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Robert L Kitchin Academy Of Self Defense

5 ★★★★★ 4 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Gastonia, North Carolina

BJJ gym Affiliated Private lessons

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

  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (980) 888-4677

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 11 AM–12 PM, 6–8:30 PM
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 11 AM–12 PM, 6–8:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 11 AM–12 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Robert L Kitchin Academy Of Self Defense, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

👤 Private Lessons

“I enjoyed it so much so that I’m actually going to do private lessons because to me that is where I learn best.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

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From the reviews

Went there one time already and already have a positive feeling about this place. I have prior knowledge in Bruce Lee’s are of Jeet Kune Do but have not trained in such a long time. I found this place on google and decided to give it a shot and enjoyed it very much.

★★★★★ — Nathan, Sep 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 4 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Robert L Kitchin Academy Of Self Defense

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Robert L Kitchin Academy Of Self Defense

1004 S Myrtle School Rd, Gastonia, NC28052

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.