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Speakeasy Jiu-Jitsu & Wrestling Academy
5 ★★★★★ 119 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Asheville, North Carolina
Plan your first class
- 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule speakeasymartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 828-672-3162
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–9 pm |
| Thursday | 3–9 pm |
| Friday | 3–9 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Whether you're new or seasoned in the sport- looking for Children's Classes, technical training, or just some good Open Mat Friday Rolls- We highly recommend checking it out!”
“Located downtown with class options in the morning and after business hours, the member base is a solid mix of young professionals and experienced competitors.”
“We were so impressed that we wanted to do a private lesson with him but unfortunately the timing did not work out.”
“Whether you're new or seasoned in the sport- looking for Children's Classes, technical training, or just some good Open Mat Friday Rolls- We highly recommend checking it out!”
“I was nervous about having my son start since he had no experience, but Professor Colton immediately made us feel comfortable and right at home.”
Other martial arts here
“Beyond a fundamentals and advanced curriculum, the gym will run series on wrestling, judo, or takedowns, which has given me a distinct advantage in competitions.”
“Beyond a fundamentals and advanced curriculum, the gym will run series on wrestling, judo, or takedowns, which has given me a distinct advantage in competitions.”
What members say
“If you’re looking for a place in Asheville to learn jiu jitsu with excellent instruction and an even better community, the Speakeasy is the spot.”
“I was nervous about having my son start since he had no experience, but Professor Colton immediately made us feel comfortable and right at home.”
“He explains things in such a kid-friendly manner, he is patient, an encourager, an educator, and goes above and beyond to help kiddos feel comfortable.”
“I feel the way he breaks down the lesson helps students get a real understanding of the technique and why/when to use it.”
“Amazing kids programming, not just fun but actual technique being taught to even the youngest ones.”
“Beyond a fundamentals and advanced curriculum, the gym will run series on wrestling, judo, or takedowns, which has given me a distinct advantage in competitions.”
From the reviews
After dropping in for classes at every other gym in Asheville, I committed to train at Speakeasy for a few distinct benefits that other gyms didn't seem to offer.
Our son had prior experience in youth wrestling before he began his journey in jiu-jitsu. We aimed to expand his skills and introduce him to a new sport. Unsure about jiu-jitsu, we contacted Colton, who welcomed us warmly and eagerly invited our son for a trial session.
I moved from Brooklyn to Asheville in June. During my first month in town, I took the time to visit most of the jiu-jitsu schools in the area. After careful deliberation, I chose Speakeasy Jiu-Jitsu & Wrestling as my home. I've been practicing jiu-jitsu for a little over 13 years.
I trained at Speakeasy Jiu Jitsu for about a year, coming in with little to no experience, and it immediately felt like home. The environment strikes a rare balance: challenging enough to push you, yet always encouraging and genuinely safe.
New to BJJ? Start at Speakeasy Jiu-Jitsu & Wrestling Academy
Speakeasy Jiu-Jitsu & Wrestling 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 Speakeasy Jiu-Jitsu & Wrestling 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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