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Best Jiu-Jitsu gym in Charlottesville. Large mat space and lobby. Great community and coaches. Welcoming environment.
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Trained BJJ and Muay Thai here for a few months. Instructors are great, very welcoming people and atmosphere is amazing. Could not recommend Cville BJJ more!!!
Just completed the BJJ Basics course. The instructors were all incredible and kind. It's clear that community is a big part of what they do and it was delightful to learn a new way to move and play.
I'm a black belt and I've trained all over the country, at many of the top academies in the world. C-Ville BJJ is the gym I always tell people was my favorite, and Gordon the best instructor I ever had. I've also known Corey since he was a white belt -- he's a great guy. Great gym. Great atmosphere - for all levels. You won't find a better academy.
Can’t say enough about how great this school is. The head instructor / owner Gordon is great! By far the best BJJ instructor in the area and really takes time to help you develop great technique.
Atmosphere has always been very welcoming and the community is very solid. I would recommend to anyone in the area who wants to pursue BJJ, to come here and give it a go.
They have classes and a schedule to fit anyone’s needs and skill level. Couldn’t recommend more if training BJJ is your thing or if you’re considering giving it a go. Whether you’re local or visiting, stop in and have some great training and fun.
Super chilled gym with a great instructor. I was in town for a few days and i was very happy to drop in for a noon class with gordon. We trained back-take from closed guard. It was great to meet all those friendly people!
Been with Cville BJJ since 2009, on and off due to moving, but anytime I cam back I trained here.
Had back surgery 3.5 months ago, talked to Gordon and we are slowly working back into rolling. (with doctors approval)
Always great to roll/workout here, it is family!
I did the intro Muy Thai class for 5 weeks to start the year off, and it went great! I learned a ton and got a good workout at the same time. I'm looking forward to continuing with Muy Thai. Everyone at the gym has been welcoming and professional.
I took the BJJ Basics class. My instructors were amazing - very helpful, good at correcting your technique in an encouraging way, and overall providing a welcoming yet challenging atmosphere. It was cool that we built on things we used over the course, which culminated in a spar session to give us a sense of what real BJJ is like. Definitely will be coming back!
Trained here while visiting the area on vacation. Gordon is a great instructor and just a really cool guy, and everyone there (staff and students) was friendly and welcoming. Facility is clean, spacious, and well-equipped. Family-friendly and beginner-friendly, but high-level guys (e.g. Tim, Dave) and girls (e.g. Emily) on the mats too. Very highly recommended.
Full disclosure: I started BJJ in 2003 and am a 1st degree IBJJF-certified Black Belt. I've trained in many schools with many people over the years, from all different lineages. The people at CVL BJJ are top-notch. If you are looking for BJJ schools in the area, do yourself a favor and check this one out.
I took the beginner class for Jiu Jitsu. The class was very good, having no prior experience in martial arts I was a bit nervous.. Jacob and Sean were great instructors!! Very good at explaining and demonstrating techniques. Highly recommended to anyone wishing to try jiu jitsu!! Awesome group with a positive atmosphere!!
As a novice to the martial arts I feel that I could not have found a better place to begin my journey in BJJ. Everyone is very welcoming and eager to teach and assist where and whenever needed!
I've been training here for about two months now and love it. The staff are friendly and helpful, the instructor is friendly/knowledgeable/supportive, and the training partners are welcoming. Lots of different options depending on how much you want to train. They've also done a great job keeping the gym safe and clean during this time.
I had just completed my second class in the beginners BJJ course when the Covid Outbreak caused all businesses to close. When they were about to open back up in July they were very clear about their goals for reopening and executed those protocols. I never once felt unsafe during those early does back. Since then they've opened up more time slots to train and I can't get enough! This is definitely due to the great culture here! I've never once been made to feel like I didn't matter because I was new, and while there is definitely some competitiveness in the class its always followed by warm smiles and love from everyone involved. I can only speak from the perspective of a white belt, but starting Jiu Jitsu here has been an amazing!
Cville BJJ has been a fantastic place to be introduced to the art of jiu-jitsu. The instructors are very knowledgeable and passionate and clearly care about passing on their knowledge to a new generation.
Great people, gym, teachers, and overall atmosphere especially during COVID. They take all precautions to make sure students get the most out of their training while feeling healthy. GOAT.
Awesome place to roll! I visited from out of town and everyone was incredibly welcoming. Brent and Adam, two of the owners, are great teachers and the facilities are immaculate.
Just arrived into town for work, Monday - Wednesday. I was looking for a place to start back into Muay Thai training. I’ve been out of the loop for about 1-1/2 years. I did the drop in class option and the staff there was exceptional and welcoming (immediately felt like family). The Muay Thai instructor (Gordon) is really knowledgeable and had excellent form and technique. The Muay Thai class was intense, but I was able to work at my own pace with great training partners. If you live in the area or plan on working in the area for a couple of days, I highly recommend this place. I definitely plan on dropping in whenever I’m town. I want to thank Gordon, Tim and Charlottesville BJJ for letting me train there with them.
I've been going to C-ville BJJ for a year and I can definitively say this place is the reason why I like Charlottesville now after living here for four years. All instructors are extremely knowledgeable and attentive, and the gym is huge and ultra clean. They offer a wide variety of classes at a bunch of different times so it's super easy to fit training into your schedule. But most importantly, this gym is welcoming and respectful to people from all walks of life and everyone works to keep each other safe.
Whether you are curious about martial arts or a longtime practitioner, come check out Charlottesville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! You will not find a more supportive and badass community anywhere in C-ville!
Awesome environment! I was traveling on the road, stopped in and was treated very well by everyone, learned technique helpful to me, and got all the sparring I could handle, I’ll be back!!! 🤙🏻
Five Stars. The instruction is top notch. The environment is friendly and safe. Also provides a great work-out, so a great use of your time for busy professionals. Highly recommend!
Traveling for work and was looking for a place to train. I contacted them ahead of time and they were very friendly and invited me to stop in for a $20 day pass (the also have a week pass). The dojo was nice and tons of mat space. They needed it, class was huge. They split the white belts from the upper belts and basically had two classes, one basics and one more advanced. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and great to train with. Head instructor/resident black belt /proprietor(?) Gordon Emery taught well and was easy to follow with good details and tweaking of technique. Whether you live nearby or are traveling, if you are looking for a place to train, I highly recommend you check out Charlottesville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu . I know I’ll be stopping in next time I’m in the area.
Not only is Gordon Emery an *incredibly* talented jiujitsu practitioner, he's an *excellent* teacher and man of unquestionable integrity. He's been studying jiujitsu for many years at the highest level, and it shows. He's been teaching jiujitsu to many ability levels for many years, and it shows. This is a rare and special thing: Gordon isn't there for business, he's there to practice and teach the art of jiujitsu - nothing else. Everyone in the gym earns their stripes, and any practitioner that has earned a belt from Gordon is highly technical and capable. You can't buy a belt at this school -- it's earned. If you want to buy a belt, try karate, or another BJJ school that promotes for number of classes attended, as opposed to technical ability and knowledge of the art. The facility is clean, the community is respectful and fit for any level of experience. Attend this school and you will become strong, balanced, and agile. Attend this school and you will become very capable of self-defense and competition jiujitsu. Attend this school and you will become a part of an open community of skilled martial artists who value respect and integrity.
If you are not physically fit, young, or a natural athlete, you should STILL come try out this gym. As an out of shape older woman, I had to face some serious mental roadblocks to enter this gym and keep coming back but you will find a really nice, accepting family here of all types of shapes, sizes, and strengths. Cville BJJ pushes me way harder than I ever push myself as a natural couch potato but it has also made me feel stronger than I ever thought I could and let me meet just a really nice group of people. I hate working out but I really do love this place and the people here.
This place is great.
I started with the BJJ Basics course after moving to Charlottesville, and have carried on with the Level 1 Gi classes. As a newcomer to BJJ, I value the quality of instruction, attention to detail, and humility that Gordon, John, and Jacob bring to their classes. I also appreciate the positive attitude and encouragement that fellow students share with one another.
More generally, I find that BJJ translates to a better quality of life off the mat—not only with respect to health and fitness, but also with family, friends, and life as an entrepreneur. If you're thinking about giving BJJ a try, this is a terrific place to start.
I have had an absolutely amazing experience training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at C-ville BJJ over the last ten months. Gordon Emery and his instructors are extremely kind, respectful, talented, and helpful. The community is incredibly welcoming and encouraging, and I would recommend C-ville BJJ to anyone considering training in the martial arts.
I started training at C'ville BJJ last August and it has been a wonderful experience!
There is high quality instruction for all experience levels. Gordon puts a lot of emphasis on proper technique and this attention permeates throughout the gym. Training partners are encouraging and supportive, frequently offering me helpful tips or practicing new moves with me. I couldn't ask for a better learning environment.
If you have any interest in martial arts, this place is a must-visit!
I moved to Charlottesville in August and had only been training Jiu Jitsu for a few months. Gordon, Bob, and John have been great coaches and make everyone feel welcome, no matter the skill level. I have met some great people at the gym and going is one of my favorite activities every week. I would highly recommend anyone interested come try out a class!
I have been training at Charlottesville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 3 years now, and it has been an amazing experience. Gordon has developed an incredible school with a highly focused and detailed curriculum. The atmosphere is very welcoming, low-pressure, and extremely inclusive. Cville BJJ has students of all ages, shapes, sizes, cultural backgrounds, and various walks of life. The instructors, staff, and participants, are all keenly aware that each individual has their own set of goals and expectations for their training; all are encouraged, supported, and welcomed. They offer a free trial class - no commitment - you won't be disappointed!
Been training for a few months at this gym and i remain thoroughly impressed with the staff, students, and facility. Beginners will feel welcome in the Basics course - tailored to meet the needs and thoroughly welcoming of novices - while the more advanced will be able to attend many, many classes and open mats all week. No matter where you are in your training, C'ville BJJ will be able to take you even further or provide you with the foundations for training. If you learn something new everyday then you learn 100 new things each BJJ class - and Gordon is just the black belt coach to do the teaching. You won't regret a moment at C'ville BJJ.
Writing this review before I forget. Came here with my wife about 3 months ago and was looking for a place to train while we travel (wife is a travel nurse). I honestly couldn’t have found a better place to train. Gordon is such a class act and an amazing practitioner of jiu jitsu. He takes the time to sit and work with you one on one and is always willing to just sit and talk with you about what your struggling with, what you would like to work on, or just to talk. Could defiantly see myself training here full time if we settle down in the Charlottesville area. Everyone is welcoming and encouraging. Take the time to give it a shot if you haven’t, you won’t regret it.
Fantastic school. Very knowledgeable and friendly instructors. Best martial arts school in Charlottesville. Gordon Emery is a premire professor. Would give 6 stars on google if I could.
If you learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at C-ville BJJ with Gordon and the family of training partners there, you are getting the real thing.
Any time I travel the first thing I do is find a BJJ gym to train. The Jiujitsu I am learning at C'ville serves me well everywhere I go.
If you have even a passing interest in BJJ, try it here. It's easy to find your way into it, with incredible technical instruction and a skilled, supportive group of training partners.
Terrific school!! I've trained at some big name gyms before and quickly realized that the quality of instruction at C'ville BJJ is right up there (if not exceeds) with all of them. The environment is welcoming and emphasizes a sense of community and family. This is a great place to train whether you're a professional MMA fighter, someone looking to train recreationally, or looking for a quality martial arts school for your children. Gordon Emery is a respected martial artist across Virginia and the rest of his instructors are skilled, friendly, and dedicated to helping their students to improve. They recently moved to a much larger and recently renovated facility to accommodate their fast growing student population.
It has been my observation that anyone looking for the most elite martial arts instruction in the Charlottesville area inevitably find themselves at this magnificent gym.
The best martial arts school in the area. Gordon is eager to help the beginner just starting their martial arts journey, or the help the expert hone their skills for competition. The staff is outstanding. The kids classes are great, too!
Great place to learn and practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The trainers are very helpful and knowledgeable, the atmosphere is great for working out, and the community is uplifting and supportive. I've had a great experience.
Came here for the first time looking to boost self confidence and work out stress. I started with Krav Maga classes and after the first one not only found my stress relief and badassness but also found a second family. There's no pressure here to be something you're not but only to train in the skills they offer and master them with the help & support of each & every person around you whether they've been there for years or not. Everyone is welcoming and classes are in depth but not so overwhelming that you can't figure out what you're doing. HIGHLY recommended whether you're a beginning, somewhere in between, or advanced and highly recommended for anyone just looking for a phenomenal workout.
Charlottesville BJJ (and also classes in Krav Maga and Muay Thai) offers a wide range of classes that fit nicely into the schedules of many students, working professionals and families. Gordon (the owner) works tirelessly to keep a clean, safe, and positive experience for all. My kids do the children's classes on Saturdays and the instructors are very technical and keep it fun.
I have been training JiuJitsu for 7 years and have been all over (Marcelo Garcia's, Caio Terra's, Kurt Osiander's, Milton Bastos) and the training at cville is of highest quality. It helps that your training buddies are pretty awesome too. Oss!
Training here over 5 years. Great instruction. Amazing training partners. Got you covered whether you want to compete in MMA or just lose some pounds in the new year. New space added a bunch of new classes which is great and will likely fit any schedule.
Gordon Emery is one of the best practitioners I've ever trained with. He's cultivated an amazing atmosphere at his academy and there is nowhere else I would train in Charlottesville.
Great instruction! I've trained in several BJJ programs, and this one is my favorite. Tough guys, lots of training partners and a outstanding instructor. I can tell you this, if you have injured yourself during a training session, Gordon would NEVER tell you to train trough it or risk losing money.
I've been going regularly since July 2013 and it's such a great place to learn! Quality, detailed guidance from accomplished instructors. Professional and controlled environment. Friendly atmosphere! Everyone helps everyone learn! If you have even the slightest interest or curiosity, you should at least come watch a class.
Everything about this gym is great- the facility, the instructors, the atmosphere, the schedule. All of the members are really welcoming and willing to help and WANT you there, regardless if you're brand new to your chosen sport or not. The instructors are open, friendly, and extremely helpful, not to mention knowledgeable. You won't find a better place to train in Charlottesville.
Wanted to join in July 2020, and they would not accept new students. Talked about "different phases of opening", masks and other kabuki theater nonsense. Any gym that kowtows to that forced tyranny over their own business and students will feel the effects of the free market. People don't like that nonsense.
Had a nice experience at first. Then tore my shoulder training there. Asked to cancel my membership to focus on rehab and was told to train through the pain and risk further injury or pay $300 to cancel my membership.
