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Stryker Martial Arts/Carlos Machado Jiu-jitsu Bristol Va
5 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Bristol, Virginia
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 (ages 3–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Website & schedule strykermaa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 276-644-9990
The classes they run
“Chris and Deanna Massie have built a positive environment for kids, teens and adults and their main goal is to give the students everything they need to succeed in life!”
“Chris and Deanna Massie have built a positive environment for kids, teens and adults and their main goal is to give the students everything they need to succeed in life!”
“I would highly recommend Stryker Martial Arts Acadmey for kempo karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and self defense!”
Other martial arts here
“My 7 yr old daughter started karate a few weeks ago and I have to say it has been a great experience for her and us!”
What members say
“The environment is positive and family-friendly, and you can tell the staff truly cares about the students’ progress.”
“I’ve noticed such a boost in my child’s confidence and motivation since starting here.”
“The energy is great, the instructors are fantastic, and the lessons go far beyond martial arts, they instill confidence, focus, and respect.”
From the reviews
My 8-year-old absolutely loves Stryker Martial Arts! The instructors are patient, encouraging, and make each class both fun and challenging. They do a wonderful job teaching discipline, focus, and respect while keeping the kids excited to learn.
Absolutely the best experience!! Our daughter is a student at Stryker. Professor Massie and his wife Dee are amazing people. They truly care about each of their students and their families. Sensei Eli is an amazing young man with so much talent and knowledge. The talent that every person here possess is beyond amazing.
We attended a hands-on and informative class to see how the kids would take to it, and they LOVED it! We signed up, the instructor provided details, and answered all the questions we had.
My daughter has been with this martial arts gym for almost a year now. She absolutely loves coming to class each day. We couldn’t be happier with our experience here! Not only are the staff highly skilled but they are also incredibly patient and encouraging.
New to BJJ? Start at Stryker Martial Arts/Carlos Machado Jiu-jitsu Bristol Va
Stryker Martial Arts/Carlos Machado Jiu-jitsu Bristol Va 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 Stryker Martial Arts/Carlos Machado Jiu-jitsu Bristol Va
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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