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New Life BJJ Academy

5 ★★★★★ 156 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Forney, Texas

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule newlifebjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (808) 987-8892

Hours

Monday 5–8 PM
Tuesday 5–8 PM
Wednesday 5–8 PM
Thursday 5–7 PM
Friday 5–8 PM
Saturday Closed
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 New Life BJJ Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 26 mentions

“My two young children signed up for his class with absolutely no type of experience & Kahana mentored them through to teach them Jiu Jitsu.”

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Teens BJJ

“Elementary and High school.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“They are gaining self-defense skills ,and self confidence along the way.”

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🌱 Beginners 6 mentions

“He is very patient with beginners and makes sure each student understands the different moves.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 156 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 6 mentions

“I wouldn’t want to be training anywhere else, Professor Kahana is the best instructor you could have.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 8 mentions

“The environment is so welcoming and if you want a place to train jiu-jitsu, this is the place to be.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 12 mentions

“Not only has he sparked within my son a love of learning, he has taught my kid to stay humble and respectful both on and off the mat.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“You can tell when a Leader is passionate about their business and sharing their techniques with everyone working on the different levels of experience with his students!”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“other coaches are fantastic … been there for 3 months and my son loves it .. He is more confident, knowledgeable, acquainted with the techniques.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 7 mentions

“He is incredibly patient, encouraging, and truly cares about each child’s growth, not just in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but in confidence and character as well.”

From the reviews

ATTENTION ALL FORNEY PARENTS!! New Life Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Professor Kahana and team is amazing! I have seen the effects in my kids personal growth since being here. They have made friends, gained new skills and the most important thing is they love it and can’t wait to come to class!

★★★★★ — Shanice, Feb 2025

Kahana is an awesome instructor and mentor for kids (and I'm certain he is for adults) as well! In the short time I have known and seen Kahana at work, I have seen how he works well individually with my son, Vincent, and with the other kids in the program, and with the group at large!

★★★★★ — Jim, Aug 2024

Saying how glad we are that coach Kahana decided to open New Life is an understatement. My son struggled in school with being bullied,not finding his spot in football or soccer like other kids. With Kahana's help, my son AND daughter have gained so much confidence.

★★★★★ — Annjuliette, Jun 2025

Professor Kahana is absolutely amazing! He is incredibly patient, encouraging, and truly cares about each child’s growth, not just in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but in confidence and character as well. We’ve loved watching Ryker not only improve his skills but also believe in himself more with each class.

★★★★★ — Opeoluwa, Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 156 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at New Life BJJ Academy

New Life BJJ Academy 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at New Life BJJ Academy

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 New Life BJJ Academy

12348 FM2932, Forney, TX75126

Get directions

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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.