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Renaissance Academy of Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 101 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Lynchburg, Virginia
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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ramarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 434-846-5425
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–12 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–12 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Friday | 4–9 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter has learned real world self defense techniques and has made meaningful and lasting friendships with other kids that also train here.”
“I’ve also personally trained in the adult kickboxing and BJJ programs, and as a woman, it has given me tremendous confidence knowing I can defend myself.”
“I always had trouble with discipline and being focused in a thing, usually get bored and jump to a different hobby but MMA, Self defense and BJJ is so interesting and fun.”
“Everyone is welcoming and especially supportive of beginners, creating an environment that never feels intimidating.”
Other martial arts here
“Julie taught a lot of the Muay Thai classes when I started.”
“I always had trouble with discipline and being focused in a thing, usually get bored and jump to a different hobby but MMA, Self defense and BJJ is so interesting and fun.”
“We’ve been with them for 5 years, and my kids have gone through all of their programs — both kickboxing and BJJ.”
What members say
“Great instruction, disciplined but welcoming environment, and coaches who genuinely care about your progress.”
“The group is very welcoming, and the instructors are willing to go the extra step to ensure you feel comfortable while supporting your growth throughout your martial arts journey”
“The group is very welcoming, and the instructors are willing to go the extra step to ensure you feel comfortable while supporting your growth throughout your martial arts journey”
“My daughter has learned real world self defense techniques and has made meaningful and lasting friendships with other kids that also train here.”
“I’ve also personally trained in the adult kickboxing and BJJ programs, and as a woman, it has given me tremendous confidence knowing I can defend myself.”
“I always had trouble with discipline and being focused in a thing, usually get bored and jump to a different hobby but MMA, Self defense and BJJ is so interesting and fun.”
From the reviews
RAM has one of the most comprehensive MMA training programs I’ve seen in a while. They’re more than just a place to train they’ve become like family. My daughter has learned real world self defense techniques and has made meaningful and lasting friendships with other kids that also train here.
Renaissance Academy of Martial Arts has been an absolutely incredible place for my family. We’ve been with them for 5 years, and my kids have gone through all of their programs — both kickboxing and BJJ.
Been training at Renaissance Academy of Martial Arts since 2021 and it’s been an amazing experience. Great instruction, disciplined but welcoming environment, and coaches who genuinely care about your progress. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll be challenged, supported, and constantly improving.
I am extremely happy with the experience I’ve had at this academy. If you are considering martial arts training, this is absolutely a place to consider. The group is very welcoming, and the instructors are willing to go the extra step to ensure you feel comfortable while supporting your growth throughout your martial…
New to BJJ? Start at Renaissance Academy of Martial Arts
Renaissance Academy of Martial Arts 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 Renaissance Academy of Martial Arts
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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