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Ravensguard BJJ Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 24 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
- 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 (ages 7–12) — 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
- 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 ravensguardbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (910) 898-8884
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been going for 2 years now and the instructors hold him and the other kids accountable to a good set of standards.”
“They really know how to teach from children, to beginners, to high level competitors.”
“Hit up Ravensguard for an open mat, super welcoming and some high level jiu jitsu.”
“They really know how to teach from children, to beginners, to high level competitors.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Everyone is very welcoming, and Professor John is excellent at explaining in many different ways for different types of learners.”
“Everyone is very welcoming, and Professor John is excellent at explaining in many different ways for different types of learners.”
“They are patient, knowledgeable, and work closely with them to ensure correct technique and maintain safety.”
“Beautiful and clean academy with top level instructors.”
From the reviews
It all starts at the top, with Professor John George. First, his accomplishments and levels of proficiency in several MA/MMA disciplines is daunting, but he exhibits a humble and accepting/inclusive demeanor, it's about the martial arts (and the excitement of learning), not him.
Ravensguard is an amazing academy with superior instruction and attention to details in the arts. I highly recommend checking out the gym and seeing for yourself by trying a class. Everyone is very welcoming, and Professor John is excellent at explaining in many different ways for different types of learners.
Being a woman, and new to jiu jitsu , I could not feel more welcome, respected, and included since day one that I joined the class. Professor John is a gifted teacher and extremely professional. His passion for jiu jitsu is evident and inspiring. Plus, we get an AMAZING workout, and actually have fun!
Can’t say enough about Ravensguard. Great gym and great training. Professor John George and all the other instructors are professional and eager to help anyone. As a law enforcement officer learning jiu jitsu is something I’ve always wanted to do and I wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else.
New to BJJ? Start at Ravensguard BJJ Academy
Ravensguard BJJ Academy 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 Ravensguard BJJ Academy
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site