731 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA
Downtown Raleigh’s choice for World Class BJJ. Offering Kids and Adults Raleigh Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for all levels and experience.
Amazing gym. I came here with zero knowledge of Jiu Jitsu and was welcomed with open arms. Coach Glayton and the rest of the staff are top notch people. The amazing staff and students here help to foster the ideal gym culture; you can push yourself as far as you’d like to go. If you have been thinking about wanting to give Jiu Jitsu a try, I couldn’t think of a better gym to join. Thank you to everyone at IronGrip!! <3 -Baird
I would 100% recommend IronGrip if you are starting or continuing your BJJ journey! I came in one year ago knowing barely anything about jiu-jitsu. The instructors have been very patient and constantly encourage me to keep growing and training.
Iron Grip Jiu Jitsu is a hidden gem for martial arts enthusiasts in the area. The instructors are world-class, with a perfect blend of technical expertise and approachable teaching styles that make learning enjoyable for all skill levels. The facility is clean, spacious, and well-equipped with quality mats and training gear. What really sets Iron Grip apart, though, is the supportive community they've built. The students are friendly and encouraging, creating an environment where everyone pushes each other to improve. Our son has seen significant progress in technique and fitness since joining. The curriculum is well-structured, offering a mix of fundamental drills and more advanced concepts that keep classes challenging and engaging. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced grappler, Iron Grip Jiu Jitsu has something to offer. If you're looking to learn self-defense or get in shape Five stars - I can't recommend Iron Grip Jiu Jitsu highly enough!
I started training at Irongrip about five months ago after training at several other gyms over the past several years. I felt welcomed at Irongrip right away and I've quickly been able to form friendships with the other people training there. Coach Glayton is an excellent instructor who is both extremely skilled in Jiu-Jitsu and good at imparting that knowledge to others. There is an atmosphere of camaraderie and friendly competition in the gym that I really enjoy. I've improved my jiujitsu while training here but more importantly I've enjoyed my time there. That's what keeps people coming back.
Best gym in the area by far. I've stuck with Iron Grip every day for the last six months, and can't think of a reason why I'd stop. The price of any BJJ gym is nothing compared to what you're getting in return - a thriving community, a life changing journey. I felt intimidated the first time I looked into a BJJ gym, watching people roll. I knew if I never tried, it would haunt me, another quiet insecurity holding me back from living. I tried out every gym in the area and chose IG. Now, instead of fear, I feel meaningful joy every time I get to work with my friends.
Glayton is a fantastic teacher! He teaches in a smooth and a positive learning friendly environment! Everyone at IronGrip BJJ is very friendly with just the right mix of flexible competition!
Words can’t express how I feel about Irongrip, Glayton, and the TEAM. All I can say is that this facility is clean, organized, and motivating. Glayton, coach, defines what true leadership is. He is dedicated to quality results by implementing an effective approach to BJJ for all levels. He takes the time to learn and understand each and every student by talking, analyzing, assisting, and rolling with each one. His students, the Team, are always enthusiastic about learning and working together. Irongip isn’t just a place to come learn BJJ it’s more than that. It’s a place for teamwork, quantity and quality results, discipline, community, motivation, and challenges. I couldn’t ask for a better place to excel my new journey in BJJ. Thanks coach for everything!
IRONGRIP was the place I chose last summer to begin my Jiu Jitsu journey, and I have to say that it could not have gone better. (It almost feels strange writing a review on a place that feels so much like a beloved school.) The environment at IRONGRIP is absolutely top-notch. The facilities are of impeccable in cleanliness and quality, and the people and environment absolutely cannot be friendlier. There is a communal work ethic that is blended with a joy and delight in the sport, a camaraderie and discipline all rolled into one. Glayton is one of the best coaches I have ever experienced, and any of the color belts that step up to lead a class or drill are like experienced team captains. The BJJ fundamentals that I learned there have allowed me to carry my trajectory to a new level at my University gym, and my understanding of BJJ culture, structure, and martial art skills were such that I felt fully prepared. After taking several years off from Wrestling, IRONGRIP allowed me to return to the combat sports/martial art world with a passion and a delight, and the skills I learned there have allowed me to work on my physical and mental like no other activity. I am delighted and proud to report that IRONGRIP Jiu Jitsu is the gym where I started what I know to be a life long love affair with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Oss!
Best decision of my life. Showed up to a trial class after missing the sign up link, and Glayton (head instructor) came out and talked to me for 20+ minutes before even taking my first class. His personal approach and connection to every student is something I never could have expected but value beyond belief. IronGrip has made me a better human being, not just jiu jitsu practitioner. Glayton and every student make it feel not just like a gym but a community. Over the past 7 months IronGrip has grown me physically, mentally, and spiritually and it’s all thanks to Glayton and the entire gym. Best place ever
I'm still very new to BJJ, but Glayton and his students at IronGrip are wonderful. It didn't take long to begin to feel the sense of community, and the instruction has been forgiving for a beginner but still one of the hardest things I've ever done. I'm hooked and I couldn't be happier choosing IronGrip Jiu Jitsu.
Started a couple months ago and it has been the best decision I've made. Everyone is super friendly so getting to know people is easy but also have some really talented people teaching the classes
Great coach and great learning environment! Love this place
Best decision I've made in a long long time. Glayton is a fantastic instructor and made me feel welcomed from the beginning along with everyone else in the gym. The ball is completely in your court here because everything else is already in place for you to succeed in this environment.
So I’ve been going to this gym for almost half a year and it’s been amazing! Glayton’s a very attentive instructor and has really helped me feel like I’m improving my game every class I go to! The community is great as well as everyone is very humble, kind, and willing to help each other. If your looking to start jiu jitsu I highly recommend you start here!
I’ve come to BJJ late in life, and I couldn’t have asked for a better gym. Glayton, Iron Grip’s founder, pushes his students while being extremely friendly and supportive. His technical knowledge of BJJ is off the charts, and his training style is highly effective. Perhaps most importantly, there is a sense of community and mutual support that exists both on and off the mat.
The coach is awesome and a great teacher. Also, the atmosphere is super welcoming and everyone there is nice.
IRONGRIP JIU JITSU is an excellent martial arts studio that anyone seeking to learn new skills, develop old ones, or simply find a constructive challenge can benefit from. Glayton's expertise as a martial artist and gifts as a coach create a learning environment that is highly effective and very rewarding. Both the fundamental and advanced curriculums are structured to include comprehensive reviews and practical testing. Anyone who attends consistently will learn well and learn fast. The environment is upbeat and encouraging while still remaining disciplined and focused. I highly recommend IRONGRIP JIU JITSU to anyone interested in martial arts.
When I walked into IRONGRIP JIU JITSU as a beginner, I was treated like a friend not just from Glayton, the head instructor, but from his students as well. Any feelings of unrest or intimidation I might have had, simply melted away. Glayton teaches grappling moves and then we drill with a partner. As you progress, you will start to spar or “Roll” with the other students testing your technique, efficiency and strength. I really admire the ways in which Glayton gives personal attention to every student. He shares his stories and vulnerabilities and it is through that display that we get to observe a great leader. The result is that every student becomes a teacher as well. And every new student benefits from this culture. Through these interactions you will learn about powerful grappling techniques and you will develop close friendships. This is a tribe; a family. We are competing with each other every day, but we are also rooting for each other to learn and get better. It’s one of those environments where you are encouraged to make multitudes of other positive lifestyle changes: discipline, diet, fitness, strength, etc. so that you can be the best you. This place is worth the price every day. You get what you put into it and if you are like me, you’ll love every class, every sprawl and every red-faced “Triangle” choke hold.
Coach Glayton is a awesome coach. My daughter who is 6 is still trying to understand what a push up is, and in general trying to understand how to make her body do what the old students are doing and coach helps her and guides her to succeed. The shear enjoyment my daughter has while learning BJJ is very great. 10 out of 10 would highly recommend Coach Glayton to anyone wanting to learn BJJ.
IronGrip is the best place to learn Jiu-Jitsu and also life lessons. Coach Clayton is knowledgeable about the game and the human body. Since joining IronGrip, I have lost 60 pounds and changed my outlook on life. By joining IronGrip, you will meet a fantastic group of people who will help you improve. Do not hesitate; join now! It is worth the price!
Since Dec 2019, I have been training with the IronGrip team. I can say that I am thankful and having an amazing experience training in a family environment. IronGrip team is a very welcoming team to new members from different backgrounds and cultures. Also, the IronGrip team is helping me a lot with training and is on my side when I have my bad days. Glayton Melo is a fantastic coach. He is family and best friend. Also, He is an understanding person and a very patient coach, especially with my English. He understands my lack of English language and gave me the time to ask my question. Also, he is very patient with teaching the techniques walking me through the baby steps, and making sure everyone is doing the techniques right. Also bing thank for Alisha “Alishoooo” best office lady ever. She gave me tour in the gym and helping me with signing my papers.
Iron Grip BJJ exceeded my expectations from the moment I hit the ‘Request More Information’ button. It is a welcoming community and my son loves the Kids BJJ class! The class emphasizes safety, discipline and respect while teaching foundational movements. Glayton and Jared are wonderful instructors who show genuine interest in the development of each student both on and off the mat. I highly recommend!!
I've been training for 4 month at Iron Grip and I love it. Glayton is a fantastic instructor and has created a great community. The gym has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The techniques are clearly presented and Glayton comes around and gives pointers and tips to make sure you are getting the most out of your time in the gym. Asking questions and rolling with Glayton reveals the deep level of knowledge in practicing and teaching BJJ.
I’m a beginner at BJJ and have enjoyed training at irongrip for the last few months. Great community, welcoming to questions, and focused on improvement.
I came to Iron Grip about 3 months ago no knowing much about the art of Jiu Jitsu, my first class I ever attended I felt welcomed. Iron grip as such a good group of men and women that provide a positive atmosphere for learning and competition. Glayton, who is the instructor is very nice and extremely knowledgeable about Jiu Jitsu, I wouldn’t want to be training under anyone else. I would highly recommend this gym for anyone that might be interested in starting Jiu Jitsu as it provides such a great learning environment.
Honestly, life changing. Amazing coaching and I really enjoy my time here.
If you want to learn jiu jitsu from a true master a true virtuoso there is no other place nearby that can compare. A place to grow and learn with more than teammates but people who eventually become family.
I really enjoy training at iron grip, I like The culture, really good leadership, and professional staff. I really enjoy coming in everyday and learning something new with people I enjoy.
Clayton and the rest of the gym was extremely welcoming. The gym and the instructor are legit, and highly recommend training long term or a drop in!
Been training here for 2 years and have learned about far more than martial arts. Glayton has a very special energy that you can’t just find anywhere. If you want to find your inner demons and fight and beat them then this is the place for you. You will always leave feeling better about yourself.
IronGrip jiu Jitsu is very fun with a lot of people in all different skill levels Glayton is a great coach i have learned a tone of skills 🥋
Took my first bjj class at Irongrip Jiu Jitsu with Glayton Melo. He was super helpful and welcoming! I would highly recommend stopping by for a class and meeting Glayton if you are interested in bjj in the Raleigh area!
If you want to learn Brazilian Jiujitsu from a master, you need to train at Iron Grip. Glayton is enthusiastic, dedicated, and extremely knowledgeable. He ensures that your training partners are polite, helpful, and stay on task. Try Iron Grip before you try anything else.
I competed successfully in American rules kickboxing, but had done very little grappling before I had the opportunity to train with Glayton. I found BJJ fascinating - like magic tricks! - and focused on training and rolling. Glayton (he's Brazilian) always came to class with an upbeat attitude and a smile on his face. His enthusiasm is infectious, which helps explain his students' devotion to training with him. I would still be with him, but chronic injuries (acquired before BJJ) required three surgeries, which I am still rehabbing. I hope to get back on the mat when I've healed up!
Instructor Glayton is an amazing jiu jitsu coach. He has a tremendous amount of experience and a very soft touch. His patience and attention to detail helped me feel safe in this new environment. I have trained other styles before and was very impressed at the quality of instruction from this school.
Glayton and Iron Grip Jiu Jitsu is awesome! I’m super grateful to have trained under him for almost a year. He has a spectacular attitude and genuine care and concern about you’re game progression and you as a person. Super easy to talk with and listen to. His history as a black belt competitor and as a professor of Jiu Jitsu is very impressive. His manner of teaching is catered to everyone’s own game and making you feel good about what you’re learning and how you’re doing. Can’t say enough positive things about Glayton and Iron Grip. Passion for the sport, the art, the training, and total positive energy. Much love and respect!
Top notch instruction from a black belt that has used jiu jitsu in the police force and world class tournaments. Highly recommend!
I've had the good fortune of training with Glayton for a few years. He's a detailed instructor who focuses on the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu (both gi and no-gi). Every lesson with him is a master class in building a strong foundation and leveling up with the nuances that make a move work sometimes or all of the time. I highly recommend working with him.
I’ve worked with Glayton for more than a year, hard to match his knowledge, he is the best pure BJJ person in the triangle area. A pro at what he does and also a great friend!
Irongrip is a great BJJ program with a world-class instructor. The community is welcoming and supportive, with none of the ego you sometimes find in combat sports. Glayton is able to take his high-level skill and instruction and make it accessible to beginning students, and at the same time he has endless knowledge for the advanced students. A fantastic program that I highly recommend!
I've worked with Glayton for over a year. Its hard to find someone of his level with such humility and work ethic. By far the best I've worked with. Highly recommend Iron grip Jiu Jitsu. His classes our great and his students are welcoming.
Glayton is a great friend and an excellent BJJ instructor. Glayton gives so much energy to his students and creates a very positive training environment. I would highly recommend this coach.
I absolutely love training here. Glayton, the instructor is so experienced and is great explaining things through. It helps as a young female to learn these techniques and to be able to protect myself if ever necessary. I highly recommend training here if you are interested in self-defense, getting in shape, or simply learning something new. You will definitely be getting your moneys worth!
It's difficult to know if you are training the real BJJ, with Irongrip you are sure you are. Glayton is extremely helpful whether you are a beginner or advance practitioner. If you are looking to start you BJJ journey, make sure you go to Irongrip
An incredible experience. Training Jiu Jitsu under Glayton Melo (the instructor) is a real privilege. The classes are excellent for students of all experience levels -- Glayton spends hands-on time with you, and he is a clear and skilled teacher. Training at IronGrip has made me more confident in my ability to defend myself and loved ones. I would recommend IronGrip Jiu Jitsu to anybody that is hard working, has a desire to learn, and brings a humble and positive attitude.
I’ve had a great experience training at Iron Grip. The coach is straight from Brazil and has competed since he was a kid. He’s got a thick accent but gives very detailed instruction. Definitely a good place to train!
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