Renzo Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
417 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917, USA
RGRI One of New Englands Best Premium Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training Academy
417 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917, USA
RGRI One of New Englands Best Premium Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training Academy
Great and welcoming environment. Both the staff and students are friendly & helpful. Would definitely recommend Renzo Gracie RI to anyone currently practicing or interested Jiu-Jitsu.
Great community! I dropped in for an evening and a mid day class on two different days while visiting the state. I was welcomed by everyone in class both times, had good training partners, good rolls. Professor Cruz gave solid instruction on usable techniques with just the right amount of detail. The class format provided plenty of opportunities to apply the technique of the day followed by a healthy dose of sparring. I would recommend this gym anyone interested in starting Jiu Jitsu or looking for a place to drop in while on the road.
Best BJJ school / community around. Professor is knowledgeable, kind and patient. Classes are fun and challenging. The people are the best. Can’t recommend enough!
I joined this gym at the end of December. As someone over 40 who was looking to try something new, I couldn’t be happier. First off everyone here is extremely nice. Everyone knows everyone’s name and all are willing to help when you need them. Marcelo knows what he wants and knows how to get it out of you. He installs how much of this sport is mental as well. The classes are usually a great mix of people and I leave every class so happy I went.
Started my daughter at RGRI about 4 months ago. The coaches are all dedicated, encouraging and very professional. It feels like family when you walk through the door. Everyone always says hello with a smile and they all truly care. The facility is clean. Professor Marcelo always says hello to all the parents and makes you and your kids feel welcomed. It is evident how much he cares about his facility, and his craft. I am very appreciative of how much my daughter has learned so far and I truly love it here.
My daughters have been training here for the past year. They absolutely love the coaches, and have made great friends here. It’s been great seeing the changes in their self confidence.
I’ve been a part of this school for 5 months and it has been an incredible experience so far. Very welcoming community and great coaches. People of all ages and experience are welcome through the door at any time.
I’ve been part of this school for a little over a year and can honestly say it’s changed my life for the better. I’m 37 years old and signed up at this school after not having trained a martial art since I was a teenager. I signed up right before my father died and what would end up being one of the most difficult times in my life in the time that followed his passing. Training at this school helped me through this difficult period, and it continues to fortify me mentally in a way that’s been invaluable. Challenging training taught by a true master, surrounded by great people. I remember being a new guy and feeling truly supported not only by the coaches but the other students- they took time to coach me through things I struggled with and everyone is always extremely willing to sit and work with you through anything you need help with. Everyone remembers being the new guy and we are here to help. Everyone truly wants you to stick with it. Sign up today and change your life for the better.
Speaking as a woman, when I first started BJJ I was really worried about the physicality with training partners and how exactly the whole thing worked rolling with guys that were bigger/stronger. Professor Cruz is very conscientious of women in the school and who they roll with. Just knowing that he's aware was a huge weight off my shoulders. That being said, he doesn't treat women any differently or take it easy on them. He expects the women to train as hard and be just as good. Also, based on their comfort level, there's plenty of good guys to roll and train with at the gym. Professor is very good at weeding out toxic individuals from the gym to keep the whole environment positive, healthy, and fun. The women's community at the gym is also welcoming and growing, so you'll rarely be in a class where you're the only woman. Whether you want to train for a competition or just as a hobby, this gym will keep you accountable and it'll give you a whole new outlook on life.
I recently joined Renzo Gracie RI, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, and I am thrilled to share my experience. From the moment I stepped foot into the school, I was greeted with warm smiles, a sense of community, and a truly welcoming environment that has exceeded all my expectations. One standout is undoubtedly its focus on fostering a strong sense of community. Professor Cruz, Alex, all the instructors and fellow students alike were incredibly friendly, making me feel right at home from day one. And as a new student, with no prior experience in BJJ this was huge for me. The camaraderie within the school is great. It's not just about training together; it's about supporting one another on our respective journeys. It truly is an an inclusive learning environment where everyone feels valued, regardless of their skill level or experience The environment at Renzo Gracie RI is awesome. The facility itself is clean, spacious, and well-maintained, creating an ideal space for training. I can’t say enough about this school and I am grateful that I found it and decided to take the leap into a new journey.
If your child or even yourself is struggling with any type of distraction in life anxiety,addiction,and or depression do feel like something is missing ? There is it's JUJITSU I have personally watch my son grow in front of me in less than a year I myself am joining when injury is fully recovered I can't wait .....
RGRI is nothing short of a great experience. Professor Marcelo has an unwavering passion for the sport of jiu-jitsu and passes this down to his students. Everyone is treated like family from day one. The entire community helps each other and wants everyone to succeed, no matter their skill level. It is rare to see a high-level instructor such as Professor Marcelo not only be present for every class, but be in the trenches working and learning with you simultaneously. He truly cares about your learning and experience in the art of jiu-jitsu and life. I highly recommend RGRI for anybody wanting to start training, no matter the age level.
I absolutely love training at Renzo Gracie RI The instructors are all incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to take the time to help out individual students. The classes are always challenging, but also a lot of fun. I've made so many great friends at the gym and we all support and push each other to be our best. The atmosphere is always positive and welcoming, no matter what your skill level is. If you're looking to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I highly recommend this gym!
I'm very happy to have found this great community. Great instruction, great training partners and a very supportive atmosphere. It is run by someone who clearly cares about what he is doing. There are a lot of small children training that have great technique and seem to be having a great time, older adults defying the sands of time and everything in between. There are entire families that train together here. If you want to learn and expand your capabilities, and you're not a jerk, you're probably going to find fulfillment here that isn't available everywhere. Don't take my word for it. Watch a class. Try a class. Talk to some of the people. See for yourself.
Great learning experience and would highly recommend!!!
Great group to train with. Professor Marcelo is an amazing coach and practitioner of BJJ. He know how to push us and helps us excel as a team and individually in the sport. Great place and atmosphere for all types of practitioners. If you're looking to lose weight, learn self defense, meet new people or become a competitor, this this the place to be.
Awesome environment to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! You’re always being challenged but you’re always among friends. Professor Cruz is a straight up master of the art and all the instructors are excellent. Joining up is one of the best choices I’ve made in a long time. If you’re sitting on the fence reading this, get in there and see what it’s all about! 😁
This place amazing and welcoming. Going from no physical activity to this was the best decision I’ve made. Everyone is friendly and professional.
I've been training here for 8 months. Great atmosphere of respect and competition. Wonderful mix of all different types of people. Professor Marcelo can be difficult to understand because of his heavy Brazilian accent, but he has some awesome assistants that teach you as well.
Cant go wrong joining the family of people who attend this facility. You feel a part of it the moment you step through the doors. This facility is led by the most knowledgeable instructor in Rhode Island, he is extremely humble person and treats everyone like family. By far the beat decision I made, its truly life changing. You will not regret it!!!
What an amazing school. From day one I felt like I just joined the family. With one of the best professors in the world, Marcelo Cruz I have learned a lot since I join. very professional and clean gym I look forward to going every day.
This place is our second home! My 3 children are in the children’s program and I cannot say enough about it! The coaching is excellent, with a very warm, welcoming environment. My children’s life is blessed with this BJJ school, the confidence and camaraderie, is life changing for them.
The quality of training you get from this school with this Professor, is on another level. The people you train with are also, on another level. As the Professor says, "come change your life"!
Having been training jiu-jitsu/grappling for 12 years, I know the type of environment I'm looking for and what makes a quality school. After moving to RI from California, I was looking for a new place to settle in and visited multiple schools. RGBI has the perfect balance of a clean, comfortable, and inviting facility, competitive yet positive practitioners, great coaching, an establish and trusted lineage, and a family environment. As someone who cares more about sharing the mat with good people than just people who are good at the sport I'm happy to say RGRI has both.
Amazing school with a world class instructor! Spacious and clean facilities with a friendly atmosphere. Also, it’s a huge benefit to have some of the best jiu jitsu practitioners in the world to come host seminars here. Most recent ones being André Galvão and Beatriz Mesquita! Has my highest recommendation!
Super supportive and fun group of people to train with and learn from. The open and welcoming culture here turns a potentially intimidating sport into a comfortable learning environment, while remaining very challenging. You will be encouraged to train hard here, but the folks who push you also care about your safety, learning, and personal progress. The people I've trained with here are very safety focused and concerned about the well-being of their teammates. Lots of folks here compete but are still very supportive of those of us who have no desire to compete and are just here to learn. The instructor and advanced / upper belts are very highly skilled and inspirational to learn from, while being safe and challenging to roll with.
We were visiting family in RI, from VA. We are members of Gracie Barra Ashburn, Virginia. My teens really wanted to train at a local gym and we found Renzo Gracie in Smithfield, RI. The kids were very excited and Renzo Gracie did not disappoint. Professor Marcelo graciously welcomed us for a class. The facility was clean, bright open and everyone was very nice. The class size was good and very diverse. My daughter had another teen girl and two ladies to work with and the men were of various sizes, ages and levels. We would highly recommend this school and will definitely be back when we are in town.
When I first started Brazilian jiu jitsu I wanted to make sure I would receive the best top notch instruction. Marcelo Cruz and his techniques/teachings at Renzo Gracie RI are unparalleled and his academy is where everyone should go to be taught by the best of the best. You will also learn the value of hard work, and discipline here. People who place a huge emphasis on respect and loyalty and that are great training partners will also help bring out the best in your jiu jitsu game. Everyone here trains hard and strives for excellence and consequently is excellent! I think that’s what I love most about this academy. So grateful to have been welcomed into this school. Brazilian jiu jitsu is a life changing art and I was able to learn, and grow in BJJ and many other aspects of life overall. I couldn’t have done it without the opportunity to train here.
Marcelo is a fantastic instructor, always made me feel like I was part of the family even dropping in to train with his team. Very technical and sound way of teaching that makes it easier on the student. I would highly recommend anyone interested in jiu-jitsu to give Renzo Gracie a try.
Amazing place to train jiu jitsu, facility is beautiful and Marcelo Cruz is an incredible instructor, everyone at the academy is very friendly and there is a definite family environment, I moved here from NJ and am so happy I found such an amazing school.
I travel from CT to go to this school and it is worth it. The school has been upgraded and the faculty is clean with plenty of mat space. As of writing this I have been attending classes here for the last 6 months and not only have I lost weight but have advance further as a purple belt. Additionally, the other students are friendly and make for great training partners.
Started training here back at the beginning of March 2021 and haven't regretted my decision on join this gym once. I have been attending the white belt class 3 times a week. Professor Cruz is an awesome teacher/mentor and all around great guy. He takes the time to make sure his students are learning and being pushed a little harder each day to grow into a better version of themselves. You can tell he actually cares for all of his students. This school has been one of the most welcoming communities I have ever had the pleasure of joining. From day one everyone made me feel like I belong and am part of this family.
If you’re in the Rhode Island area and considering Brazilian jiu-jitsu, this is the school to join. Professor Tchelo Cruz is a very high level and authentic black belt from Brazil. Professor tailors his teachings to students of all ages, sizes, and goals. The school is full of training partners from different walks of life, but all equal when on the mats with their belts tied. Every student is looking to improve their skills, and strengthen their minds and bodies inside and outside of jiu-jitsu. This is the place to be in Rhode Island.
My family and I have been coming to this gym for over 3 years, I never thought of another place. RGRI is a welcoming place its like family. If your looking to learn some real jiujitsu this is the place the professor is amazing understanding and great at what he does. Come on in and try it out. Hope to see you all there !
Such an amazing school and family. Tchelo breaks down technique like no other and makes learning BJJ fun and exciting.
You may not even know you need BJJ but you do. The Renzo Gracie name is part of the incredible history and lineage not only behind Renzo himself but the Gracie family who established Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This school is clean and professional. Men, women, and kids are all welcomed in an open and accepting atmosphere that will not only get you in shape, but will challenge to learn things about yourself and grow in ways you probably never imagined. Not only is Professor Cruz the kind of teacher and instructor you dream of (having an extensive background in training black belts but also competing himself for years) but everyone there quickly becomes your teammate and family in an effort to help you on whatever your own journey is in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Best school in the area. Clean. Great atmosphere. This team works hard and trains hard which is why you regularly see them at the top of the podium at local competitions. Marcelo Cruz's lineage and skill are unmatched in the area. He has brought true Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to RI. LADIES: if you're tired of training at a school where you're the only female check this place out. RGRI has a strong and growing squad of powerful women for you to train with and learn from. see you on the mats.
I have been training under master Tchelo Cruz for a little over 2-3 years now. There is no comparison in the area. This gym is true representation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. More than just a place to come and get a good work out in, Renzo Gracie RI truly becomes an extension of family as you spend more time with the club. Members great you with warm smiles and a hand shake every class and are excited to challenge each other and compete to improve everyone's skill level. You will not find a better place to train in MA or RI so what are you waiting for? Come play on a Saturday open mat and find out for yourself!
I highly recommend this school it has a great friendly atmosphere professor Cruz Is very knowledgeable and talented in bjj
This school is hands down the best in the area. Professor Cruz is an incredible teacher who genuinely cares about his students and the Jiu Jitsu family he creates. This is probably the cleanest school I've ever been to and the students are always extremely helpful and welcoming, it's almost overwhelming how positive and encouraging this environment is. Joining this school was truly one of the best decisions I've ever made. One class and you'll instantly be hooked!
Great place to train. Very friendly and welcoming group. Expert instruction. Highly recommended.
Can’t say enough about the level of instruction at this gym. From beginner to advanced levels you won’t find a more welcoming place where everyone helps out. Professor Cruz is an extremely talented and knowledgeable instructor, this is the best Jiu jitsu school in the area hands down!
Great instructors! Great atmosphere! By far the best decision I made in the year of 2020 was to join Renzo and Gracie in Johnston. I wish I joined when I was little but nevertheless stoked to see what my future holds under great coaching and supervision from not only the coaches but also every individual that walks through those doors!
The environment of this school is like an extended portion of a great big family! From the professor down to the newest students, everyone strives to he the best version of themselves and it has been the best decision to join!
Great training! Great atmosphere! Always look forward to training with the team. Absolutely give it a try!
Best BJJ training in the state by far.
I started at RGRI about 4 months ago and my only regret was not starting earlier. Professor Tchelo is an amazing instructor and person in general. Professor Tchelo and all your training partners always have your back and help you through the hurdles, and when you think you don’t have anything left in you, they are right there by your side helping you find that little bit you need to make it through, everyone is great. I’ve also benefited medically with the training on many different levels. I would HIGHLY recommend RGRI for anyone looking to get into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or learning self defense.
I joined a few months ago and walking into this gym was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Professor Marcelo Cruz is an incredible instructor and the family atmosphere we have here is the reason RGRI is unmatched.
Great gym, clean mats, very high level instruction. Kids program, classes daily. The hardest part of jiujitsu is showing up the first time. They make it easy.
My two sons, my wife, and myself all train BJJ here under Professor Tchelo. We were welcomed with open arms... I love the friendly family type atmosphere, the lessons, and the hardwork that gets put in at Renzo Gracie RI. Great techniques and great training partners. Most importantly, having a Black belt instructor who puts the time in with us on the mats every night is more than I could have asked for. I can not talk enough about how much this has made a difference in our experience and our journey.
Best school around. Black belt instructor has been training 20+ years and has great relationships with other very high level black belts (including Renzo Gracie himself) that he brings in for high level training opportunities and seminars. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Come get the best workout of your life while learning one of the most effective martial arts that has been created.
Amazing school. The instructor puts his heart and soul into every minute (and he has a lifetime of experience). Great crew of people that will push you and draw out your best.
The best school.rigerous training.best teacher..family oriented environment...highly recommend for self defense.
Great place to train! Family atmosphere and a great workout!
By far the highest quality training you can receive from a legit black belt. For decades the name Gracie has been synonymous with high level Jiu Jitsu. There is a reason Professor Marcelo Cruz has been entrusted with carrying that legacy. My son is 4 years old and has benefited tremendously from the lessons he has learned in the kids class. Seeing his drastic improvement prompted me to start a Jiu Jitsu journey of my own. Best decision I ever made. Come join the family !
Professor Tchelo the most technical instructor that I have ever trained under. His knowledge of the martial art and sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is second to none and his 22 years of training speaks for itself. I would suggest to everyone that is thinking about giving this martial art a chance to come down to Renzo Gracie RI. You will not regret the moment when you step into the door. Everyone is extremely friendly, the training is superb, and you will recieve a fantastic workout in the process. I have known Professor Marcelo (Tchelo) for three years now and I am grateful for having such a great person, instructor, and most importantly, a great friend in my life. I started off by taking private lessons with him and since I have moved into the area, I now train at his academy. I look forward to developing my skills underneath his watchful eye. It has only been two weeks training under him now and I can feel the improvement, both physically and mentally.
Renzo Gracie RI is a very friendly, welcoming, clean gym. There is no better place to train as a family or individually. Professor Cruz is a top-notch instructor with 20 + years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience. As a single mom with not a lot of free time, I’m happy to bring my son here in there evenings for kids class and then train afterwards in the adul classes. I have more energy than ever and have lost a lot of weight while having a fun.
Great place, Great instructor. Fun and friendly people. Try a class.
Awesome BJJ school. Since first enrolling here about a year ago, I feel like my game has picked up exponentially
Amazing workout, hugely positive atmosphere. I feel like I have more energy and strength after only a few weeks. If you’re having second thoughts please at least try a trial class, everyone is very welcoming and helpful! 😄
Amazing place to train for all levels, beginners to experts. The instructor is by far one of the best in New England, having received his black belt in Brazil under one of the Gracie schools. He personally engages with each student, allowing him or her to achieve growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, competition training, learning to defend themselves against a larger attacker, or just physical fitness gains and weight loss. What ever your goals are, don’t wait, make a decision to change your life today! I did...and today I am 60 lbs lighter than I was one year ago!
Great team and environment. Highly recommended!
This school is amazing! I train along with my husband and my two sons. At Renzo Gracie RI, Marcelo is right there on the mats with us. It is unbelievable training and rolling with someone with that level of technique. The time and dedication he has put into his jiu-jitsu is inspiring. The atmosphere at the school is awesome. The people are all so wonderful. As a woman in a combat sport, I feel welcomed, respected, and comfortable here. The classes for the kids are challenging and fun. We try to train 5-6 days a week because we just can't get enough of it! If you want to get into BJJ, hands down, this is the place to sign up at.
My son and I train here , it’s a great Environment great people a lot of fun , flexible times and hours to train . Me and my son bonded a lot with Jiu Jitsu . This sport stimulates the body and mind and it’s a great way to stay in shape we love it!
Unwelcoming as soon as they saw me didn't even try to make me feel welcomed instead they pushed me out the door without words body language says a lot and what I saw was Peter grabbing my information like he was doing a background check....probably just having a bad day either way a very bad experience for me!!!
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