Gracie Raleigh has been voted Raleigh’s Best Martial Arts Studio for 2026 in The News & Observer’s Raleigh’s Best awards. Raleigh’s Best is voted on by local readers, so this one came straight from our community. Thank you to every student, parent, and friend who took the time to vote for us.

Who we are

Gracie Raleigh is a locally owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai academy at 1609 Old Louisburg Rd in Raleigh, NC. We have served Raleigh for 15 years. Owner and head instructor Brandon Garner leads a coaching team that teaches kids, teens, and adults.

Our programs:

• Kids BJJ, ages 4 to 6: families start with a Sit and Watch class, then a trial class
• Kids BJJ, ages 7 to 12
• Teen BJJ
• Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Muay Thai

What this award means to us

We have always tried to offer two things at once: serious, high-quality training and a professional, welcoming place to do it. Beginners learn at their own pace without feeling intimidated. Experienced students keep getting challenged. Our coaches have taken students to MMA wins and Masters brown belt world titles in Jiu-Jitsu, and the same coaches teach our first-day beginners.

The award belongs to our members more than anyone. Our students range from age 4 to 72. They are doctors, cops, teachers, parents, and college students. Some come for fitness, some for self-defense, some to compete, and most stay for the people. The thing they share is showing up to get a little better every day, and caring more about beating their old selves than beating anyone else.

Why people train BJJ and Muay Thai here

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches you to control and escape from a stronger opponent using leverage and technique. Muay Thai teaches striking with punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, and it builds serious conditioning. Training both gives you a complete picture of self-defense. Along the way, students build confidence, discipline, resilience, and real friendships.

Come see why Raleigh voted for us

If you have been thinking about trying martial arts in Raleigh, there is no better time to start. Book a trial class at gracieraleigh.com or call us at 919-451-0749.

Finding us: we are on the top floor of the large black metal building at 1609 Old Louisburg Rd, Raleigh, NC. Use the Gracie Raleigh door, not the HEAT entrance next to it.

Thank you again, Raleigh. We are proud to be your Best Martial Arts Studio for 2026, and we are just getting started.