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Paulo Santana Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 70 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule paulosantanabjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (743) 999-2436
Hours
| Monday | 6–7 AM, 11 AM–1 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7:30 AM, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7 AM, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7:30 AM, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, 6–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Whether it’s the kids classes, adult beginner/intermediate/advanced gi, or no-gi, every coach is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you improve.”
“As a woman and a mother, it means a lot to be in an environment where I feel safe, secure, and respected.”
“Whether it’s the kids classes, adult beginner/intermediate/advanced gi, or no-gi, every coach is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you improve.”
“Whether you are looking for useful self defense, are looking to compete in BJJ Tournaments, or you are just genuinely curious about BJJ; this is the place for you.”
“Whether you are looking for a gym for self-defense, competition, or you just are looking to challenge yourself, you should definitely come check out Paulo's program!”
“Whether it’s the kids classes, adult beginner/intermediate/advanced gi, or no-gi, every coach is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you improve.”
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What members say
“Whether it’s the kids classes, adult beginner/intermediate/advanced gi, or no-gi, every coach is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you improve.”
“Whether it’s the kids classes, adult beginner/intermediate/advanced gi, or no-gi, every coach is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you improve.”
“Whether it’s the kids classes, adult beginner/intermediate/advanced gi, or no-gi, every coach is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you improve.”
“They take the time to teach proper technique, discipline, and real self-defense skills in a way that is easy to understand and apply.”
“I also lost 10 lbs in 5 weeks.”
“Whether you are looking for a gym for self-defense, competition, or you just are looking to challenge yourself, you should definitely come check out Paulo's program!”
From the reviews
I did quite a bit of research before choosing Paulo Santana Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I am so happy that I found Paulo and his BJJ Academy. I had never tried BJJ before in my life and on the first day EVERYONE made me feel like family.
Paulo’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is the best one you could join in Winston Salem. If you already train, you’ll soon find out it is the most legitimate place to get better at the sport in the Winston Salem area. If you’re new and interested in Jiu Jitsu, you won’t regret coming by to try it out.
Paulo Santana is an outstanding professor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A world class practitioner. This gym offers solid training for beginners looking to try out BJJ for the first time, as well as people who are already experienced in the art.
My family and I have been training at this BJJ gym for little over a year now, and I can confidently say it has been one of the best decisions we’ve made. My husband, my 8-year-old son, and I all train here, and from the very beginning we have felt welcomed and supported.
New to BJJ? Start at Paulo Santana Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Paulo Santana Brazilian 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 Paulo Santana Brazilian 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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