North Raleigh Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Martial Arts

Gracie Raleigh has trained North Raleigh families in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing since 2011 — with nearly 200 five-star reviews from students across the area.

We’re proud to serve families throughout North Raleigh, including North Hills and Midtown, the Six Forks corridor, and out toward Capital Blvd and Wake Forest Rd. If you’re already part of the North Raleigh community — including the families we’re proud to support through our sponsorship of Northbrook Pool — there’s a good chance you’re close enough to make jiu-jitsu part of the routine too.

Training Led by an IBJJF Gold Medalist, Black Belt Under a Gracie

Gracie Raleigh is owned and led by Brandon Garner, a black belt promoted by a Gracie family member, and a multiple-time IBJJF gold medalist. His background also includes a professional MMA record, a stint on The Ultimate Fighter, and a decade as an Army Special Forces Hand-to-Hand Combat Instructor. North Raleigh families train under real, competition-tested instruction — not a generic franchise curriculum.

Brandon leads a team of experienced black belt instructors who bring their own years on the mat to every class. Whether you’re training with Brandon or one of our other coaches, you’re learning from people who’ve competed, tested their skills under pressure, and are genuinely invested in helping every student grow, from their first class to their black belt.

Gracie Raleigh students and coaches celebrating together at a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt promotion ceremony

Programs for North Raleigh Families

  • Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Gi and No-Gi training for all experience levels
  • Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (ages 4+) — building discipline, focus, and quiet confidence, on and off the mat
  • Muay Thai & Kickboxing — striking, conditioning, and pad work for a serious full-body workout

    Swimming, tennis, and jiu-jitsu build a lot of the same qualities in kids — discipline, focus, and the confidence that comes from working hard at something difficult. Our Kids BJJ program takes that further, giving kids real self-defense skills and the kind of steady confidence that helps everywhere from the pool deck to the school hallway, including standing up to bullying without needing to throw a punch.

Convenient to North Raleigh

 Located at 1609 Old Louisburg Road, Gracie Raleigh is a short drive from North Hills, Midtown, and the Six Forks corridor — no need to cross town for real, high-level instruction.

“Literally moved to the North Hills area just so I could be closer to this place. 10 min drive – an easy commute for a lunch workout and a great community to be part of. Great training partners for hobby or competition, and every instructor is extremely knowledgeable and spends the time to help every student on the mat grow. Many upper belt women to train with as well!”
Maggie Edwards, ★★★★★ Google Review

Gracie Raleigh competitor Maggie Edwards has her hand raised in victory at the Toro Cup Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament

Does Gracie Raleigh serve North Raleigh and North Hills?

Yes. We're located at 1609 Old Louisburg Road, a short drive from North Hills, Midtown, the Six Forks corridor, and Capital Blvd. Many of our students commute in from North Raleigh, including families we support through our sponsorship of Northbrook Pool.

How far is Gracie Raleigh from North Hills?

Gracie Raleigh is about a 10-minute drive from North Hills — close enough for an easy commute before work, after school, or even for a lunch workout.

What ages do you train at Gracie Raleigh?

We offer Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu starting at age 7, along with Adult BJJ, Muay Thai, and kickboxing for teens and adults of all experience levels.

Do I need experience to start training?

No experience is needed. Whether you're brand new to martial arts or bring a background in another discipline, our coaches will meet you where you are. Try your first class free to see if it's the right fit.

Does Gracie Raleigh train women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Yes. We have an active community of women training BJJ at all levels, including upper-belt women available as training partners for newer students.

Is training focused on competition or self-defense?

Both. Competition is completely optional at Gracie Raleigh — many students train purely for fitness, confidence, or self-defense, while others actively compete and are supported every step of the way.

Try Your First Class Free

If you’re a North Raleigh family curious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or kickboxing, we’d love to have you try a free class. It’s a low-pressure way to see if it’s the right fit for you or your kids.

Get started with a free class or see our full schedule.

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