Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Raleigh, NC

Gracie Raleigh has taught authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Raleigh since 2012, making us one of the longest-running BJJ academies in the area. Whether you’re a complete beginner or training toward competition, our BJJ program is built around real technique, real coaching, and a community that pushes you to improve — both on the mats and in life.

Why Train BJJ at Gracie Raleigh

  • Nearly 15 years in Raleigh. We’ve been teaching Jiu Jitsu here since 2012 — long enough to know what actually helps beginners stick with it.
  • Gracie Fundamentals program. Every new student starts by building a strong foundation in leverage and efficient movement — the building blocks that carry through your entire BJJ journey.
  • Beginner-friendly, no experience required. You don’t need to be in great shape or have any background in martial arts to start.
  • A real community. Students describe Gracie Raleigh as an extended family — people who support your goals, whether that’s competing or just showing up for yourself.
  • Nearly 200 five-star reviews from students and parents across Raleigh.
Gracie Raleigh winning the team trophy in BJJ

Our BJJ Class Formats

We offer BJJ classes for every skill level, from your very first class to advanced sparring. Every class is instructor-led and built to help you get fit, build real technique, and have fun while you’re at it. Take a look at the formats below, then check our schedule to find what fits your week.

Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals
An instructor-led class focused on core BJJ technique — positions, escapes, and the fundamentals everything else builds on. Sparring is available after class for eligible students; new students train for 10 classes before starting live sparring, so you have time to learn the moves and get comfortable before rolling.

Jiu Jitsu All Levels
An instructor-led class covering a beginner-to-intermediate curriculum, ideal once you’ve built a foundation and want to keep developing your game.

Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals / Mixed Levels
An instructor-led class split by skill level, so newer students and more experienced students each get instruction suited to where they are.

No-Gi All Levels
Our signature no-gi submission grappling class in Raleigh. This grip-free, fast-paced class focuses on universal body mechanics, wrestling transitions, and clean submissions, following our standard instructor-led framework with live sparring options for eligible students.

Gi / No-Gi Sparring
Open rolling with no instruction — students spar with the gi, without the gi, or drill and practice at their own pace.

Teen Jiu-Jitsu
Bridges the gap between our kids and adult programs, helping teen students build confidence, coordination, and strong fundamentals in a supportive environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to my first class?

Comfortable workout clothes (a t-shirt and shorts or leggings) are fine for your first visit. If you continue training in the gi program, we'll help you get set up with a gi afterward.

Do you offer no-gi classes too?

Yes — we offer both gi and no-gi Jiu Jitsu, so you can build a well-rounded game in both styles.

How many times a week should I train?

Most students see the fastest progress training 2–3 times per week, but we work with whatever schedule you can commit to consistently.

Do you prepare students for competition?

Yes. Gracie Raleigh has a proven track record at local and international tournaments, and we support students who want to compete as well as those who train purely for fitness and self-defense.

Is BJJ good for fitness, or just self-defense?

Both. BJJ is a full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, and cardio, while also teaching practical self-defense rooted in leverage and technique rather than size or strength.