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The MATS Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 65 Google reviews · BJJ gym in North Richland Hills, Texas
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 5) — 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
- 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 themats.academy — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 682-214-0094
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8–9:30 am, 12–1:30 pm, 5–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8–9:30 am, 12–1:30 pm, 5–8 pm |
| Friday | 5–8 pm |
| Saturday | 1–3:30 pm |
| Sunday | 2–4:30 pm |
The classes they run
“Whether you’re a kid, teen, adult, competitor, or someone just looking to try something new, this is a place where you’ll grow, be supported, and feel like part of a community.”
“Whether you’re a kid, teen, adult, competitor, or someone just looking to try something new, this is a place where you’ll grow, be supported, and feel like part of a community.”
“Whether you’re a kid, teen, adult, competitor, or someone just looking to try something new, this is a place where you’ll grow, be supported, and feel like part of a community.”
“The Black belt, James, gives great instruction and also hosts an excellent open mat.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Jiu jitsu, in conjunction with regular chiro adjustments from Coach James, has led to great progress and improvements in my son’s coordination and overall physical abilities.”
“The staff is always professional welcoming and committed to helping everyone progress no matter their skill level.”
“I highly recommend this place to any family… especially to those with kids who may need a little extra patience and encouragement while they learn 😊 We love The MATS!”
“The professor is highly skilled and an excellent teacher, breaking down techniques in a way that truly helps you improve.”
“It has helped my son grow in confidence and it has pushed me to become stronger and healthier.”
“Whether you’re a kid, teen, adult, competitor, or someone just looking to try something new, this is a place where you’ll grow, be supported, and feel like part of a community.”
From the reviews
My family is thankful for this gym! We originally got my boys started here upon a recommendation- and have since enrolled my daughter. My husband was encouraged by coach to start training again after a dirt bike accident and broken leg had kept him off the mat for two years.
Incredible coaches and academy. Each training partner is supported in their personal journey through jiu jitsu, including kids. Our oldest was about to give it up, but Dr. James and the other coaches brought out the best in him. Now he’s motivated and driven more than ever to put in the work!
The Mats Jiu Jitsu Academy has been an amazing place for both my son Caleb and me. Caleb is six years old and he absolutely loves every moment he spends there. He is always excited before class and he comes out happy and tired in the best possible way.
After moving my entire life to DFW, I spent a lot of time gym-hopping, searching for the right place to continue my jiu-jitsu journey. From the moment I walked into The Mats, it immediately stood out and checked off everything that I was looking for.
New to BJJ? Start at The MATS Jiu-Jitsu Academy
The MATS 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 The MATS 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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