Midtown Grappling Academy

584 Tillman St Suite #2, Memphis, TN 38112, USA

(74 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi MMA No-Gi Self-Defense Wrestling

Classes

Adults Classes Black Belt Instruction Fundamentals

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

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Midtown Grappling Academy promotes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, give self defense classes in Memphis. We offer kids and all level jiu jitsu, submission wrestling

https://www.mgamemphis.com/

(901) 606-3308

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Reviews

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Brandle Bogle

I’m visiting from out of town and this is a Great gym! Every single person introduced themselves and were all very friendly. I’ll definitely be back

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Posted 1 year ago
Luke d

While Visiting Memphis, I came here to train during one of the morning sessions. The instructor was fantastic and very welcoming, there was plenty of great training partners and a friendly warm environment. Would highly recommend to anyone in the Memphis area or to those visiting. Had wonderful training experience and they have awesome facility.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
mike sebranek

The gym has a great mat space plus available showers. The vibe was very friendly and welcoming from the students and staff. No egos and excellent instruction. This is a solid place to train.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
JONATHAN EILAND

First time training in Memphis at this academy and I was not disappointed. Welcomed with open arms and got great gi & nogi rounds in with guys. Highly recommend this gym and had a great time on the mats.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
RCBJJ Lawton

As a black belt and gym owner, this gym was very knowledgeable with great rolls and a great atmosphere! The professor was super friendly and so were all of his students! It’s hot in there just like I like it! Porrada every day!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jarrod Hoffman

I’ve been training here for coming up on a year now. The coaches are super encouraging and knowledgeable. The gym culture and rolling partners keep me coming back. I highly recommend checking it out!

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Posted 2 years ago
Miles Colon

I dropped in for a class and they were very welcoming and the instructor was wonderful. Thank you so much

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Posted 2 years ago
George Moll

Good people, good jiu-jitsu, clean facility. I dropped in for a morning class and enjoyed the instruction, training, and conversation. Easy recommendation, go see them!

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Posted 2 years ago
Jonathan Shiery

Alex and his team were awesome. I drop into many bjj gyms and they went over and above to make me feel at home. Great techniques and learned a bunch of new details. Gym is huge, very nice and comfortable. The team had strong jiujitsu and were very friendly. Absolutely recommend training with them if you are in Memphis.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Bryce Henry

Started going here a couple months ago after a couple year lapse of training. Great atmosphere, coaching, competition and mat space. You absolutely cannot go wrong trying Memphis Grappling Academy.

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Posted 2 years ago
Jay Uppuluri

MGA is an excellent place to train for people of all levels. I trained at MGA for two years, and what I appreciated most were the great community and quality instruction. I highly recommend this gym.

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Posted 2 years ago
Storm Owens

MGA is a great place where I have made lifelong friendships in the process of getting amazing training. You will not only learn great BJJ, you will learn life lessons that are invaluable.

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Posted 2 years ago
Matthew

Best BJJ in Memphis, great people and gym!

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Posted 2 years ago
Ben Somekh

This was the first BJJ gym I joined. I'm on the smaller side and wasn't in the best shape, but Alex, Caleb and many of the members were super inviting and helped me get into it. Don't get me wrong, this place is definitely on the competitive side, but if you have self-discipline you won't burn out, which is a risk. I felt like there weren't a lot of beginner focused drills when I first started, but as time moved on I believe they started to do more of that so I'm happy about it. Highly recommend

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Posted 2 years ago
zachxr

MGA is the premiere Jiu-Jitsu school in Memphis. With a family friendly atmosphere and an incredible group of people MGA is definetly the place you want to train. They are very welcoming to beginners and I have made some great friendships and grown as a person my time there. Everyone there is super supportive and they see eachother as one big family. There are also classes for kids that are always pact and its a great way for a young person to socialze, have fun, and burn off all the crazy energy we know kids have. If you are someone who is looking for a new gym or somone who is thinking about trying it for the first time, I cannot recommend Midtown Grappling Academy enough. So come on down and get on the mats with us and start your journey to being a healthier and better you!

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Posted 3 years ago
Melissa Wilbanks

Wonderful children’s program! The coaches love what they do & it shows!

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Posted 3 years ago
Zackary Hanson

Love it here, great atmosphere where everyone helps everyone get better. Egos are left at the door and everyone is there to learn and grow. Great family friendly enviroment. My son loves the kid class! Very clean!

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Posted 3 years ago
Ben Clegg

The Real Deal in Brazilian Jui Jitsiu. Excellent facility, huge mat space and very knowledgeable instructors.

Instructors Facility
Posted 3 years ago
Aaron Kanowitz

I first started with MGA primarily because of their wide range of schedule options. Their mid-day class is a perfect fit for me. There I found a clean gym, with other amenities like weights, a shower, and lockers. The students there are mutually respectful, highly motivated and cohesive. Most importantly, Coach Tom is a gifted instructor and practitioner who is detailed but concise, methodical, and organized. Under his and Professor Alex’s expert guidance, I know I’m getting first-rate training.

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Posted 3 years ago
Caleb Fox

Great experience at Midtown Grappling Academy! Top-notch instructors, great facilities.

Instructors Facility
Posted 3 years ago
Adam Levin

Always a place of friendship, camaraderie, and wonderful instruction. This is not just a place for professional athletes but for everyone and anyone seeking to improve their lives through martial arts and Jiujitsu. Just show up and you’ll find out. Cheers to Alex and his great team!!🔥🔥

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Posted 3 years ago
Iesan Karki

Alex and his gym is a wonderful place to learn. Everyone is welcoming, helpful and most importantly knowledgeable instructors specially caleb 10/10!

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Posted 3 years ago
Jonny Guerra

Been training at MGA for a few years. Great instruction, great people. Very welcoming environment for new learners. Highly recommend if you’re considering trying BJJ

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Posted 3 years ago
dennis gonzalez

If you want to learn Brazilian Jiu jitsu midtown grappling academy is the place I would chose to go to all the people are nice the owner of the Alexandre Meadows is nice person I’ve met when I first started I was bit nervous and shy because it was people more experienced than me and I didn’t know anything about Jiu jitsu but the more I came the more I got to know everyone in the gym and I loved every single bit of it and i gotten experience from the past two years I’ve been going there and its for everyone even for kids as well so if you your kids to build up confidence this is the place I would go to I love everything about it and I don’t regret the choice starting Brazilian jiu jitsu.

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Posted 3 years ago
Jack Shelton

Fantastic community and training!

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Posted 3 years ago
Smokin’ Sails

If you wanna get strong. Come here. 💪🏻 It’s a great group of people 🤙🏻 Feels like family

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Posted 3 years ago
Rafael Jesus

Great place for training, one of the best in all Tennesse , strongly recommend Alliance TN !

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Posted 3 years ago
Jonathan “JD” Deming

This is the place to be if you want to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! Alex, the owner and head instructor, can trace his black-belt lineage to Marcelo Garcia and to the legendary Gracie family who pioneered the martial art. Despite this prestige, it is still a friendly and approachable gym. The culture is respectful and welcoming to newcomers and all types of people, and the instruction is thorough and highly developed. The gym has a good number of members who train for competition but injuries are uncommon. Come here if you want to get an insane workout and learn how to grapple!

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Posted 3 years ago
Larry Thompson

I have been training with Professor Alex Meadows for the last 10 years as I come and go through the Memphis area. I consider this one of my BJJ homes. Tough grapplers that are dedicated to the game! Will always stop by for a good session when I come back to Memphis.

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Posted 3 years ago
RiceWinja

5/5 for BJJ in the Memphis area. Great instructors and even better people. Bring a friend!

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Posted 3 years ago
Samuel Zapolsky

An excellent gym and a great group of people. I have been a regular at the 5:30am Gi classes for 7mo. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and provide very helpful feedback during training and drills. From some brief earlier experience practicing BJJ in Washington, DC and SF Bay area, I can say this gym has a great attitude and level of intensity. Also, I was very impressed by this gym's cleanliness when I was first looking around for where to start training. I'm very happy to have found this gym after moving to Memphis for work.

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Posted 3 years ago
Yousef Y

Gym is dope, they let me pray and take training very seriously / make sure they pay attention to you and push you to improve where you lack. Just about everyone is kind, respectful, and welcoming. They also let me pray when it’s time for me to, allowing me to step off to do so and rejoin class, and respect my religious values a lot which to me is number 1 in what I appreciate the most wherever I am.

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Posted 3 years ago
Lucas Olsen

Been training here for a year now. The instructors are top notch, good vibes from the students, and the facilities are excellent. Can't recommend this gym enough!

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Posted 3 years ago
Adrian Ishee

I have trained with Alex since 2009. Midtown Grappling Academy is his coolest spot to train so far, and he's a great guy. High level competitors often give seminars at the school. Many students compete as well. Our twins,8 years old, trained with him for two years. The socialization and discipline has helped them alot. If you are a fighter, bjj competitor, looking for self defense classes or a place for your kiddos to gain some knowledge and discipline this is the place.

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Posted 3 years ago
Stephen Lytle

This is a great place to start or to continue your jujitsu journey. Alex Meadows is solid teacher that understands and teaches jujitsu well, but also brings other black belts in to provide a different perspective which creates the opportunity for well rounded style through different perspectives . I liked that kind of teaching style because you get to learn from multiple great minds . Midtown grappling is a family that pushes each other to be their best. Whether you’re a white belt or a black belt this is the place you need to train. These are the people you need to surround yourself with positive, empowering and disciplined individuals from all walks of life. If you are interested just go to Midtown it’s the best!

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Posted 3 years ago
Jessica Boyd

Our family has been training at MGA going on 2 years. It’s a nice large open facility with room for many to roll and equipment for a workout. Coach Caleb & Coach Talor are great working with kids and keep things fun while also teaching discipline and self control. During the kids downtime they have books and chess to keep the kids engaged in development. My kids have been able to learn lots of self defense and mental strength that the world needs! They also have awesome visitors/seminars to share new techniques. We’ve been extremely blessed with a great community of people who encourage us all to be our best! I definitely recommend MGA.

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Posted 3 years ago
Ahmad Mawlawi

The best coaches! Great environment to learn and grow with no judgement.

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Posted 3 years ago
Kenny Kaplan

Great room to drop in at. Super welcoming and great instruction. Tough rolls too. 😎 My go to when I come visit

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Posted 3 years ago
James Johnson

Epic freaking class, came from Branson mo to tn for family reunion and wanted to drop in and train and this place did not disappoint, such an epic experience!

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Posted 3 years ago
Patrick M

Great place, great environment. All the coaches are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Alex, the owner, is very encouraging and helpful. Highly recommend.

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Posted 3 years ago
Thomas Szymanek

My son trains here and loves it! Alex and Caleb are awesome instructors and great with kids. I highly recommend this place.

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Posted 3 years ago
Francesca Bengert

MGA is an awesome and unique place. My kids and I are so glad we found it! The coaches at MGA are experienced, talented and the best you are going to find. The kids’ classes promote control, fun and fitness. They are coached to work well in a group but they individualize the training to bring out the best in each kid. Coach Taylor and Coach Caleb are treasures! After a class that promotes dynamic movement and focused energy they will play chess with the kids?!! Amazing. Many parents train while the kids train. It’s an awesome community. The facilities are clean and well kept. Five stars all day, every day.

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Posted 3 years ago
Aaron May

I have been training here for the past year. Alex, Caleb, Nick and the other coaches are very detail oriented and clear in their explanation of the positions and moves. They provide individual feedback real time which helps fine tuning my skill set. I see this type of attention given to all of my classmates. The gym is welcoming to people who have never practiced the art as well as those that are more experienced and just dropping in. The more I’ve gone to classes the better I have developed friendships with everyone. Stoked to continue training here.

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Posted 3 years ago
n8

Best jiu jitsu gym in town for the serious student. Welcoming environment. Knowledgeable instructors. You will work hard and learn a lot. Free 2-week trial for new students.

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Posted 3 years ago
Zach

Facilities, top notch Instruction, top notch Community, top notch

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Posted 3 years ago
Nick Steele

Kids program is amazing. Adult classes are amazing. It’s a good place to have your whole family train.

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Posted 3 years ago
David Sehar

I've been training at MGA for a little over a year and I absolutely love it! The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about jiu jitsu, and they create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through the doors. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, you'll find a challenging and rewarding training experience here. The facilities are top-notch, with plenty of space and equipment to accommodate even the busiest classes. The training partners are friendly and respectful, and everyone is committed to helping each other improve. I highly recommend training here!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Meelo Bayakly

Absolutely fantastic place to train whether you are a beginner or expert. Classes are in morning afternoon and night so there’s definitely a time slot for you to come train even a Saturday open mat. Instructor’s are world class many of them with world and pan American medals, including gold.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Save Deez Nuts

Our son has been going there for almost 2 years. Alex, Caleb and Taylor are all great teachers and really take time to help the kids progress. If your looking to get your kid into something besides video games that will help them build confidence, strength, conditioning and fitness. Don't hesitate to stop by and check it out. Highly recommended

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Sarah Christine Bolton

My son (10 years old) has been training here for several years and he loves it. The jiu jitsu training is fantastic and I love how the coaches encourage the kids to play chess, read, and interact with each other respectfully.

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Posted 3 years ago
Curt Workman

Very welcoming. I will be going to my first class next week

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Posted 4 years ago
Zach Callicutt

Best Brazilian Jiujitsu instruction you'll find in the Memphis Area hands down!

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Posted 4 years ago
Kevin Henry

best murder yoga in the city

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Posted 5 years ago
Natalia Tapia

This is a great place to find good quality people and instruction. Serves all levels well, the staff is friendly welcoming and will push you to be better than you ever were!

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Posted 5 years ago
Michael Atkinson

It’a hard to beat training with a Marcelo Garcia blackbelt. Very calming, friendly atmosphere. Alex is a good dude and I’ll train here every time I’m in Memphis. Great place for beginners and advanced.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
EM SUTTON

MGA is an awesome place! Mr. Bo (Knows) Hardy does an outstanding job with the 0530 and 0700 classes of teaching technique nuances and relating to every belt level! I was also fortunate to get to spend some time talking with Prof Alex who is a terrific individual and very welcoming! The members here are terrific also. We are in town for a brief time and within the first month I feel I have a dozen new friends in Memphis that would help with any need my family may have. Really an outstanding group of people to spend the first hours of the day with. The training is intense, lots of rolling after instruction and drill, then open mat time where you can continue rolling or get additional instruction on sticking points. There are abilities of all levels on the morning, so don’t be intimidated if you’re considering your first class or lack experience. You’ll learn fast and have tons of support. I’d recommend Midtown Grappling Academy to anyone who is considering BJJ in the Memphis area. A quick list(not all encompassing however) of things you’ll gain from your experience: strength, conditioning, a functional skill, confidence, problem solving, calmness under pressure, camaraderie with great people. Be sure to volunteer in the first couple weeks to be the test dummy... ;) enjoy!

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Posted 6 years ago
Nick Demari

I’ve visited all the jiu-jitsu academies in the area. This is the best place to train! Everyone is very welcoming and the training is world class.

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Posted 7 years ago
Andrew Lewis

Normally, I don’t give 5 star reviews, but Alex and his staff went above and beyond. They let me borrow a gi and Alex personally drove me back to my hotel so I could save on taxi money. I came to Memphis on a business trip for a week and wanted to train. Alex’s staff answered the phone promptly and answered all of my questions. I showed up and Alex was super cool and nice. We did a 10 minute warm up, a half guard pass, drilled that half guard pass, and then rolled in 6 min intervals for a half hour. Alex’s instruction was clear and detailed. Everyone at the academy was nice.

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Posted 8 years ago
H H

Best jiu jitsu gym in Memphis. Alex Meadows is a great instructor and the whole vibe is great. Everyone is friendly and welcoming.

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Posted 8 years ago
Maria Luíza Souza

Best place to train Jiu Iitsu in Memphis!

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Posted 9 years ago
Rodney Souza

Amazing place

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Posted 9 years ago
Austin Fraley

Alex is a world class BJJ instructor and a really cool guy ive been training with them for almost a year and a half now and im getting into better shape while also learning self defense everyone here is friendly and will help you if you need it you will feel very welcomed from the moment you get there. if your looking for the best BJJ gym around come visit MGA you will not be disappointed!!

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Posted 9 years ago
Marcus Wiggins

I have been training with Alex Meadows for 6 years, and have had the privilege of training BJJ around the USA. Memphis Grappling Academy is not only at the top of my list of gyms I have ever trained at, it is also a family. When you join this gym you are welcomed by everyone as a brother/sister. If you are looking for a wonderful environment to get into shape and learn self defense this is the gym for you!!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Renata Henderson

Took my sons for a birthday party and the facility was nice and clean. Clear process for signing in. However, my son, who had not previously had experience in this type of environment, was scolded multiple times by one of the coaches. He was told that he would be “asked off the mat”. The first time was because he ran off the mat and came back on (and wasn’t initially told that he couldn’t). The second time was because he put his shoes on to get water and mistakenly walked on the mat, though many children were at this point walking on and off the mat without shoes. While I understand and respect the rules of establishments such as these, my son did not and was expected to behave as a regular student instead of a child coming for a birthday party. I addressed the coach and he never apologized for singling out my child. It left a bad taste in my mouth and I will definitely not be going back.

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Posted 2 years ago