Gracie Athens is where you want to train if you're interested in street effective, self defense based martial arts in the Athens area. The father/son instructor duo of Randy and Ryan McElwee can't be beaten. They're passionate, knowledgeable, organized, and excellent communicators.
I dropped in while traveling from Pennsylvania, and I would gladly train here full time if I lived in the area. This school has perhaps the most organized and well constructed curriculum that I've ever seen, and I've been to a good number of schools.
The student atmosphere is second to none. All students are respectful and helpful. No need to worry about getting injured or pushed too hard, but on the other hand, the training is highly realistic and covers a broad range of real life self defense scenarios, giving you the tools to defend yourself and others.
I could rave forever, but the bottom line is you need to book a class here and you'll see for yourself that this is an amazing place.

The environment is very welcoming, and the instructors are extremely knowledgeable. 10/10 one of the best martial arts school around.

Great training environment with very welcoming folks and technical rolls! Hope to visit again soon!

What an incredible friendly family environment with amazing instructors. This is the place to train for authentic Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Traditional Karate!

Gracie Athens has mastered the art of teaching Jiu Jitsu for self defense. Their hospitality, professionalism, authenticity, and impeccable cleanliness is second to none. One of my favorite things about their teaching method is their organized curriculum that allows you to measure your progression. Not only do they measure your improvements but they also hold you accountable with their standards, etiquette, and discipline. I trained BJJ for 3 months and then became pregnant with my now 6 month old son. I decided to restart my training here in Athens and, wow, these last 2 months have relit my desire to improve my skills in this martial art with instructors who are truly the best teachers I have ever had. I have so much fun and learn a great deal going twice a week with my family. The entire Gracie Athens team is extremely accommodating, allowing my husband and I to bring our baby as he spectates from the sidelines. Once he’s old enough, he will absolutely start their kids program because we have found our BJJ home gym!

Absolutely phenomenal instruction. I wish I started jiu jitsu here but am really please to have continued learning here.
Clean, professional, organized, friendly. Definitely would recommend this place to anyone interested in learning Self Defense based Jiu Jitsu

ABBA is a great place to learn BJJ! The classes are fun and the pace is such that all students understand the topic before moving on. The instructors are patient and pay attention to every detail.

I started training here about a year ago. When I decided to get into Jiu Jitsu at 34 years old, I had only one goal… to train and not get hurt. In my profession, my arms and hands are essential. I addressed my concerns with Randy day 1(he assured me that their #1 concern was safety), and I have had no issues at all. The training atmosphere is phenomenal, the other students are all friendly and courteous… it feels like I’m at home when I walk in. So glad I found this place. 10/10 would HIGHLY recommend.