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Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Waco Texas
5 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Waco, Texas
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 18) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ralphgracietexas.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 254-227-4188
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The kids class is great, it teaches the kids self defense, discipline, as well as enabling them to go to competitions, and the kids enjoy the class and get to have a lot of fun.”
“They have a variety of class times class types, from beginners to advanced kids and teens, jiu jitsu, wrestling, mauy thai.”
“There are a great variety of Gi, no Gi, beginner, advanced, and even Muay Thai classes that are all included (not to mention a great student discount!”
“Whether you want to learn practical self defense, compete in tournaments, or just get in shape.”
“Great coach that helps you with your technique and works with you one on one during practice.”
“Whether you want to learn practical self defense, compete in tournaments, or just get in shape.”
“There are a great variety of Gi, no Gi, beginner, advanced, and even Muay Thai classes that are all included (not to mention a great student discount!”
Other martial arts here
“There are a great variety of Gi, no Gi, beginner, advanced, and even Muay Thai classes that are all included (not to mention a great student discount!”
“I have tried multiple kickboxing/MMA style gyms and workout programs and never found the right fit until I first visited Ralph Gracie Waco.”
“I have tried multiple kickboxing/MMA style gyms and workout programs and never found the right fit until I first visited Ralph Gracie Waco.”
“They have a variety of class times class types, from beginners to advanced kids and teens, jiu jitsu, wrestling, mauy thai.”
What members say
“This is a fantastic Jiu-Jitsu gym with a very knowledgeable and experienced Professor and great people to train with.”
“Felt welcome the whole time and if I lived in Waco permanently, I would join immediately, but it will be the gym I go to when I visit Waco from now on.”
“I've learnt a whole lot and challenged myself with the help of the welcoming fighters and Coach Chris.”
“The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about the sport, and they do an excellent job of breaking down techniques in a way that is easy to understand.”
“Whether you want to learn practical self defense, compete in tournaments, or just get in shape.”
“Wether you’re looking for a fun hobby to stay in shape, or are serious about competing at the highest levels, Ralph Gracie Waco has a spot for you.”
From the reviews
This is a fantastic Jiu-Jitsu gym with a very knowledgeable and experienced Professor and great people to train with. The people here have a great respect and love for the sport, and I have enjoyed training with everyone that I have rolled with. The facility is nice and there is plenty of mat space for training.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu of the highest quality. The coach is world class and a very kind and patient teacher, capable of adapting his teaching style to fit each individual, this is almost unheard of in the martial arts community, usually it’s a “my way or the high way” style of thought, but Professor Gonzales is a true…
My husband, our children and myself have all been training here for over a year now. Coach Gonzales is a very thorough and knowledgeable instructor. With each class we grow more and have fun doing it. Since our first day everyone has been welcoming and friendly.
Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Waco Texas is an outstanding BJJ studio that I highly recommend. From the moment I stepped in, I was impressed with the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
New to BJJ? Start at Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Waco Texas
Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Waco Texas 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 Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Waco Texas
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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