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Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh
4.8 ★★★★★ 147 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Raleigh, 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 — 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule roycegracienc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (919) 449-1157
Hours
| Monday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7:30 AM, 12–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–7:30 AM, 12–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“A lot of times the more advanced students attend the beginner class and when I practice with them they will also help me with pointers.”
“Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh also features an excellent children's jiu jitsu program that is led by yet another Royce Gracie blackbelt instructor.”
“In this short time, my daughter has already competed in two tournaments and proudly earned 3rd and 2nd place medals.”
“So, if you're looking for top notch instruction in self-defense and Gracie jiu jitsu, look no further than Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh.”
“I’m a beginner and they take time to encourage me and show me how to do it the right way.”
Other martial arts here
“There’s boxing and Muay Thai boxing also taught by very good instructors who enjoy what their doing.”
“I had no mixed martial arts experience before but wanted to get into it.”
“Additionally, they have both Judo, and kick boxing programs with knowledgeable instructors who will guide you toward reaching your martial arts and fitness goals.”
“Additionally, they have both Judo, and kick boxing programs with knowledgeable instructors who will guide you toward reaching your martial arts and fitness goals.”
“Additionally, they have both Judo, and kick boxing programs with knowledgeable instructors who will guide you toward reaching your martial arts and fitness goals.”
What members say
“The instructor is phenomenal—knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated to helping everyone improve.”
“The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, fostering a culture of learning and encouragement that attracts people from all walks of life.”
“The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, fostering a culture of learning and encouragement that attracts people from all walks of life.”
“Awesome academy, technique, class structure, instruction, and rolling partners.”
“My children’s confidence in themselves has grown exponentially.”
“In this short time, my daughter has already competed in two tournaments and proudly earned 3rd and 2nd place medals.”
From the reviews
My son started in January 2019 at the age of 9. He’s advanced so much and his confidence in his ability to defend himself is through the roof. He also knows not to panic and stay calm in compromising situations.
Started here about 2 months ago as a fresh white belt. After having been an athlete my whole life and never trying Jiu Jitsu...I'm glad I choose this as the start to my journey. I have done free classes at other gyms and they are all great, but this one seemed to fit a style I liked.
This place is amazing. I had no mixed martial arts experience before but wanted to get into it. I checked out 2 gyms before this one, wasn’t impressed. Tried 1 Jiu Jitsu class here and immediately signed up! Great atmosphere, great people, and high quality instruction.
I've had the pleasure of training at this academy for two full weeks across a few summers when I travel back to Raleigh. It has become a highlight for my visit to the area; the cleanliness, quality of instruction, and absolutely welcoming atmosphere has set a high bar for my expectations on schools I visit.
New to BJJ? Start at Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh
Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh 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 Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh
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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