818 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071, USA
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, and MMA gym in Northern Kentucky, just a few minutes from downtown Cincinnati. We focus on fundamentals, discipline, and camaraderie.
I have been training BJJ for over 3 years. I am on a mini week vacation and I did not want to miss a week of training if I could not help it. On a whim, I searched BJJ gyms in the areas I am staying and in the Newport, Kentucky area, Carlson Gracie NK immediately popped up. I emailed them and Andy responded within an hour. He was more than welcoming me to have me come in for a class during the two days I am here in Newport. The class was fantastic, people were nice and the instructor for the night class, Roman, was intuitive, knowledgeable and welcoming as well. I'd recommend trying this gym out.
Posted 1 year agoThis place really is kick @$$! Probably the best gym I've been to. The instructors really bring a quiet confidence and professionalism and their example reverberates throughout the gym. Leadership helps to shape the personality of a gym, or any organization, and theirs is characterized by mutual respect, understanding, great communication, hard work and expert instruction. Really never a top down approach, they pretty much always come off as approachable and right at your side, and the students follow suit. 👍 🔥 🙏
Posted 1 year agoThey have an excellent Judo team! Super friendly instruction and very knowledgeable! The blend of an accredited Jiu-Jitsu program and Judo program makes for a top grade experience! Check em out!
Posted 1 year ago
Love this gym and the knowledge I have gained since I joined. I recently had to cancel my membership due to a new position at work but I will be back! 10/10 highly recommend 👌
I've been here for 3 years now. Great place to train no matter your skill level or age!
Awesome team as a whole. The environment was welcoming and easy-going. Will absolutely drop-in again when I’m in town. Highly recommend if you’re traveling through Cincinnati or northern Kentucky!
I'm speaking here to any parent who wants the best for their child. If you're reading, you've shown an interest in martial arts. All I can attest to is the journey my son has taken, and how it has impacted his life. We started out visiting quite a few dojos (with a variety of disciplines) when my son was 4yrs old. I recommend doing this to find what best suits you and your child. Btw, we are from the Bradenton Florida area. You will know when you step in the right place. We finally found our home and family at Olivera Jiujitsu. Just simply overall the best decision we've made. In visiting my family in Cincinnati the last two years, I called Gracie of N KY to see if my son could cross train for a few days. Knowing my son would be competing against their students in the tournament that weekend, Matt welcomed him, as well as did the other students AND parents with such love and hospitality. The other kids were so kind and respectful. That speaks volumes of their parents and their coaches here. This place is special, you can sense it when you enter. Finding someone like Matt is as well. He coached my son when he competed against other schools that weekend. My son has been practicing Martial Arts for almost 7 yrs now, starting with Karate. Jiujitsu has been his favorite so far. I cannot speak enough about how I've seen so many lives change for the better, and the character, humility and sportsmanship that this teaches is priceless. The Jiujitsu community is an amazing family. If we lived here, Gracie N KY would definitely be our home. OSS!!
This gym is great! The place is clean and friendly. Coaches are very professional and fun. One time, my partner went to the gym without me. After class, it was dark, and one of the coaches made sure she got to the car safely. That was really above any expectation. We really appreciated it. Highly recommended!
Long overdue on post, but I was visiting my sister in June and wanted to continue my training. I found Carlson Gracie and visited the gym twice. It wildly exceeded my expectations. Not only was the head coach (Andy) super knowledgeable and an amazing teacher but the students (Ben + others) were also kind and welcoming despite me just dropping by. I loved the technique he provided and the format of the class. The focus on drilling was super helpful as it quickly became muscle memory. I recommend this gym to anyone who wants to start or continue their BJJ journey.
For someone who’s never been in a gym but has always been around fighters and the sport itself. I wanted to be tested and pushed, while being fought correctly at the same time. Carlson Gracie NKY is definitely my recommendation for anyone new to the sport or experienced. Nothing but positive interactions with the trainers and staff as well as other members of the gym. 5/5 from me!
Andy, the owner, came to Iowa City, IA to visit and train. Great guy! Always cool to have a good BJJ guy on the mat who has good Judo too! That is valuable! Always welcome back here, and we will be stopping in to Andy's school if we ever pass through KY! 💪
Such a nice crew!! I am visiting from Seattle and had some free time on a Friday morning and decided to swing in for some training. Couldn’t be a friendlier bunch of tough/technical people! Definitely stop in and learn some skills!! Thanks for the rounds!
Welcoming atmosphere, family friendly and great instructors! Andy gave us a thorough intro experience customized to our needs.
CGNKY is home to some of the absolute most traditional and practical jujitsu out of any gym I have ever attended. I’m a student at the University of Cincinnati, and that has allowed me to be able to train at CGNKY for nearly two years now. The owners / coaches are the most genuine people who truly care about your training as well as who are as a person. Training at CGNKY has allowed me to make some of my closest friends and form core memories that I could not have done at any other gym. The culture and atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, and no matter where I train or travel, CGNKY will always be my home gym.
I have had a great experience training jiu jitsu at CGNKY for the last 10 months! All the coaches here care deeply about the growth of their students and the training partners are kind and welcoming. Thank you for being my home away from home while I am living in NKY!!
The owners and coaches of Carlson Gracie NKY have provided a wonderful, safe environment for my kids to stretch and grow both physically and mentally. My husband and I are grateful for the personal growth that we see in our kids through the disciplines of judo and jujitsu here. No favoritism, no fuss that I can see - just good, solid teaching from skilled professionals. Great community of people. All in all.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I trained BJJ and Judo at CGNKY under AT, Andy, Bernie, and Squirrel; all of who are amazing at what they do. I've trained elsewhere years prior and nothing clicked with me like the instruction and team here. There are a lot of great training partners here to challenge you and help grow your technique. I can't recommend them enough to anyone beginning or continuing their training.
The depth of knowledge and insight into multiple martial arts, such as judo and jiujitsu, is incredible in and of itself but it’s the depth of community and the care shown from the instructors that keep students returning to the mat.
This place is awesome. Everybody is super friendly, I’m new to Ju Jitsu and didn’t feel embarrassed that I wasn’t as skilled as the others. The trainers helped me throughout the class to make sure I got the right technique down. Would definitely recommend if looking for a gym.
Just started private lessons with Matt 3 weeks ago and love it! He is a very good teacher that has plenty of skill and patience to work with a beginner like me. The gym has a great vibe. Everyone that I have met is enthusiastic and very welcoming. Would definitely recommend this gym!
We felt very welcome the moment we entered the building. Andy is very knowledgeable and skilled at teaching judo. He has high expectations. Which is what we were looking for. The dojo has many other martial arts available, but we're here for the judo.
Best bjj in Cincinnati
Amazing location, strong people, very welcoming. Visited for two classes from out of town and couldn't recommend these guys more!
dropped in for a class while I was in town for a conference. Super friendly and welcoming
Awesome place my son has been there a year and has experienced so much made many friendships with coaches and his peers great location and he calls it his safe place everyone there is like family and that the world needs more of🤎
I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible impact you've had on my life. From the first day I walked through your doors, I knew I had found something special. Your gym isn't just a place to train – it's a community, a family, a sanctuary where I feel supported, challenged, and inspired. Thank you for providing a space where I can grow, both as a martial artist and as a person. The lessons I've learned on your mats extend far beyond technique. I am truly grateful for the friendships I've formed and the memories I've made within your walls. You've created something truly special, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it! I’m happy to be apart of the family!
I received such a warm welcome from the owner Andy. I was in town for a few days for a quick vacation trip and needed a place to train. I had some awesome rolls with some great people. The gym is in a great location - right after open mat I went to the aquarium just down the road! But great atmosphere and they offer so many types of training (Muay Thai, judo, jiu jitsu, etc). Definitely will stop by again when I come back to visit.
I was fortunate enough to attend a couple of drop in classes last week. This really is an excellent place to train BJJ, everyone very friendly and welcoming with great facilities. Bernie was a fantastic instructor and taught some really good techniques. Would highly recommend if you are in the area!
I've stopped in for an open mat twice now and each time was a great experience. All the folks I met were very friendly and welcoming. The vibes here are good.
Visiting my wife’s Family and decided to drop in for some training. This place is absolutely awesome! Everyone is super friendly, the facilities are awesome and the instruction is great. Thanks for giving me a place to train while out of town!- Alex
Came to Cinci for a work trip and this was the closest jiu jitsu gym to my hotel. I’m so glad it was cause coach Aaron made me feel like I was in a home away from home. Great guys and great training and will absolutely be back next time I’m in town.
I was completely new to Jiu Jitsu and a little afraid to start, but once I stepped in everyone was extremely welcoming and helpful! The instructors here are absolutely top notch! You definitely learn a lot and get loads of experience. I would recommend this place to everyone who is looking to get started or interested in Jiu Jitsu.
Everyone is super kind and they have really good teachers, always a fun experience.
Fantastic gym, welcoming staff and an awesome class schedule. Highly suggest for anyone looking to get better or just learn something new!
Best Kids Program in Cincinnati and the state of Kentucky and/or Ohio. Excellent Judo and Jujitsu programs.
Was in town for a layover for work (airlines) . Guys were super friendly and welcoming. Small lunch class but learned a few sneaky moves I’ll be able to work back at home . Thanks Guys for the hard rolls .
Hands down the best gym I've ever had the pleasure to be apart of. If you're just looking for a great workout or to learn some self defense training I would highly recommend this gym for all ages!
Aaron, Blayne, Andy, and their crew are excellent! They're thorough instructors with great attention to detail. They've created a culture in their gym that meets a perfect balance between intense training and a safe environment that fosters growth. I'm hopeful I'll be in the area to train with them again!
I had a week full of meetings in Covington but got an Airbnb right next to this terrific gym. They helped me work on my distant management. I hadn't realized how weak it was. They were welcoming and friendly. Terrific time with everyone I had the pleasure of rolling with.
I Highly recommend the Carlson Gracie NKY gym. I just started training again after a long hiatus and I couldn’t ask for a better environment. Great for all skill levels, clean, welcoming & reliable.
I dropped in from out of town and took a class. The instruction was top-notch and had some fun rolls after class.
Came to the open mat here on Sunday when I was traveling from out of town. All the instructors and students were remarkably friendly and welcoming. Plenty of competitive and challenging rolls. The facility is clean and big. I only train jiu jitsu but they have Muay Thai and other programs. If I lived in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area this would unquestionably be my home gym. Thanks for having me guys. OSS!
I've only ever been met with open arms and respect. It's a special place. If you're curious, come through.
After trialing a several Jiu Jitsu gyms in the Greater Cincinnati area, I finally visited Carlson Gracie Northern Kentucky. This is UNDOUBTEDLY the very best gym in the area. I am just looking to learn Jiu Jitsu as a means of working out and staying healthy. The culture this gym has cultivated is second to none. Their no-ego approach to teaching is exactly what I have been searching for. The ego's I have experience at other gyms make for a very uncomfortable experience. This gym is not like that in any way. All of their instructors are high level guys that are masters at what they do. But they understand not everyone is trying to become the next UFC Champion and make for a very welcoming environment that ANYONE CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE at while also being great teachers and you will learn a lot. It is the perfect gym and I highly recommend you try it out for yourself.
This gym is incredible. The instructors here seasoned and experienced, but they teach in a way that makes it easy to learn and grow. I will absolutely be coming in more often when I am in NKY. If I lived here, I would sign up here in a heart beat.
I'm In town for a conference and hit these guys up for a drop in class. Gym was large and clean. Very warm welcome and instruction was great! If I lived in the area I would definetly be a member of this gym.
Been here for a little over 2 months and the amount I’ve learned is insane. Whatever your goals are this gym can help you complete them whether it’s trying to get in the cage, get in shape, or just love the art this is for you. Top tier instructors and the best gym around for your money. They even got a legit kids class too.
Great training and instruction. Blaine and Andy both know their stuff and everyone there is super inviting. Will come again next time I'm in the area!
Great place, amazing instructors. They’re great with teaching kids!
Coaches Andy and Blayne run a great kids’ program!
My six year old daughter has been going to this gym for almost seven months and she loves it. I wanted to sign her up for something where she could be active and that also has real world application. She has fun while learning structure, gaining confidence, a hard work ethic, etc. The list is endless that she will gain from these classes. She even wants to practice at home because she enjoys it so much and wants to get better. The instructors have been awesome from day one. She struggled for a while but they never gave up on her and continued to help her get better. They are very knowledgeable and work well with the kids. We intially chose this gym because it was close to where we lived but we have since moved and continue to make the trip to this location. I can't wait to see how she continues to grow here!
My son nolan has been going here for a couple months and absolutely enjoys it. Teachers are great. Atmosphere is great. Great place for your child or an adult to learn jujitsu
We put our daughter in this gym about 2 months ago. She’s loving this gym and the instructors are amazing at working with the kids.
Two of my kids are in this outstanding kids program. The coaches are exceptional with all ages and definitely go the extra mile!!
This gym was awesome from the first class. I was able to keep getting better and didn’t feel uncomfortable while getting through the awkward phases. Would highly recommend for any level of skill!
There are many reasons to train here but I can only look at something through my eyes. So let me share that with you. I've been training for the better part of 16 years all over this country due to my nomadic lifestyle. I moved to Cincinnati early this year and immediately set out to find the gym that would fit my needs. My search ended with this gym. The instructors at Gracie NKY have found a perfect balance of Quantity and Quality of training for the needs of everyone. If you need to be training for upcoming competitions you can work yourself to the bone here with the sheer amount of hours available for you to put in the time. If you are like myself and require BJJ for self improvement and overall health they are absolutely accommodating to that lifestyle as well. I can't say enough about every one of the instructors. They are patient when guiding a person into newer techniques. They are insistent that you become better when they know you can do more. They have been a positive force in my life. They push quality first. As soon as a technique is learned properly, they'll have you doing it for reps and giving you the appropriate amount of time to create muscle memory that will seat these lessons into your mind for the rest of life. I guess the hardest thing about going to this gym will be coaxing yourself through the door and committing to becoming a better person, because once you are through that door it is one of the best experiences you'll have. Good luck out there!
My son finally has a high quality place to train with outstanding instruction and facilities! This place is legit!
Great place, friendly people, and nice gym. Check them out for an excellent experience. 🔥🥋👍🏼👍🏼
I’ve been doing mma for six years now an di by far this is the best gym i’ve been into. Great coaches, punching bags, jiu jitsu matt, boxing ring, everything is perfect.
I took a class at this Carlson school while in town briefly for business. From Aaron to Blayne and on down the line, everyone I met made me feel welcome and at home. Aaron took time out of class to work with me individually and the rolls after class were very solid. I'll definitely be back whenever I come to town.
I was able to drop into a class while traveling for work. The professors and student are all welcoming and eager to teach. I enjoyed the flow of the class and the instruction built upon itself throughout. If I am ever in town again, I will make sure to drop by. Thank you for an awesome experience especially for a guest. Cheers, Alex
My 10 year old son and 7 year old daughter love the kids class and are learning so much
I was able to visit for Sunday open mat while in Cincinnati for work and it was awesome! Everyone was welcoming and I really enjoyed training with the team. I'd highly recommend Carlson Gracie if you are looking for great jiujitsu and great people!
Great location and super inviting. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn true Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area. Highly experienced instruction and top level competition training.
Best gym in the tri state cant recommend them enough!
They have great coaches and great partners for all levels of experience, beginner to pro💪🏼
I have had the great opportunity to train at this facility, and I would recommend it to anybody. The Jiujitsu classes are top notch, and the experience that this team has is next level. If you’re looking to compete in Jiujitsu/MMA/Boxing, or if you’re just looking to casually learn and grow, this is the place for you.
Hands down best academy in the Cincinnati area!!
Ive been training here for about a year and a half. Tons of tough guys and gals to train with and top notch instructors. With muay Thai, judo, boxing, and of coarse Brazilian ju-jitsu this is a great, well rounded gym. If you are looking to pick up a new hobby, or just looking for a new environment to train in, this place is a great option.
I feel so lucky that I found Carlson Gracie NKY while traveling for work! I visit a lot of gyms, and almost every one is wonderful in one way or another - but Carlson Gracie NKY has it all. Great facility, great training, great people, and incredibly welcoming on top of all that. Thank you for the training and I can’t wait to come back!
Great environment and welcoming people excellent gym
Great training environment and helpful staff. Everyone who trains here is really friendly and ready to help you when you need it. Great for beginners. Excellent fundamentals! Thank you for allowing me train here!
To be frank, my experience was fantastic. Before the doors were unlocked I felt welcome. I had called about a week in advance to see if I could drop in while I was in town and Andy answered the phone. Polite, and urged me to come in as often as I could. So I showed up a few minutes early to an afternoon class and waited for the doors to be opened. A purple belt (his name escapes me) walked up and asked if I was here for class, I replied I was. He said great, and we started talking as we walked down the length of the gym. If you’ve been to MMA gyms or BJJ gyms the gym has the kind of old school style you’d expect from a pugilist gym. Brick walls, lots of punching bags, PLENTY of open mat space. The class was great, taught by a purple belt with Aaron (the owner/black belt) adding minor but key details when needed. I had actually forgot a water bottle and Aaron (without being asked) went to the corner store and grabbed me a bottle. The overall vibe felt as if I had trained there for years. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming, you’d never guess they were about to strangle you. 😂 If I hadn’t been attacked by a dog later that day after my first class, I would’ve gone every single day without a doubt. If I’m ever in the area again I’m for sure stopping by.
I had the best training over there. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable and super-friendly. Just the best in the town!!!!!!
It's an awesome place with an awesome staff, it's also a lot of fun😁
I started training here a year ago and was immediately welcomed by the entire team, particularly coaches Aaron Thomas and Blayne Hodges. People come from all different walks of life and have an excellent time training and learning together. I cannot recommend this gym enough for anyone wanting to train Jiu Jitsu at ANY level!
Dropped in for an open mat on a Saturday morning and a great time rolling with the guys there. Good pace, but not overly aggressive where I was concerned about getting hurt by someone taking things too seriously. Everyone was friendly and open to me being a newcomer. Everyone seemed open to learn and were visibly helping others with various techniques. Will gladly return when my schedule allows.
I’m a big traveler, and hit up many schools. Whenever there is a gem I immediately recommend. I’m not even out of my car yet and I find I need to recommend this place immediately. Welcoming, great instruction, and just all around amazing. You want to get better and live in the area? Join! You just visiting the area? Drop in! Can’t recommend the school enough. It has the genuine energy that a jiu jitsu school should. Now get in and train!
Awesome great place, people, instructors, training. Best mma gym around.
I heard about the Carlson Gracie Gym from a friend who said the atmosphere was awesome. I decided to check it out and was immediately blown away by the hospitality and graciousness of not only the instructors, but students as well. The training is second to none and the system makes it easy for all different skill levels to train together. I think I was to oldest guy in there( 47), but the instructors made sure I was comfortable and able to keep up. No egos! Just great training, instructors, and atmosphere! I look forward to attending for years to come!
Carlson Gracie NKY is everything you want in a BJJ/MMA gym. They have a huge facility with a boxing ring, full size cage, and most important a great group of training partners. I’ve been training BJJ for five years. I was I town for work and I felt right at home training here. Aaron has a superb knowledge base and a keen attention to detail. You can also tell he cares a lot about you as a person which is reflected in the attitudes of everyone who trains there. Blayne, another one of the instructors, was equally gracious and one tough roll on the mat. I look forward to the next time I’m have in the North Kentucky/Cincinnati area so I can come train with the Carlson Gracie NKY crew again!
Great, experienced instructors. Friendly, encouraging environment. Perfect place to grow , learn & push yourself physically , mentally and spiritually.
great place! awesome coaching and a friendly team
I usually don’t write 1 star reviews but I had a terrible experience at this gym and I genuinely think it’s not a safe place to send your kids. I’ve been training for nearly 6 years in jujitsu and visited this gym on a work trip. The owner of the gym didn’t believe that I had been training for 6 years because I didn’t have the skills he thought someone with that much experience should have. I tried to explain that I had several injuries during that time and I traveled for work so even though I have 6 years of doing jujitsu I don’t have the skills of someone who does. I even offered to show him emails from all the gyms with receipts to prove I was telling the truth which he refused. The owner proceeded to threaten to assault me and swear at me. I politely told him I was leaving the gym and he would never see me again and yet he still kept saying “even though my back hurts I’ll still kick your you know what in the octagon”. I was pretty shocked at the behavior of this gym owner never have I met a jujitsu black belt especially at a Gracie gym which is meant to be about self defense act like this. After I told him I was leaving he got even more angry and made up a story like I was trying to hurt people in the gym. We were only drilling armbars and the only thing my training partner said was oss so I couldn’t be more sure the only person in threat of injury was me by the owner. Take this review as it is people lie on reviews all the time mine is 100 percent true. Update: just to elaborate since the gym owner decided to respond and I don’t want to seem misleading even though they are telling lies about my own behavior. Yes it’s true there were no children present when he threatened to assault me and proceeded to swear at me repeatedly even though I hadn’t hurt a single person and barely said a word. There were about 10 other people there who saw me calmly leave trying to avoid violence and de escalate. If you feel safe sending your kids to a gym where violence foul language is acceptable then that’s up to you as a father of two I would not. I travel for work which means I visit gyms all over the world not just the united states. I’ve always felt welcome like I was part of the family in every gym I’ve ever been to until I went here. Jui Jitsu is a great sport full of friendly top notch people and I absolutely think kids should do it, just not at this gym.
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