7 am, 5–9 pm
Saturday 10 am–2 pm
Sunday Closed

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 Nature Jiu Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 23 mentions

“He is compassionate with teaching the kids jiu jitsu and has a way of changing teaching techniques to accommodate every students learning style.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

All gyms that run self-defense →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 39 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“Professor is amazing at encouraging the kids to do the right thing, even when no one is looking and pushes all of the kids to be humble.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“Exceptional instructors, welcoming atmosphere, and a genuine focus on skill development and community make this jiu jitsu gym a standout choice.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 17 mentions

“Exceptional instructors, welcoming atmosphere, and a genuine focus on skill development and community make this jiu jitsu gym a standout choice.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“My kids love him and look up to him so much he is their best friend💙 Friendly, family environment!”

🎖️ legit lineage & affiliation 3 mentions
🧠 builds confidence & discipline 6 mentions

“Exceptional instructors, welcoming atmosphere, and a genuine focus on skill development and community make this jiu jitsu gym a standout choice.”

From the reviews

Traveled from Virginia Beach to attend a training camp here. Professor Taniel really knows how to grow kids into world champs. My kids loved the tough conditioning, drills and rolls Professor Taniel put them through. Hands down one of the best Jiu Jitsu gym on the east coast. This gym is located in a rural suburb area.

★★★★★ — Vi, Jun 2024

I HIGHLY recommend this gym!! I cannot say enough good things about Nature Jiu Jitsu! I have a son who has had a very challenging life thus far. We have been going to this gym for about 6 months now and professor has helped my son both physically and mentally.

★★★★★ — Shannon, Dec 2022

Me and 2 of my children ( 11yr old (F) and 8 yr old (M) ) train under Professor Taniel, and I have to say it is an absolute pleasure. The gym family is our second family, and the passion that Professor Taniel has for BJJ and teaching others is out of this world.

★★★★★ — James, Sep 2021

This gym is our 2nd family!! The professor is the BEST around!! My kids love him and look up to him so much he is their best friend💙 Friendly, family environment!! Professor teaches more then jitsu he teaches the kids how be to loyal, responsible have courage in themselves. Just an all around very positive place to be!

★★★★★ — Heather, Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 39 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Nature Jiu Jitsu

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 Nature Jiu Jitsu

208 McIver St, Sanford, NC27330

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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.