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Select Jiu Jitsu Academy

5 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Waco, Texas

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team

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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule selectjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 254-644-5717

Hours

Monday 6 am–9 pm
Tuesday 6 am–9 pm
Wednesday 6 am–9 pm
Thursday 6 am–9 pm
Friday 6 am–9 pm
Saturday 10 am–2 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 Select Jiu Jitsu Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 5 mentions

“I have had my kids in Jiu Jitsu class from Okinawa, Japan to Arcadia, California and now here in Waco.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Select Jiu Jitsu Academy — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA 2 mentions

“I've been a part of 5 MMA gyms throughout my life starting since 11th grade, and Select Jiu Jitsu will always be home for me I've decided.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 46 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 5 mentions

“Great instruction in a super clean facility.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Everyone was welcoming and polite.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 13 mentions

“The community involved in this facility is supportive and productive.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

“Lance is a top notch Coach and he teaches even the secret techniques!”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 8 mentions

“Thank you for your professional service and the great mat time!”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

From the reviews

I don't usually do reviews unless I feel they really are warranted. This is by far the best place to train in the Waco area. I have had my kids in Jiu Jitsu class from Okinawa, Japan to Arcadia, California and now here in Waco.

★★★★★ — Jmn0371, Jan 2018

I was passing through Waco cuz my friend that I was road tripping with was set on visiting that town cuz of the Chip and Joanna. I looked for a gym to stay active and I called Select Jiu Jitsu and they were extremely kind to let me drop in for a day of training. The class that day was taught by one of the brown belts.

★★★★★ — Mike, Sep 2021

I typically train in colorado but I had a week of work training close to this gym. They have been kind enough to let me drop in on their training sessions. Everyone was welcoming and polite.

★★★★★ — Uriah, Feb 2020

The instruction is great. The instructor and other individuals that attend class are all very helpful with helping out and answering any questions. Everyone does a really good job making sure you feel comfortable in class. The mats are very clean as well. Overall, this is a highly recommended place to train!

★★★★★ — Clinton, Mar 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 46 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Select Jiu Jitsu Academy

Select Jiu Jitsu 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Select Jiu Jitsu 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.

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 Select Jiu Jitsu Academy

3116 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX76710

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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.