11461 Blankenbaker Access Dr, Louisville, KY 40299, USA
Conveniently located in Louisville and Shelbyville, our jiu jitsu classes are excellent choices for self-defense, discipline, and fitness for all ages & fitness levels.
I trained here for several years when I lived in Louisville until moving. This place and all the people are fantastic. The facility is always clean, the black belt instructors are both knowledgeable and friendly, and the people that train here are great. An awesome gym whether you’re looking to compete in BJJ or if you’re looking for a hobby with your family. Highly recommend!!!
My kids...( boy and a girl) love the classes...so good for them learning how to protect themselves and have fun
What an incredible place great vibe and experienced instructors.
I have trained here for 6 years. The atmosphere is great. Many black belts, with a literal wealth of knowledge. People are friendly, facility is clean and nice. Great place for beginners. Overall great place to train!
I had a blast dropping in from out of town. Excellent instruction and the environment is really low key.
Tonight was my first night at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The experience was 1000 times better than anything I could’ve imagined. It was a very warm and welcoming environment. There were several higher belts in class who spent a lot of 1 on 1 time with us newcomers. Needless to say, I’m addicted and will be there as often as possible. Super stoked about this journey!
I was a member of this one of a kind community for several years until moving out of town. If I could bring them with me, I would. The instruction itself is priceless but the camaraderie and the family-like atmosphere cannot be found in any martial arts academy anywhere! Only positivity, wisdom, encouragement, strong family and community values can be found there. I cannot praise them enough! As a side effect of attending any of the classes you will discover self-confidence, strength, humility, and, more importantly, life-long friendships
I dropped into a couple gyms in Kentucky. Overall, I’ve dropped in at over 10 gyms and this gym is my favorite so far. It is very similar to my gym of 9 years and that’s probably because they’re both Pedro Sauer Association gyms. If you are part of PSA, you’ll understand. Even if you aren’t, you will learn some high level jiu jitsu and have fun doing it over here. This school has multiple instructors, and they are all highly technical and their classes connect which gives you a great learning experience if you’re a beginner or an experienced jiu jitsu practitioner. I reached out online to inquire about dropping in since I was in town. They answered me back quickly with the class times. Upon arrival, The owner, Professor Scott Smith (4th degree Black Belt), welcomed me and introduced me to some of the staff and other members. I was able to take classes under multiple instructors and it just blew my mind on the details of each technique taught. In regards to the facility, there is a huge mat area and everyone can comfortably train. When you walk in, there’s the front desk and a lounge area. They have changing rooms for males and females and two restrooms. They keep the facility clean and sanitize the mats after each class session (morning/evening). Do yourself a favor and check out this gym if you want to learn Gracie Jiu Jitsu!
Best Desk Lady ever. Amazing people, super welcoming, family vibe, great jiujitsu instructors
Scott Smith and his team do a wonderful job creating a fun and safe environment that is welcoming to all, and the level of jiu jitsu taught is amazing and easy to understand.
This academy is the best around. The family atmosphere and emphasis on jiu-jitsu fundamentals is what drew us here, but the unexpected life lessons that my children have learned is what keeps us here. They are more disciplined, polite and all around good humans directly because of this academy and their instructors.
Friendly atmosphere, clean and awesome instructors.
It’s a perfect environment for anyone to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu regardless or age or fitness level. Professor Smith has cultivated a supportive culture at his Academy making each class a joy to attend. More experienced students are always willing to provide instruction or advice. They support student who want to compete but do not aggressively push competition. My daughter and son have trained their for 7 and 3 years respectively. I believe the atmosphere at this academy turned my children into practitioners for life.
Joining Gracie jiu-jitsu of Kentucky was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. I have always had an interest in jiu-jitsu, but was nervous about getting started. The students and staff here made me feel right at home on day one, now I'm proud to call them my family. The approach to teaching at Gracie jiu-jitsu of Kentucky is 2nd to none. I couldn't recommend getting started here enough.
Beautiful jiu-jitsu made accessible by having a clean, safe environment, phenomenal instruction, and great people to train and share the mats with. I look forward to training every opportunity I get and always leave having learned something about jiu-jitsu and myself.
I joined the GJJKY family a little over a year ago now. I can honestly say it's one of the best decisions I've made in my life. All of the guys and girls are super inviting and always excited to meet new people! If you haven't made the jump yet, I highly encourage to take the leap!
Great atmosphere and people. Excellent instruction that is appropriate for both novice and experienced jiu jitsu practitioners. Really convenient location and class schedules for kids and adults.
I can't even begin to describe what an impact this place has had on my life and on the lives of my kids. The Jiu Jitsu is world class, but the culture of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Kentucky is something that every human should experience in their life. If you want to be a part of a community that truly cares about your personal development and the development of your kids, spend 10 minutes in this building with this group of instructors and you will literally feel what I am talking about. If this city and country spent even a fraction of what GJJKY does for their students, this world would be a much better place. As a Marine combat veteran of 9 years, it feels good to have a tribe to fight for again.
Amazing atmosphere! Everyone is so helpful, welcoming, and kind.
My kids love training at this academy! The instructors are patient, get on the kids’ level physically and through verbal instruction, and genuinely care about their students. The atmosphere is like one big family and from the moment you walk in the door you feel welcome.
Wonderful program and extremely convenient for us now that they have a Shelby campus. It has been Wonderful for my 14 year old daughters confidence.
Extremely friendly and welcoming to all! You will learn from some of the best and get a great workout while you’re doing it. This is the place to be!
My son, Braden, and I love it here. Family friendly and extremely patient and helpful instruction.
My daughter decided to try Jiu-Jitsu 1.5 years ago and hasn't looked back. She spends 3-4 nights a week in classes and part of the day on Saturday and enjoys every minute. It's like one big family where everyone gets to know every one. The instructors are amazing and do a great job keeping the kids involved. The facility is clean and everyone is friendly. Highly recommended if you want to get your child involved in Martial Arts.
Very inviting atmosphere. My children are able to funnel their energy into an activity that helps to teach self control, self confidence, and self protection. The teachers are phenomenal and exhibit profound patience. So glad we found this place we now call family!!
Great friendly and knowledgeable environment. Two professors, and a bunch of great instructors. Whether you are in it for self defense, competitiveness, or just a hobbyist (like me) your needs will be met each and every class.
Hands down best jitsu spot in Louisville! It was inviting, clean, and the instructor was amazing! Most gentle whooping I've ever received. I highly recommend giving it a try.
Awesome instructors, great vibes, lots of mat space. Highly recommend
6 out 5 stars. New to everything. Felt completely welcomed and encouraged.
This is the best place to train!! Everybody in here is family!
Spectacular. If you live in Louisville or if you're just visiting, com in for training. The people here are welcoming, talented, and friendly. You won't regret it.
This place is incredible. The atmosphere is welcoming. The instructors are not just knowledgable but they're great at conveying the principles/concepts in ways that you can understand. And you get a great workout!
Signed up my two oldest boys for Jiu-Jitsu with an enrollment special. The boys couldn’t have been happier. The facility is very clean and the instructors are great with kids. If you’re looking for a great kids summer sport - this is it. Build self-esteem and get some exercise!
Very friendly and knowledgeable group. They place a high value on learning. If you are willing they really take the time to instruct. You will meet all kinds of people and experience levels so you wont be alone on your journey. You will not be disappointed.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky Is a great place to learn, train and grow both as a person and on the mat. Family environment makes it very welcoming and a very great place to train.
I've been an official student in the adult curriculum for 2 months now and it is the best atmosphere I've been connected to. The facility is super clean, very nice faculty and top-notch instruction. There's at least 2-3 black belt instructors present on most days and you can virtually train every day. An official school under the association of Master Pedro Sauer, Professor Scott Smith and his team get you as close to authentic, Gracie Jiu-jitsu as you can possibly get.
I stopped by to check the place out while I was down here for a wedding and everyone was so welcoming! Incredible instruction and the instructor stayed after to demonstrate/answer some questions even though I wasn't a student of his. If I lived here in Kentucky, I would join this dojo without any hesitation. All the students gave me the warmest of welcomes and I know if I'm ever in the area again, I'm definitely dropping in again. Five stars does not do justice for this place. Give it a try and I promise you'll agree!
Extremely welcoming staff at an exceptional and professional gym! Highly recommend.
Where we decide to spend our time is an important decision. Finding ways to make the most out of every minute is not an easy take. But, the entire family at Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky will enrich and expand your life every single class. Everyone seeks Jiu Jitsu for their own reasons be it self defense, fitness and conditioning, or just to learn and grow. Whatever your drive is I can assure you that this is the place to invest your time. You will not be disappointed take a leap, give yourself sometime to adapt and you will find what your looking for here.
I attended the Women's self defense class on Sunday, August 5, 2018. It was so BEAUTIFUL. INSPIRING and EMPOWERING!! I'm a survivor of Domestic Violence and this class healed me on a level, I diddn1realize existed. Jessica was my trainer. She was AMAZING!! She had an enthusiasm to pass on to me the skills of self defense, that was so beautiful, it inspired me to want to share it with others! Thank you Gracie Kentucky Jiu Jitsu for such a BEAUTIFUL, EMPOWERING and HEALUNG programs!!! You help to make a difference in people's lives!!!!🤗😚😇😊
I was seeking a place for my daughter to continue training while traveling. I contacted Gracie Kentucky and was invited to bring her in for a trial class. I was pleasantly surprised. The instructors were patient, kind and knowledgeable. The kids were sweet also. Given the nature of the sport, supervision is very important. Each class had an abundance of highly-qualified "eyes" chaperoning and assisting the children with their moves. I was extremely impressed with the student/teacher ratios. The owners are extremely welcoming and friendly. Most the instructors to a few seconds to come and personally welcome us to the gym and understand my daughter's prior experience. My daughter definitely learned some new "moves" to take back to her home gym. If they will have us, we definitely plan to come back when we are in town again. Highly recommend this place.
If you are or have ever been curious about Jiu jitsu (or not), you must watch this. If you're looking to be healthier, challenge yourself, or just be able to defend yourself, Gracie Jiu jitsu of KY will do all of those for you. As a mom, a woman, a wife, I gained so much from joining this ❤️BJJ family❤️ As someone who worries about everything, I can truly say this is my outlet. I feel better after every class. I'm NEVER disappointed that I showed up for class. From the mat time to the people here, it makes me smile. As someone who people thought should be athletic but wasn't, this is something I can do. This is something that is so powerful yet simple enough for everyone. Lucky me! 😍😄 As someone that is careful with their money and where it goes, this is worth every dime. 💸 As a mom who walks around with two little ones by her side everywhere I go, I have comfort in even the most basic self defense moves I have learned❤️ Also as a mom who has children living in this day and time, I know that when I send my little girl on her first date, she will be able to choke that guy out. 💪😁 When I send my little boy to school, you better believe he won't be picked on without knowing how to handle it. 😎 So, maybe I'm bias, but if you think so, you should come see for yourself 😜 #LoveThisPlace #IamALifer #GJJKYfamily #SecondHome 🥋
I was in Kentucky for work and had the opportunity to train. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kentucky was extremely open and friendly. They welcomed the three of us in with open arms. The instruction was great and the roll session was just as good. If your in the area, I would definitely recommend that you check out this gym.
The connections you build with fellow classmates at this academy will last for years. I have been going since March of '16, and no matter how bad of day I have had, it always seems to get better the minute I enter the mat and the minute I leave. Extremely welcoming and family friendly atmosphere. The quality of the jiu jitsu you learn and the instructors is A+. If you're going to get into martial arts, I could not recommend this place enough!
Great place, top notch professors, and always great folks watching their kids train. My son has developed so much as a kid and into a young man. They teach more than just good BJJ, they teach kids respect and discipline. Excellent kids program to help your kids overcome the challenges at school or on the playground.
High class training in a high class environment. Not a meat head MMA gym. This place is where you want your kids to train, and where you want to be training.
I cannot day enough good things about Professor Scott Smith and the academy he has created at Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky. My two boys have been attending classes here for close to 4 years now and they have grown both as martial artists and as people. This is an incredibly supportive learning environment.
I was in Louisville this weekend traveling from Michigan, training for a year and looking for an academy with an outlook similar to the one I train at - Kaizen BJJ in Plymouth, MI, under Professor Ryan Fiorenzi. Professor Steve and the entire school was very welcoming and their approach was very close to my home school, which I very much appreciated. When I return to Louisville I hope to have time to roll here again.
Amazing atmosphere. Great place for someone new to martial arts to learn and also some absolute top notch Jiu Jitsu instructors (five black belts at the academy). Very family friendly. My 9 year old daughter and 8 year old son have trained here for almost 4 years and i'm coming up on my two year anniversary. I love this place!
The academy is a great place to train. It’s a fun atmosphere and the people are absolutely awesome. My two kids love going to train and play dodgeball after practice.
Scott and Donna are amazing people and have created an awesome environment at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky. It's a unique, family atmosphere where everyone is welcomed, regardless of age or athleticism. Scott and the other instructors are all very technical and excellent at explaining the "why" behind the techniques. Having two kids that trained at GJJKY and having trained there myself, I would highly recommend GJJKY to anyone interested in learning jiu-jitsu or anyone interested in getting in better shape.
Professor Scott Smith runs a top-notch academy. The childrens’ classes teach kids how to protect themselves against a bully. Our son has developed into a young man with great confidence compared to being very shy before he started. The womens’ self-defense classes are amazing as well. Everyone truly feels like family! I highly recommend Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky!
The Smith’s are wonderful from their business model to their hospitality and making you feel like your part of something real. If your wanting an updated and clean facility to train and workout stop in check it out!!
You're missing out if you haven't check this place out. Best jiu jitsu and fitness atmosphere I've found for me and my three kids. I've since moved to Japan and love this place (and the amazing people) so much I have plans to travel back at least once a year to visit. If you're in the area and thinking of learning jiu jitsu or losing a few pounds, do yourself a favor and at least check them out. Do it now.
The atmosphere of this place is incredible. Professor Scott and his team are amazing to work with and you will not find a more knowledgeable and caring staff. This is also by far the cleanest facility I have ever trained in. I highly recommend you give these guys and gals a shot.
Such an amazing environment! The saying is you pay for the atmosphere and the Jiu Jitsu is free. Top notch instructors and facility. Could not imagine training anywhere else.
I transferred to Gracie Jiu Jitsu Kentucky from another academy and have been very happy with the decision. Scott, Donna, and the active students foster a welcoming environment to all. Professor Scott and the other instructors provide a wealth of knowledge and bring in top level instructors for seminars.
If your in town visiting or new to town definitely go check this place out. Not a gym in the city like this place, i know from experience. Very friendly, and welcoming instructors.
I have been training under Scott Smith for 7 years. I have trained in both standard classes and private lessons. My three children have learned Jiu Jitsu from him. I would not consider training anywhere else because of his knowledge base, quality of character and personal integrity. He has created an atmosphere for individuals to learn, train and support each other to improve all of our skills as one big family. I do not hesitate to recommend our academy to anyone who wishes to learn the art of jiu jitsu or just some self defense.
We've been coming into Louisville at least twice per year for Seminars at this Academy for around 4 years now. The academy is immaculate, Instructors and staff treat you like family while at the same time providing Tier One expertise in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! My students and I always look forward to our next trip............
Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky is such a great environment. You tell from the moment you walk in Scott and Donna take great pride in a clean and family environment. I always feel welcomed and at home. Learning the art of Jiu Jitsu gave me a lot of confidence at work and in life. I was able to lose some substantial weight and it truly was the best workout I've every experienced. I would encourage anyone to give it a try. It changed my life.
This place is filled with wonderful vibes. Everyone in this academy practices a high level of modesty and looks to improve one another. My kids refer to their time on the mats as “fun night.” They often ask if they can stop by to tell Professor Scott the highlights in their life. He has a way of making the kids feel comfortable and also teaches honor, confidence and important lessons the kids respect. All the coaches are amazing with both the kids and adults. It’s a place everyone in the family enjoys spending time. Can we get a 6 star option?
Professor Scott Smith is the true representation of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky. The true spirit of his academy is that this is my academy. He wants to embrace this feeling so when I am training and my daughter is training that we feel as if we are home. When I first started training at GJJKY, I remember Professor Scott Smith telling me that the Jiu-Jitsu is free and what I am paying for is the atmosphere. At first, I didn’t really know how to take that comment but as time went on in my training, I quickly realized that this academy has become my home away from home. So I would encourage you and those that are reading the reviews to stop by Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky so we can show you our beautiful academy.
Everyone treats you like family! If you are looking to get solid technique, a workout, or self defense, this is the place. Great instructors and plenty of available classes days or nights.
I have attended several of the womens self defense classes at this academy. The instructors are so helpful and truly care about your ability to retain the techniques they are instructing. After I leave work in the evening I feel safe because of what I have learned with this academy. Everyone needs to know some sort of self defense, and for a woman this is the best place to start. YOU HAVE AN AMAZING PROGRAM! Looking forward to the next one!
I love being a part of the GJJKY family! Scott and Donna have a great academy where everyone can learn and have a great time. GJJKY was a lifesaver for me. I was new to the area and my children started training with Scott and a few months later our whole family was hooked and we haven't regretted our decision to join them.
I am visiting from Oklahoma City and needed a place to train while on vacation. Professor Scott was very welcoming and friendly. The members took time to introduce themselves and meet me before class. The instruction was very detailed and great for all levels of training. The facility is very clean and modern. This is a great place to train.
This place is great! Everyone is very friendly and helpful toward beginners like myself. The facilities are clean and modern. I noticed a big improvement in my physical fitness after just a few weeks of attending classes, give it a try!
Great school! Thanks so much for the hospitality while I was in town. Scott and crew are a great bunch!
Clean facility. GREAT people. Phenomenal classes for young and old.
Great atmosphere, the people feel like family, very caring! Quality jiu jitsu, great SportFit program!
I have been to many gyms and martial arts academys, from the United Kingdom to Florida (USA) to Kentucky (USA) and more. This is by far the best I have seen. An extremely welcoming environment. There is not a single big ego in the building. It's such a great family friendly place. No matter what level you're at, it's definitely the only choice in Louisville.
My son and I went to try it out really not knowing what to expect and we both LOVED IT here. The staff is awesome and really took time to talk to us and explain things. Now both my son and I are members and really enjoy it!
Gracie Jui Jitsu of Kentucky is a wonderful and supportive martial arts academy. I have trained in three other locations across the nation, and Gracie Jui Jitsu is the best fit for me and my children. What really sets them apart is the warm, family like atmosphere. You can learn Jui Jitsu anywhere, but you will feel like you are part of a family at the Gracie Academy. Most of all, I appreciate the opportunities that Scott Smith and his team have provided for me and my children. His fun-based children's program has allowed my daughters and I to connect and create lasting memories centered around Jui Jitsu. His youth program allows parents to work along side their child on the mats...parents and children get a workout! My children are having fun while learning discipline, problem solving, patience and self-defense. Come check it out for yourself.
Learning Gracie Jiu Jitsu has been an extremely positive and fun experience. The level of fun and camaraderie is unparalleled. Obviously it's daunting to start a martial art not really knowing what to expect, but this school is extremely welcoming and student oriented. Scott Smith and all the instructors are the most humble and down to earth martial artists you could meet. They truly care that everyone learns in a fun and safe way. If you have been thinking about learning jiu jitsu, stop by and watch a class; participate in a class - or three. They will not even pressure you to join - but you will!
Great train. Came from Renzo Brooklyn to get a good train in and this academy welcomed me with open arms. Clean, respectful, tough, and educated studio. The head instructor was extremely nice and made me feel right at home. A must stop if you're ever in the area.
Insrtuctors are amazing!! My son Dallas is a very shy child, since he started the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu class, his confidence has gotten so much better! He believes in his self, his social anxiety has gotten better! The instructors always let him know and notice when he's working really hard, when he makes mistakes they correct him without making him feel bad or embarrassed! The encouragement really motivates him to do better! I would def suggest this class to any child! A five star rating for sure from the Ford family
Every training day I learn something new that guides me through my journey. Not just on the mat , but also off the mat.
If you are looking for a realistic system of self defense and an unparalleled martial arts experience, you owe it to yourself to check out Scott Smith and the team at Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky. Simply the best.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky is a fine Academy. It is very clean and maintened. What truly makes this Academy great are the people involved. The owners, instructors, and students are all welcoming and have a genuine interest to engage and invest in you as a person. Simply put... Great Academy, better people.
Stopped in to train while in town and it is one of the nicest facilities I've trained in. It's a gem in the Midwest. Great instructor and very structured classes make training and learning easy. Everyone was very nice and hospitable.
We enrolled our child into the spider monkey program. The instructors are all top notch. They seem to genuinely enjoy working with the kids. The parents are all super friendly as well. You can get a sense of family from this business.
super friendly academy and the bjj is phenomenal.
I have been training with Scott at GJJKY for a little over a year now. It is a wonderful place full of amazing people and instructors. From the minute I walked through the door I was embraced as family. As an out of shape older woman, I have never been made to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. The admosphere is one of growth, learning and helping. Everyone at the academy old or new is willing to help and encourage. I have never been anyplace so encouraging in my path towards reaching my goals!! I would recommend to anyone to try it out! You will come back! :)
I just got back from training at Gracie Kentucky. I have to say this is one of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) schools I have every been to. The place was really clean and everyone there was super cool. But most of all the quality of instruction was really top notch high level. The kids martial arts program was great too. i caught the last haft of the class while i was waiting for adult class to start. There were a lot of kids in the class and I could tell that the class was really well run. The kids were attentive and really paying good attention. Great place to train. Ill be back for sure.
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