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I trained here 10 years ago in college. Left town and am now back; Gracie jiu jitsu athens is the same awesome gym and community. This is a very secure training environment and the curriculum is professionally laid out. Wizard-like instructors and also very clean facility and mats. Come check it out, you won’t regret it!
I started my JJ journey at Gracie JJ Athens and will continue to do so. Since day 1, the instruction; facility and attention to detail have been paramount to my progress.
Family owned business- visited affiliate locations and all the people were super kind and welcoming. They offer great programs too - multiple martial arts. I definitely recommend doing the trial for those who never trained martial art and signing up for those who have previous backgrounds. You won’t be disappointed
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at American Black Belt Academy is dedicated to teaching and then practicing in a clear, friendly, and professional atmosphere. Not only will you find great instruction but also friendly smiles from people who actually care about you as a person, not just a customer. Give Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at American Black Belt Academy a try, I think after a couple of lessons, you will realize you have found the right place to train. Peace! DMM
My son recently began the Lil Dragons program and we have been so very pleased! The instructor is phenomenal with the kids and the owner has been very informative and knowledgeable. The facility is very nice and we couldn’t be more pleased!!
It does not feel like I am using very much energy and strength to do these classes, but I am slowly building muscle and I am also training self-defense, and I feel confident out on the streets, keep in mind I am still a child.
I started training in November at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Athens, and I wish I’d started sooner. I’ve felt welcome and comfortable every step of the way, from my first email interaction, through the generous trial period, and now as I’m about to test for my second stripe. Randy and Ryan are not only excellent martial artists, but great leaders and teachers. This is by far the best experience I’ve ever had at a martial arts school and I get excited for every training session.
I had an amazing experience at Gracie Athens. I found the coaching staff fantastic and the members were also friendly and welcoming. I was able to raise my game to a level I was surprised to achieve. Thank you to the phenomenal team.
Just recently joined this jiu jitsu academy and I have nothing but positive things to say. Other gyms I have tried in the area are more competition or ego-driven, but the staff/owners here have worked hard to maintain a culture of humility and ensure all members are willing to work with and help everyone else, especially those starting out like myself. They also have an established curriculum and try to make it applicable to real life scenarios and self-defense. Randy and Ryan are awesome and I would highly recommend this gym to anyone wanting to start their jiu jitsu journey!
After four years away from jiu jitsu, I have returned to Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens, making the 2.5 hour drive because there is nowhere better to train. I moved away from Rome four years ago, got married, had a baby, and wasn't training at all. Jiu Jitsu was one of the only things missing in my life, but not just the sport, Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens specifically and the community and level of teaching they offer. With a 10 month old baby girl, I realized it was time to resume my training. The mental and physical strength and poise that can be gained will help me be a better mom, wife, and member of society.
It is very hard to make that initial call to say you want to get back on the mat, especially after a major life and physical shift of having a baby. But it is worth it to prepare yourself so you can be the best version of you in all settings of life. I train so that I am as prepared as I can be to protect my family and others.
If you are a lady or mom - I encourage you to make it work. It's hard to find childcare, yes - I so get that. This is an investment in your and your children's future. The connection and healing you find in your mind and body is unlike anything else I've found. Overall, I can't speak highly enough of training, with an emphasis on training at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens. Randy and Ryan are next level and you'll instantly know you're cared for and a part of the family.
Here is the original post I made early on in my jiu jitsu journey:
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens is set apart in comparison to other academies based on their attention to detail in developing every individual and rank.
As a female white belt, I have the opportunity to learn from blue, purple and brown belts. Additionally, there are several ladies at this academy. So when I first began, I was not forced into a sea of sharks, hungry to enforce their ego by not losing to a girl. That sounds silly, but it does happen in some scenarios. No one at this academy, regardless of rank, is too lofty in their skill set to take the time to coach and develop my skills so I can be my best and equipped to defend myself in a real life situation. They are disciplined, yet kind and patient, constantly reminding me I need to hone my skills. I always leave class feeling encouraged and supported.
They offer essential, intermediate and master cycle courses, which allows higher ranked individuals time to develop their individual skill set. Then, when the higher ranks attend the essential level classes, they are not pressured to practice their moves on a lower ranking individual, rather, they can support and coach the lower rank.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens also has a large number of upper level practitioners (purple, brown and black belts) who teach the classes. This is a huge advantage to the entire staff and students because it allows students to learn from several perspectives and add details to their tool box of skills. Thus, providing an opportunity for the academy to grow in years of experience because it has several levels rather than one advanced individual teaching all classes.
Overall, I recommend this academy to anyone who is seeking an environment where they can grow in self-discipline and skill and do so in a safe, fun and clean environment.
The people truly make this place a gem! The people are passionate about their art and engage their classes with instructions that everyone, at all levels, can understand. If you are thinking about taking Jiu Jitsu or self-defense classes, do it and do it here.
The instructors were so welcoming and made me feel empowered to try to learn how to defend myself. I was beyond nervous to come to class, but they exceeded my expectations! I love their passion for teaching and think that I learned so many beneficial techniques to keep myself safe! Please try a class with them :)
The SAFE self defense class for women was great. The instructors made everyone feel comfortable and made the atmosphere fun! They did not overpromise what the class offered, but we learned some great self defense strategies and got to practice a lot. Highly recommend!!
Professionalism. Tradition. Dedication.
Three words that are often forgotten in some Martial Arts Academies, Schools, and Dojos.
Not at American Black Belt Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens, GA.
I have trained at numerous academies and while at ABBA over the years, coming back home to train with Sensei Randy and Senpai Ryan McElwee is where I always find myself.
The attention to detail, structure, and genuine desire to see their students grow in their martial arts journey is always the Gold Standard.
The five years I have been training with these amazing gentlemen has been one of my life’s highlights.
Traditional Gracie Jiu Jitsu for real self defense is not only taught at American Black Belt Academy- it is the way!
Best self defense class! You learn the basics of self defense and get the opportunity to practice a real life scenario!
WONDERFUL informative class. 100% reccomend.
Great Academy everything was clean coaches and training partners were very professional. When I’m in town, I’ll definitely visit again.
Great place to learn! Ryan and Randy are super informative, professional and make learning jiu jitsu extremely fun.
Ryan has an incredible gift for teaching young kids and adults. My daughter is enamored with jiujitsu because of him.
Great place to learn and grow and make new friends.
Took the womens self defense class today. I walked in feeling nervous and vulnerable. I walked out feeling strong and empowered. Thank you for a great class! The trainers were nice, funny, and very clear in their instructions and demonstrations. Also met some really nice people in the class. Everyone should take this class!!
The environment is very welcoming, and the instructors are extremely knowledgeable. 10/10 one of the best martial arts school around.
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
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.
Great training environment with very welcoming folks and technical rolls! Hope to visit again soon!
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.
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.
This is the first activity (out of many) that my 13 yr old has shown self motivation and interest in. It’s a wonderful, positive program that teaches the value of self discipline and builds confidence and character. Hands down, if your reading this, you should try it.
I highly recommend Athens Gracie Jiu Jitsu. My son has been taking lessons for about 3 years now and he really loves it. The Academy is impressive—very clean and well organized. They run a tight ship over there. The instructors are excellent. My son started in the children’s classes and is old enough now to move up to the adult classes, which he is very excited about. I am even going to pursue private lessons because he has enjoyed it so much. There is much to be learned there. A five star operation for sure.
Was so impressed with one private! Approach is common sense which helps to retain techniques.
This class is amazing and so empowering! The instructors are amazing and really take the time to explain things. This isn't just a run of the mill self-defense course. In this class, you learn to be aware of your surroundings, what precautions you need to take, how to NOT be a victim and lastly, how to escape if need be. This program was life-changing. I felt so confident after just one 2-hour course and enjoyed it so much that I signed up for the annual 4-week course. This course goes even more in-depth and really gives you a great foundation for ways to PREVENT things from happening but also instills the tools and confidence you need to know you can also get out of a potentially bad situation. I recommend this class to ALL women and strongly encourage that you try it. I was a bit nervous going to the first class but it is totally worth it.
The staff is INCREDIBLE. Not only are they encouraging and amazingly helpful, but if there is something that you are uncomfortable with or is a trigger for you, they are completely understanding and realize there are some things people are just not ready to participate in. There is no judgment and no pressure. It is a completely safe environment where you get to watch other women just like yourself become more confident and a bit stronger than when they walked through the doors.
Take the time to do this one thing for yourself...you will be glad you did.
5 stars
This has been the best class i have ever taken. I went out saturday night and some guy started to dance on me. He proceeds to grab my butt, which i pulled his hand away trying to control the situation in a nice way. After already pulling his hand away, he then proceeded to wrap his arm around my neck. Thats when all the self defense training kicked in, i used one of the moves from this class that told the guy that i was done with his unwelcomed "moves" and also showed that i was not going to back down. This class taught me how to speak up for myself, decide what my boundaries are , and make sure im always respected. Cookie, Randy and everyone else have great attitudes that inspire and teach in a way that prepares you for any situation. Thank you guys for everything! If you are looking for a way to develop confidence while having fun, this is the place to go. Take that!
A great course! What an amazing thing to know. I feel very good now!
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