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Ohio Academy of Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Heath, Ohio
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
- 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ohioajj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (740) 880-8217
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 5:30 AM–3 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 5–6:30 PM |
The classes they run
“We’ve also had a blast jumping into classes ourselves and learning the foundations of jiu-jitsu.”
“We enrolled our kids to help boost their confidence, and we've witnessed a remarkable transformation in just one month!”
“The sessions were led by Derek and Bryn, two highly skilled competitors who provide exceptional instruction, whether for hobbyists or serious competitors.”
“Would recommend to all parents looking to expand their kids self defense, fitness, and confidence.”
“Whether you’re brand new or experienced, you’re pushed to be better while being supported every step of the way.”
What members say
“Great instructors, and very welcoming to first timers.”
“My 6 year old daughter began practicing Jiu Jitsu @ OAJJ for her first time almost 3 months ago.”
“She likes having both a male and female coach and they are a dynamic duo who work well teaching together, very caring and accessible, supportive and inspiring.”
“They go to extra levels to make sure the kids are safe, and the amount of time and attention to detail they put into training the kids has been a wonderful experience for them.”
“The sessions were led by Derek and Bryn, two highly skilled competitors who provide exceptional instruction, whether for hobbyists or serious competitors.”
“She likes having both a male and female coach and they are a dynamic duo who work well teaching together, very caring and accessible, supportive and inspiring.”
From the reviews
Bryn and Derek have created the perfect Jiujitsu community and environment for learning. My boys (5 & 8) have trained at two other BJJ gyms and I’ve been extremely impressed with how they break down the fundamentals into bite size pieces, drill them until the kids understand them, and keep it disciplined but fun at…
I had the pleasure of attending the open house at the Ohio Academy of Jiu-Jitsu, and as an instructor and Black Belt, I can’t say enough good things about this place. They warmly welcomed my students, allowing them to cross-train in both the adult and children's classes.
I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars! It’s truly amazing! We enrolled our kids to help boost their confidence, and we've witnessed a remarkable transformation in just one month! I also decided to sign up for adult classes. As a beginner, I know it can be intimidating, but it's a great place to start!
Couldn’t be more impressed! Me and my three kids ages 7-12 started training here a few months ago. The coaches and members welcomed us and made us feel like family from day one. The instruction, training, and environment is awesome. Coach Derek and Bryn pay attention to the details.
New to BJJ? Start at Ohio Academy of Jiu Jitsu
Ohio Academy of Jiu Jitsu 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 Ohio Academy of 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.
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