Home › North Carolina › Wilmington › Paragon of Jiu Jitsu
Paragon of Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Wilmington, North Carolina
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 — 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 paragonjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (910) 398-0540
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The kids’ program builds confidence, discipline, and respect in a fun and structured environment, while the adult classes are technical, motivating, and supportive.”
“Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned competitor, Paragon has the coaching, the community, and the environment to help you level up.”
“Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned competitor, Paragon has the coaching, the community, and the environment to help you level up.”
Other martial arts here
“As a mother of three kids(2 boys 1 girl) that participate in both Jiujitsu and Wrestling at this studio, I can only say great things about this facility.”
What members say
“Here is what makes Paragon so special: Great Instructors: The coaching is outstanding for both adults and kids.”
“Jeff, Brett, and Robert have built something truly special here, the gym is clean, well-organised, welcoming and competitive, but what really sets it apart is the culture.”
“Jeff, Brett, and Robert have built something truly special here, the gym is clean, well-organised, welcoming and competitive, but what really sets it apart is the culture.”
“They strike a perfect balance—keeping the kids' classes structured, honorable, and engaging, while delivering high-level, technical details in the adult classes.”
“Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned competitor, Paragon has the coaching, the community, and the environment to help you level up.”
“Jeff, Brett, and Robert have built something truly special here, the gym is clean, well-organised, welcoming and competitive, but what really sets it apart is the culture.”
From the reviews
Paragon Jiu Jitsu is hands down the best academy in the area. Jeff, Brett, and Robert have built something truly special here, the gym is clean, well-organised, welcoming and competitive, but what really sets it apart is the culture.
As a mother of three kids(2 boys 1 girl) that participate in both Jiujitsu and Wrestling at this studio, I can only say great things about this facility. The coaches have this incredible ability to bring humor and discipline into the same space-A space of learning, growing and camaraderie.
Paragon of Jiu Jitsu is an excellent academy with great coaches and training partners. I was visiting from out of town and everyone immediately made me feel comfortable and welcome. Whether you have been doing jiu jitsu for years or trying it for the first time, this is the spot to be.
Welcoming atmosphere and solid coaching. Recently started attending classes here as a newbie in my 40s. I was nervous to start, but Paragon has made the experience enjoyable. Both the coaches and other members have been great to learn from and make it feel like I belong.
New to BJJ? Start at Paragon of Jiu Jitsu
Paragon of Jiu Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Paragon 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.
More BJJ gyms near Wilmington
The Jiu-Jitsu Institute
5 ★★★★★ 101 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Wilmington
5 ★★★★★ 32 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site