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Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 102 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Greenville, South 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
- 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 senzobjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 864-908-6974
Hours
| Monday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10:30 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They are great at connecting with the kids in a respectful and caring way while also maintaining clear rules and structure.”
“Not only did he help me improve my jiu-jitsu skills, but he also provided invaluable self-defense training.”
“His knowledge and experience, passion for teaching, communication skills and ability to provide a safe and challenging environment for students of all levels set him apart.”
What members say
“I have had the opportunity to learn from several excellent instructors over many years, and Nate is among the best.”
“His knowledge and experience, passion for teaching, communication skills and ability to provide a safe and challenging environment for students of all levels set him apart.”
“As a female student, I found his coaching style particularly encouraging and supportive, creating a comfortable environment for women to train and grow in confidence.”
“However, this gym is a very family friendly environment and they treat you with kindness, patience, and give you all the opportunities to learn the concepts and fundamentals of JJ.”
“The coaches are incredibly professional and patient, and our daughter absolutely loves learning and playing here.”
“The facility is always spotless and well maintained, which says a lot about the pride they take in their gym.”
From the reviews
One day I walked into Nate's, Rocklin, CA school. I had been training nearly a decade. I was a brown belt who had trained under some of the best jiu-jitsu fighters in the world. I had no idea who Nate was. He is humble in the extreme. His jiu-jitsu however, is undeniably world class.
I trained BJJ for several years at some of the top gyms in Florida, and I can honestly say that Prof. Nate is one of the best high level Black Belts I have ever trained under. He is also a great teacher because he can explain things in a way that everyone can understand.
My son was in Jiu Jitsu for almost a year and a half before we moved to Greenville. We went shopping for an academy and tried a handful before a lady suggested Senzo. The moment my child finished his tryout class, we both instantaneously agreed that this is the one.
Our family absolutely loves training here. Professor Nate is a true professional and sets the tone for an outstanding academy. My kids genuinely look forward to every class and have built great friendships with the other students. The entire team of instructors is knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly supportive.
New to BJJ? Start at Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Senzo 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.
Your first BJJ class at Senzo 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.
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