4290 Bells Ferry Rd Suite 146, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
Rise Up BJJ is owned by Joanie Chamberland, a female and 2nd Degree Black Belt. She has been helping children, teens, and adults gain confidence and healthy lifestyles through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids and Adults
Coach Allie is the best! Ever since she took over the Little Llamas and Juniors classes, I have seen a remarkable improvement in my sons technique. She is able to tailor each class to the personalities of the kids. She incorporates games to get out some of the wiggles, she's up to date with the music and dances the kids like and is able to connect with them through it, and she takes the time to really listen and instruct each kid. She meets them at whatever level they are at. She makes the environment feel like a family and I feel so lucky and blessed to have her coach my son.
I was looking to take self defense class and Rise Up offers a women's only self defense class led by Coach Mary Beth and it's phenomenal. I had so much fun I decided to give Muay Thai a chance with Coach Eric and fell in love with the sport. Rise Up is the cleanest, safest and most fun studio I've ever been too. All the coaches are kind and caring and supportive. The environment is extremely empowering and my classmates are all awesome. I'm so happy I found this studio.
I've been training here for over 2 years and love it! Coach Joanie is a wonderful teacher and always explains the moves so everyone can understand. Update: going on 6 years of training here and still going strong! The jiu jitsu classes are just as great and now they're added Muay Thai with coach Eric. They've got a lot of passion for the sport and always give you a good workout!
I’ve been doing jiujitsu for over 10+ years now and I’ve been with Coach Jojo for several years now. I’ve trained all over the country done Gi and No Gi Brazilian jiujitsu. Coach Jojo has been the best coach for me and my jiujitsu I’ve ever had. Not only do we have an extremely talented team we also have a very positive and safe environment. Come try a class! We would love to have you as part of our team!
Just left class this evening . Mary Beth is a gem. Her class was both empowering and practical… life skills…. She is knowledgeable, patient, and taught real-life techniques that boosted my confidence in handling unexpected situations. I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to feel more secure and prepared in their daily life.
I just turned 50 and have been trying to get back in shape as well as learn a new skill. Rise Up has checked both of those boxes. From the initial experience with the front desk staff, learning about what they offer and then working with Eric and Mary Beth to customize a Muay Thai regiment to help me achieve my goals. I can’t say enough about everyone at Rise Up, they are encouraging, patient and strive to help you achieve your goals.
Stopped in for open mat tonight. Great environment and even better people. Highly recommend. Update: I now train here. My initial impressions - that this is a great environment full of good people - have only been confirmed repeatedly. Come check it out!
Our daughter has been going here for almost 2 years and has been the best thing for her development. During covid, she was not as active and it impacted her self esteem. When we found Rise Up, it restored her self confidence and she found a sport she loved! The environment is very family friendly and everyone wants to see you succeed. We thank coach jojo for pushing Ilan to be better and now she helps other kids learn the love and art of jiu jitsu.
My granddaughter has done so well over the last few years here! I highly recommend for self confidence and for those shy children who need help coming out of their shell. After 2 years working with the dynamic coaches here, she is very active in many extra curriculars and can advocate for herself.
This is a fantastic facility and a fantastic group of instructors. Knowledgeable, Safe, Patient, and fun! Joanie and her team are first-class.
I can’t say enough positive things about making the choice to join Rise Up BJJ! Starting jujitsu can be very intimidating, but Coach Jo always takes the time to make everyone feel welcome. There are all different levels of belts training and everyone is always looking to help each other out. As a white belt that had never trained it was important for me to have a professor take the time to teach basics and Rise up has specific classes dedicated to just that. I love that both myself and my black belt husband can train here and both feel like we got amazing training. Very thankful to have found Rise Up and the amazing team there!
As a black belt in BJJ, recreational instructor, and someone who has been in the community for over 10 years I can confidently say that Rise Up BJJ is one of the most inclusive, caring, thoughtful, and technical academies you could ask for. Not only does Professor Joanie take time to explain her techniques she goes out of her way to make sure everyone feels included and that they are welcome in her academy. This academy offers multiple facets of training from the hobbyist to the active competitor levels. Rise Up BJJ also offers extracurricular activities that you will not find in other academies; programs for kids that not only teach BJJ but help them acquire life skills such as leadership and public speaking amongst many others.
This gym is incredible. Very welcoming for new people. The owner and all staff are kind and knowledgeable. I’m excited to learn BJJ here!
Such a wonderful experience for our 5 year old son. Coach Lauren has a patient command over her class. She breaks down all the moves so the kids can really understand. Highly recommend for kids of all ages and adults too!
We started our six year old son at Rise Up in August of 2022 and it's amazing how fast he has picked it up! It's such an encouraging (but also challenging) environment for kids to become familiar with jiujitsu, and Coach Lauren is such a wonderful instructor. She really helps the kids learn self-discipline, and the whole experience has been so character-building for our son.
I had wanted to try out Brazilian jiu jitsu for years but was pretty intimidated about learning a new skill. On top of that I had heard stories about nightmare gyms with a super toxic culture so I was pretty nervous when I signed up. My first week there I was welcomed by everyone and pretty much immediately I felt comfortable. Everyone has been willing to help me learn this complex skill and answer any questions I have (and I’ve had hundreds). I’m about a month in and am addicted. It’s a great workout and such a fun time. I can’t speak for other gyms, but I can say with 100% certainty that rise up has a great atmosphere with good people and an extremely talented staff. You’ll be in good hands.
Awesome place, coaches are great, staff is excellent.
I was at another gym for about a year before I decided to branch out and explore my options. As a 29 year old adult I was looking for a specific qualities in my coaches, environment and team. All my expectations were met with flying colors. I never personally leave reviews, but I’ll leave one for this circumstance. Joanie, the staff and teammates are extremely welcoming, friendly and not egotistical. Very humble small close knit group who cares about each persons development. There are no cliques, and no big egos or injuries. Good rolls with good people. I am confident in saying I’ve found my home where I can plant my roots for a very long time. Also it’s really productive that I can roll with my professor Joanie. That has helped a lot. If you’re looking for fun, safe, welcoming and a good healthy support system, Rise Up is the place to be. Update: Very good tight knit group of teammates. Always working to help and teach each other. No egos, no cliques. Everyone is very accepting and open to anyone and everyone. I love jiu jitsu more than I ever did thanks to being here. If you’re looking for a good time, laughs, having fun and fitness, this is the place.
Visited Rise Up BJJ while staying in Kennesaw and I just have to say that I saw a lot of firsts at this Gym. First and foremost I’d like to send a shout out to the Head Coach Jo, who gave me a warm welcome. She gave me a tour of her space and gave me a break down of the class and who was going to teach it. She made me feel welcomed and set her members loose on me. What impressed me the most is that they had a punch card system of sorts. Each member had a card and would sign off on the days they trained. The facility was clean, well decorated, and most importantly the members were close. I could tell by the way they talked and rolled with each other. I had a great class. I would definitely return when I’m back in town. THANK YOU RISE UP BJJ!
My goddaughter is a student at Rise Up BJJ, I don't know what they're sprinkling over there but she Looooves this place, she loves going to training, and she loves here coaches, Jojo, and Lauren, they are very good with the kids, and very patient too. Every time I go to a training lesson, I notice the kids are happy and engaged. My goddaughter is a Rise-up BJJ gym rat.
My 6 year old started attending Rise Up almost a year ago and a couple months later I also enrolled my 14 year old. Coach Lauren is exactly what my 6 year old needs in a coach. She is the perfect balance of patience and assertiveness. She encourages the kids but also keeps them focused. Before taking my teen to jujitsu classes, she was depressed and had no drive for anything. She was very reluctant to try jujitsu but after her first trial class, she was begging me to enroll her. She has found something she truly loves and it has not only given her confidence and helped her mood but she’s also more helpful at home, has an overall better attitude and she is happier. Coach Jojo is a strong female role model I am very thankful to have in my girl’s life. “I like jujitsu a lot and I didn’t think I would like it but I do and the people there are really nice. I appreciate everything they do there. Coach jojo is funny and she pairs people up well”. - A (14) “It’s really fun at the end because we get to play and I love it. I love the whole thing because there’s friends. Coach Lauren is funny because sneaky foot is called sneaky foot and it’s funny. She’s really fun.” - J (6)
As an adult who has never done anything like this before, I can honestly say that joining this gym was a great decision. First, coach JoJo is amazing, breaks down each move, and gives you time to learn it. Secondly, the overall environment is welcoming and everyone helps you learn. Once you get over being intimidated, it’s so much fun!
I’m a truck driver, I stopped by and they welcomed me with open arms great instructor, great gym, & great students. I Will be back
My daughter started there little llamas class a month ago and loving it! Not only does it teach young kids self defense but it also helps young girls build their confidence! You can tell the coaches love what they do and have so much patience for these little ones!
Joanie is a great instructor with a high level of Jiu-jitsu. I highly recommend trying a class. Very friendly and welcoming environment.
Love this place! Great vibe! Super clean! Joannie and David both have a gift for teaching the concepts of BJJ! Highly recommend!
Awesome atmosphere. Great kids program. Coach Jojo and Coach David are the best!
Coach David and Joanie are both amazing. My daughter looks forward to class every week. She has already learned so much in just a few short months.
I am very impressed with Rise Up. The coach is very good with the students. I have watched both classes and competitions. The values of BJJ teach discipline and manners. 5 🌟
Amazing teachers!!! Both Coach Jo and Coach Brian, were great with with my kids. My boy loves it for the exercise and I've seen a big improvement in my daughter's self confidence. Would recommend %100.
David is so good with the children! He makes the instruction fun and keeps them engaged for the whole class. He was very patient with our special needs child and was always very helpful. Moreover, I trained with him personally when I began my jiu jitsu journey and he was the ideal coach for me as a blank-slate. Myself and my children would still be training with him if we remained in the local area.
Joanni is a serious competitor and is a amazing instructor as well!
Coach JoJo is the best professor! I (Caylee) have been there for 1 year and I love it !! Rise Up is truly the best dojo. I have made the best friends and training partners. Thanks for everything Coach JoJo and Rise Up !!
The BEST, not only BJJ gym but also martial arts studio around! Coachojojo is patient and adaptive to all skill levels and abilities. Rise Up has been the family I didn't know I needed!
My son has been going since this summer and he loves it! He looks forward to every class. I am happy that he has taken up bjj because he is learning so many life skills. Coach Jojo is very impressive and it is very evident she loves what she does. She is wonderful with the children and my kid adores her.
The gym is incredibly clean, the instructor is extremely qualified and amazing with kids. It also has a shower!
Best school around! Professor takes her time to explain moves and is a great teacher! All around great school!
Joanie is a great instructor, I'm looking forward to having her train my daughters.
Joanie is an amazing instructor, role model, and competitor! Classes are also super entertaining!
Best bjj place in the state!
My son has been here since this summer, and he is hooked. If you would like a fun time and a chance to learn under of the best coaches in the state of Ga this is your place. Coach JoJo feels like family and it will be hard to stop once you start
I have known Joanie for many years. She is very dedicated in what she is doing. She gave up being a lawyer to follow what she loves. She loves kids and they love her back. She is also very funny but serious. I would recommend her school hands down.
This owner had followed her dreams. Joanie is a wonderful coach. She has been teaching for many years. She teaches with passion, patience, discipline and much more. She is a very caring person and wants the best for everyone who is training or tries for the first time under her knowledge of this Martial Arts.
Joanie is one of the best coaches we know! She is very patient and you could tell how much she loves what she doing with our kids 😊 Thank you
Absolutely love traing here! My family was treated with respect and Professor Joanie is incredibly skilled. I look forward to training open mats with her and team Rise Up!
I took a free class this passed Saturday with my fiance and i was very happy with the way we were treated as beginners to BJJ. The instructor Luis was very charismatic and made us feel very comfortable. the location is located on a nice street with ample parking. the facility was clean and well ventilated. it was a great experience and an awesome workout!
Fantastic instruction, super clean facility, and Joanie works with kids so well. Can’t say enough good things about this place!
Very good energy and really powerful lessons!
Hands down the best Jiu jitsu school ever! Very friendly environment surrounded by those who help you every step of the way!!
Coming from a grappling background, you know which instructors are good and which arent. However, the head instructor at Rise Up is hands down one of the best in Kennesaw/Acworth! Professor Joanie teaches the techniques in such a fluid and easy to remember way. It leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and better understanding after ever session. I would personally recommend Rise Up to anyone that wants to compete, get in shape, or learn some self defense!
You won’t find better coaching anywhere! My son has trained under Joanie for two years and I’m so thankful for her leadership and Expertise. We love Rise Up BJJ!
Dedicated, intelligent instructor. Best ingredient for success at this discipline.
I absolutely love Rise up BJJ!! Joanie is The absolute best teacher that you can have. She makes incorporates life experiences with martial arts it is absolutely awesome.She shows you that you can do jujitsu at any age. Love you girl!!!
Awesome students and even more Awesome classes !
Amazing Jiu Jitsu instructor and fanominal classes!!!
My son has been training with her for almost fours years and my daughter has been training with her for almost 2 years. She has taught them discipline, respect, and how to have fun along with BJJ.
My son started with coach Jojo when he was about 7 years old, now he’s 9 and loves jiujitsu more than ever thanks to her! She’s a wonderful instructor with lots of patience.
Awesome instructors! My girls love taking class with Joanie; she is super caring yet stern.
I wanted to write a good review, unfortunately that wasn't our experience. I took my shy 7-year old son to a trial class. The young instructor spent half the time on her phone. When I asked the front desk, "Why is the instructor on her phone?" (meanwhile my son was sitting off to the side because he was too shy to participate), she came back with, "She's been looking for music". For 30 minutes? Huh, What? When is music important for a BJJ class? And no she wasn't "looking for music" She was typing on her phone for the good part of 30 minutes. I walked in, grabbed my son, and left halfway through the class, the instructor didn't notice because she was using her phone.
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