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Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk
4.8 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Norfolk, Virginia
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
- 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 3–15) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule norfolkkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 757-623-8997
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 5–6 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“This place started as a way to get the kids strength, motivation, accountability, discipline, self defense, etc and it’s become so much more.”
“As a woman, I especially like this place and learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because the techniques are easy to understand, perform and are very effective.”
“" He's also around all these older kids and teens who are both really helpful to him and really respectful, so it's great modeling.”
“This place started as a way to get the kids strength, motivation, accountability, discipline, self defense, etc and it’s become so much more.”
“Great instructors, everyone seems to be happy across the board with what norfolk academy has to offer at all levels.”
Other martial arts here
“I recently moved to a different location that has Norfolk karate Academy and Hampton roads Karate Academy right nearby.”
What members say
“Great instructors, everyone seems to be happy across the board with what norfolk academy has to offer at all levels.”
“The certified trainers are friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated to passing on everything they know about the gentle art.”
“As a woman, I especially like this place and learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because the techniques are easy to understand, perform and are very effective.”
“Our daughter loves the classes, instructors and other students!”
“As a woman, I especially like this place and learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because the techniques are easy to understand, perform and are very effective.”
“The place is clean, well kept, and professional.”
From the reviews
My 6 year old was going to summer camp with a boy with anger issues who kicked her, called her names, etc. We obviously worked with her and talked to the coach, but when I saw there was a trial of "Bullyproof" at the Jiu Jitsu studio, we decided it was a good opportunity!
Studied Gracie Jiu-Jitsu there for a while. The instructors are the greatest in the area and having the Gracie's come out a few times a year adds to the level of instruction. I can't say enough kind words about the owner.
I never imagined I would enjoy jiu jitsu this much. I first joined through a free women’s seminar, and I was surprised by how much I loved it. Even though I had never tried any type of martial art before, I felt comfortable and excited to learn.
I absolutely love this place! It is fun for the whole family. I decided to sign my son up and then I ended up signing up and taking g the women’s empowerment class. The staff is warm, welcoming, and genuinely love sharing their passion of karate and Jiu-Jitsu with beginners..
New to BJJ? Start at Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk
Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk 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 Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk
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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