5243 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27616, USA
Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy of Raleigh employs a complete multi-level Gracie Jiu-Jitsu curriculum developed by Royce Gracie that strictly follows the
My experience with these guys was great, and yet it still didn’t work out for me. I’m kind of old to start a bjj journey, but I wanted my son to do it so I pushed him and signed up myself. Fast forward and he loves it. Me not so much. When I reached out to them to end my contract they looked at my attendance and saw that I hadn’t been there in quite some time, so they immediately cancelled me and actually refunded the previous month. If you’ve ever tried to cancel a gym membership you probably understand how shocking this was. TLDR. These guys are the best.
11/10 I have trained at Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh since 2022, this was my 4th school throughout my Jiu Jitsu training. I can't speak enough about the detailed training, customer service and environment that Billy and Patches Dowey provides. Billy has a great reputation throughout NC's Jiu Jitsu and MMA community, but what truly stands out is his attention to detail through each move and technique. Everything can be done better by adding small details that Billy has been able to identify. His teaching style and humility makes learning both inviting, fun but requires self discipline if you want to go far. This school offers classes for kids, new comers and experienced students. They are focused on training everyone specifically in Self Defense and have classes offered in Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing and Judo. Patches who runs the front desk is extremely welcoming and able to assist customers who have any questions about the schedule, training, and pricing. Pricing is extremely reasonable, especially for the knowledge shared by Billy who runs the Jiu Jitsu side of the school, Brandon who is an expert and active competitor in Judo, and Ted and Donna who train in Kickboxing. I have trained with hobbyists, active competitors, black belts, parents and their children, students, police officers and so many people with diverse backgrounds attend this school and grow. All in all, I have to say this is one of the best schools I have had the pleasure of attending and always feel welcomed at this school. I have made some great friends here and better yet have gotten better at Jiu Jitsu because of Billy and Patches!
I’m so thankful for this gym! I started here with zero prior experience. When I called to set up my first class, Patches at the front desk was so helpful and immediately made me feel welcomed. I’ve been a member here for almost 2 years now and I’m so incredibly thankful for Billy’s phenomenal instruction which makes learning jiu jitsu easy to understand, all of the other incredible instructors, and the community I have built with the people here at this gym.
One of the best instructors in the area! I’ve been training with Billy Dowey for over 20 years! One of the pioneers of the sport in the area!
Excellent gym, both in terms of the quality of instruction and overall gym culture. In addition to training myself, I have also enrolled my daughter and I could not be happier with the results. The level of engagement and commitment demonstrated by Billy and his team is second to none.
The classes are excellent. Been going since I was five 10/10
One of the best schools in the state for practical self defense, fun classes, and a man amazing community.
This place is fantastic. The kids class was great for my children and the adult instructors are amazing. I really appreciate the fact that upon first joining, the primary concern is to teach you how to defend yourself. On top of that I was really impressed with the professionalism and character of the instructors and staff. I can't recommend this gym highly enough!
This is a great place! Everyone from the staff to the students are very friendly and super cool. I have learned so much, and gotten in the best shape of my life! Highly recommend!!
I love this place. The classes are top-notch, with flexible times that make it easy to fit into my schedule. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, fostering a culture of learning and encouragement that attracts people from all walks of life. It's become a place where I not only train but also look forward to seeing the incredible community of people I've met. The instructor is phenomenal—knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated to helping everyone improve. Everyone should train.
This is a great gym to train Jiu Jitsu, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran. I have trained with Billy for 20 years and his instruction is top-notch. The gym has a great culture and the people make it a fun place to train. It is always clean, and very organized.
One of the best communities i have seen for jujitsu . Instructors are knowledgeable and always available. The gym is one of the cleanest I've ever seen . Highly recommend training here
Experienced and dedicated instructors. The front desk staff is the best. Especially Peaches!
Best in the area! I would 100% recommend this to anyone, new to the sport or established. Cant beat the instructors and atmosphere of community.
Outstanding academy! Billy has to be the best instructor I’ve ever had…top notch facility and great staff!
Great instruction and welcoming environment. Highly recommend!
Cannot say enough great things about this place! Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. The trainers are the best in the area. Would definitely recommend to all!
Royce Gracie Academy is the place to go for anyone truly looking to train with the best jiu jitsu teachers in the Triangle.
Great instructors and training partners. Professional staff that helps with any questions I had. Overall a great place to train and spend time.
Billy and Patches have an amazing academy! Very clean, professional, welcoming and high quality instruction.
Outstanding instruction, very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Definitely recommend.
Great School!
This place was recommended to me by a black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu who has trained at multiple gyms. He said if he could go back and do it all over again, he would go back to Billy. This gym is very structured, friendly, has a knowledgeable staff, and many training options. They also take the safety of their members seriously. Great gym to call home!
The kids love coming to class so much. They attend the jiu jitsu and the kickboxing classes. In my oldest, I seen a lot of improvement in her level of self confidence over the last year. The instructors are really great with children also. They adhere to the training schedule and encourage the students to work hard. They personally take time to show the kids individually how to do the moves (if needed) during the practice time. I like how they give the instruction and then have a short practice time directly following the instruction. I’ve been attending the adult kickboxing classes and I love it. The instructors are really great. I’m a beginner and they take time to encourage me and show me how to do it the right way. A lot of times the more advanced students attend the beginner class and when I practice with them they will also help me with pointers. I feel like I’m learning a lot and improving. Overall the staff is really great. I’ve never had a negative experience here and there’s a great sense of community. It’s a very welcoming environment.
We started our 12 year old and he loves it! Great staff very welcoming and a great clean facility, couldn’t be more satisfied.
Excellent facility. The coaches and staff are awesome, and everyone I've trained with is very friendly. There is an overall positive attitude throughout the building, and I have learned a lot in my short time attending Jiu Jitsu classes. There is a wide range of class times that can fit any schedule, including early morning classes. I can't thank Billy and Patches enough for building such a solid community.
Staff and instructors are all great, very welcoming and kind. Excellent with the kids. Highly recommended, very satisfied
Started here about 4 weeks ago. I have been taking Jiu Jitsu and Judo. Instructors are great in both Jiu Jitsu and Judo. There are plenty of classes offered during the week for Jiu Jitsu and twice for Judo. Everyone is very friendly and it feels like a large family. I have had a ton of fun taking classes at Royce Gracie in Raleigh.
I have been training here for a couple of months and have been learning more and more each week. Billy does an awesome job teaching Jiu Jitsu, very knowledgable and has a great sense of humor. Doesn't make you feel uncomfortable when asking questions. Great group and culture at this gym!
Top level academy. Very clean and professional. Billy is a very knowledgeable, welcoming instructor.
I started about 6 months ago and I've both really liked it and feel as if I've improved a lot. I've only done the jiu jitsu classes because it best fits my schedule but you can take advantage of judo, kick boxing, etc as well. My son goes to the kid classes and loves it. Both the adult and the kid coaches are really good. I go to both the morning (6 AM classes) and the afternoon/night classes and the instruction is excellent in each one. Coaches will definitely take time to answer questions and make sure you understand and are doing things correctly. I've also never felt like the place is unsafe. Everyone is incredibly nice, willing to answer questions, and no one is trying to crank out moves.
Billy and Patches are awesome! Excellent facility, training, coaching, and staff. My daughter and I love to and are proud to train at the Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy Of Raleigh!
I can't say enough good things about this academy. It's a legit facility with a great staff and the teachers are top-notch. The cool thing is a membership doesn't limit you to just Jiu Jitsu; you can also do kickboxing and judo. So with that said, I've definitely been getting my money's worth going up and doing what's available, whenever I can. Give it a shot and see if it's for you too.
Excellent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym; coaches are knowledgeable and supportive, with an overall positive approach to this martial art. I've been taking my grandson here for more than a year, after one of my sons, who also trains at RGJJ, recommended it. They have great kids classes and a clean & hygienic environment. Highly recommended.
What I can’t believe is real is the fact that they offer Gracie BJJ, Judo, and Muay Thai kickboxing. 3 separate programs, all included in your membership, and they all flow together well. The instructors for each are very high quality. Just how they don’t just “hand out” stripes and belts, I don’t just hand out 5 star reviews. I’ve been looking for the right place to train, and this is it for sure.
Started here about 2 months ago as a fresh white belt. After having been an athlete my whole life and never trying Jiu Jitsu...I'm glad I choose this as the start to my journey. I have done free classes at other gyms and they are all great, but this one seemed to fit a style I liked. "Patches" who runs the front desk made me feel at home immediately and gave me a rad team mom kinda vibe. She also did a great job educating me on how things work to make sure I was comfortable there. Other places I have been did not have such a dialed in structure and focus on their students the way I have experienced. I can only speak for lower experienced students... But the beginner classes I'm going to, everyone is have a really good time. I am meeting lots of cool new people and learning faster than I would have thought. I would say if you want to try it out...Don't be shy, enjoy the experience of being new, the more advanced girls and guys are super supportive in helping to new crowd!
Almost first month in, great space, solid instructor, awesome atmosphere. Highly recommend.
Been there four months w/ my son and love it. Instructors help each person with what they want to learn and respect everyone's goals. It's not a belt factory, nor is there an emphasis on testing - you get out what you put in. Billy (and others) always take time to answer questions, explain, and give individual attention. Kids program is fantastic - teachers push the kids at a good pace and get them comfortable with each step. My son has TONS more confidence and ability than when he walked in. 100% great experience!
Been away from the area, due to work schedule! Came by the gym and it felt like I never left! Awesome atmosphere and instruction!
10/10, such a welcoming and positive place. Staff and students are awesome all around
Amazing instructors! Great energy. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a real mixed martial arts experience
The coaches are friendly, very encouraging and do a great job to give special attention to all of the students. From Peaches (mascot) upon entry, to Patches remembering EVERYONE’S name, they make you feel welcome. The instruction is structured and works to advance the students and build confidence.
My boy is 8 and has no material art experience before, we just started it last month. As we just came back from the class tonight, he is not scared to defend himself anymore. I definitely see the improvement!
Every facet of my experience here has been excellent. The instructors are top-notch and everyone is helpful. Fellow, more experienced students want you to succeed and learn how to get better. Can't recommend enough.
Absolutely love this gym! Everyone is so kind and they care about their students. Billy is a great teacher. Thank you
I have been training here for a little over 5 years and it is truly one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I'll tell anyone who asks that I came for the Jiu Jitsu and I stayed for the people. You will not find higher caliber people anywhere else, nor will you find a group of people and instructors who are as invested in your success, not only jiu jitsu but also in life, as the people at Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh. If you're thinking about joining or trying it out, don't waste another minute and just show up, you won't regret it.
We enrolled our son in the kids class 6 months ago and the speed of his progress is really staggering. The majority of the credit must go to Rashaun the lead kids' coach. He has a special talent communicating with children and getting the most effort out of them. He both challenges and pushes them. I find his approach very refreshing. I've witnessed tremendous changes in all the other students in the class as well. Billy, the owner, his partner, and Peaches (gym dog) are always there to welcome you, chat about the day, and sets the tone and culture of the school through his leadership. Oh, and back to Peaches...Billy rescued her, and there should be a whole separate post here about Peaches! Despite being in a building with any number of highly trained and skilled martial artist, it's one of the most friendly environments for learning and exploring personal growth. But, please don't conflate friendly with easy. The kids are working, and it's not always easy, but they're learning how to defend themselves. It's a challenging endeavor that few actually know how to do. Kids here certainly will.
Excellent people and well thought out program. Safety is always to of mind, but you will work hard and learn a ton!
My son started in January 2019 at the age of 9. He’s advanced so much and his confidence in his ability to defend himself is through the roof. He also knows not to panic and stay calm in compromising situations. This is extremely important in self defense and something a person with no training will fail on, all the time. This is not a competitive type school, it’s purpose is self defense. However, my son has entered in completions with US Grappling snd NAGA, and has had success. The instruction from Rahshun is encouraging as well as teaches discipline. Rahshun makes sure that all students are executing the teachings with accuracy through repetitive practice. I also started the adult class w Billy D. And have enjoyed not just his teaching style but the other dedicated students as well. There’s more to the gym then just BJJ. There’s boxing and Muay Thai boxing also taught by very good instructors who enjoy what their doing. An added bonus is that Billy has had seminars with members of the Gracie family once or twice a year, since we’ve been at the gym. Stay for Billy’s Tuesday workout class if you want to challenge your physical fitness too. Highly recommend!!
Great place to learn such a value skill. Recommended for anyone just starting out and advanced practitioners.
This place is awesome! Billy is an incredible instructor with more knowledge on the sport than you could ever imagine. On top of that the members of the gym are extremely fun and friendly. Truly a great culture in this gym. Couldn't recommend it more!
I Can’t speak highly enough about this gym as a whole, and the instructors. Not only is the self defense, facilities, programs, environment, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu top notch, but the instructors, and everyone else involved are some of the best people I know. If you’re interested in self defense Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, enrolling your kids in a great martial arts program, or judo do yourself a favor and sign up for a free trial class. I promise you won’t regret it. 10/10
Been training here now for a little over 3 years now and couldn't imaging being somewhere else. I started coming for the Muay Thai training and figured why not do some Jiu Jitsu, that's was all she wrote. I can't single out any single instructor because they are all fantastic and whether you're a seasoned vet or brand new they do a fantastic job at making your feel comfortable. Your training partners here are fantastic as well, everyone is always helping each other become better every day. Jiu Jitsu has drastically changed the way I approach things and I have this academy to thank for that.
This place is amazing. I had no mixed martial arts experience before but wanted to get into it. I checked out 2 gyms before this one, wasn’t impressed. Tried 1 Jiu Jitsu class here and immediately signed up! Great atmosphere, great people, and high quality instruction. The head instructor Billy is an AMAZING instructor. He makes everyone feel welcomed which is what I valued the most. You will definitely learn a lot!
Had a great time at this gym! Very friendly and informative staff!
I travel to Raleigh for work and was looking for a gym to get a Muay Thai session in..... and it was fantastic! Despite having done this for four years, I learned lots and look forward to the next time I can train here when I’m in town. Looking for a great Muay Thai/grappling gym? Look no further- come here !!
First time doing gi, it was a really fun experience and would love to come back and train here again. The coaches and people were all nice and helpful. Definitely recommend!
Forged Fitness has a very nice facility and a great family atmosphere. I participated in their BJJ challenge. The support and interaction was very timely and helpful. Billy Dowey is a phenomenal instructor, as are all the others who assist or teach the early morning session. Anyone would benefit from training at Forged Fitness. The blend of martial arts and CrossFit opportunities create a unique setting where one can train very optimally across disciplines.
Awesome gym and amazing staff! Highly recommended!!
Forged fitness was awesome, they helped me crush the 42 day challenge and inspired me to change my life. Thanks again for everything!
Wonderful program and wonderful service. My wife and I were very satisfied and we both feel very comfortable with the environment and the instructors we worked with.
Fantastic Jiu Jitsu training! Team atmosphere with the best instructor (Billy Dowey) in the area. Billy is a Royce Gracie Blackbelt with detailed instruction. The Crossfit people look like they work hard and all seem very excited to be working out hard. Ted Faulk is a great Muay Thai trainer and Donna Natosi is great with the kids! I take my kids to these programs and they love it! Thank you Forged Fitness for creating a great environment to exercise!
I enjoyed my bjj challenge and I’m excited to return soon!!!!
The best experience I've had learning jiu jitsu! Billy is a wonderful instructor!
This is truly the best gym I’ve ever been to. I did their 42 day challenge and boy does it work! I was skeptical at first but was ready to make a life change. All the coaches here are so motivational and they do not let you give in to weakness. I lost over 28 lbs so far and counting. I could not have done this without my Forged Fitness Family. Thank you coaches and Jeremy for believing in me, I love you all!
Coaching staff is all the real deal and the community vibe is great. Overall awesome facility and offering.
I first discovered this gym through a Facebook Video advertising for the 42 day fitness challenge. Me having tried almost everything else was very skeptical at first. But 6 weeks, 5.3% BF, and 30 Lbs later, would most definitely say the program works great for anyone who’s tried everything else and is ready for some real results. It’s not only a challenge, but a lifestyle overhaul.
I would recommend Forged Fitness gym to anyone who wants to get into shape fast. If you really want to lose weight, gain lean muscle and feel amazing then this is the place to go. The coaches are very knowledgeable. They will push you to your max effort so be ready to give 110%. I just won my 6-week, 25-pound weight loss challenge. It was not easy but nothing worth having comes easy. With the help of Rebecca who kept me on track with my diet and the coaches pushing me to do more, I accomplished my goal. I am so thankful to the team at Forged Fitness. Thank you all.
The best fun I ever had getting my butt kicked!
Absolutely love working out here! I’ve never enjoyed working out but kickboxing class has been fun and a great workout, even at 5:30 AM! The coaches are always encouraging and motivating! And its been so nice having people I trust with nutrition questions and accountability!
So, I've literally never been there, but hear me out. The Google Street View turns into a walkthrough of the gym itself. Great way to see what kind of machines and spaces they have. I'll update after I check it out, but I thought that was pretty handy. Looks great
The facility there is very nice and there's lots of space. The CrossFit workouts are awesome! I haven't worked up a sweat like that in a while! The coaches are wonderful. All of the staff members are so friendly and helpful! Love this place and would recommend it to anyone!
I come here for all my fitness needs~
Yesterday I completed The 6 week challenge @ Forged Fitness Raleigh.I have been doing the morning Kick Boxing Classes with Donna Marie Natosi. At final weigh in I lost 26 pounds and 5.5% body fat. I definitely recommend Forged Fitness to anyone looking to better their over all self and make a change in their daily routine. Special thanks to the coaches, Donna Marie Natosi, John Allen, and Ted Leiner. Donna is Awesome! thanks for kicking my butt for the past 6 weeks!
Forged Fitness is a perfect example of how a gym should be. They are a family run business, and they treat every customer like they are a part of the family. I did their six-week body transformation challenge. They give you everything that you need; a meal plan, grocery list, cookbook with some AMAZING recipes and of course a workout regimen. You will have to push yourself in the gym and at home, but the results will speak for themselves. I lost over 14 pounds and 12% bodyfat in six weeks. The trainer here are amazing, too! They quickly get to know everyone, and they can modify workouts as necessary. My 78-year-old father did the challenge with me and they modified each exercise to accommodate him. The trainers help you practice on your form for all the lifts before each workout and then will push you to your limit during the workout. The workouts themselves are fast paced and take at most an hour. They also have kickboxing and Brazilian Ju Jitsu classes here as well. There is a kid’s room and even kid Ju Jitsu classes. This is by far one of the best gyms for the money.
Are you ready to change your life in 6 weeks? I’m glad to say that the Forged Fitness 6week challenge was a success. Great facility and awesome coaches that know how to motivate. I went from 30% body fat to 13% body fat and 12 lbs lighter and I feel more than amazing. I would definitely recommend others to challenge themselves to become stronger, healthier and leaner. #bereadytowork #forgedfitnessworks
I took the six week challenge and lost 20lbs and 8.64% BMI. I would definitely recommend trying out this place to jump start yourself! They were competitive classes and a friendly, clean atmosphere.
Forged Fitness is the best fitness facility and program for athletes of all training levels. The staff (Rebecca, Joel, Chad, Jesse, Warren, Kate, Andy, Jason, Country, Cole) is truly amazing and treats you like a part of the family. I learned so much about fitness and nutrition as well as achieved all the goals set with my accountability coaches. I lost over 6% body fat during the 6-week challenge and couldn't be happier or more impressed with my results as well as my fellow participants. I would highly recommend Forged Fitness Raleigh to all of my family, friends, and colleagues!
I finish my 6 week challenge today and I feel amazing! I lost 5lbs and almost 8% body fat at 3 week check in! I can’t wait to see what the numbers look like today!! I will definitely be sticking around!
This place changed my life in 6 weeks. I did the 6 week challenge and lost almost 9% body fat. 10/10 would recommend to ANYONE who wants to make a positive change in their lives!
This is exactly what I needed in my life. The coaches, ownership and facility are amazing. They worked with me everyday making sure I was on track with my goals. The 6 week challenge goal is to lose 25 lbs or 6% body fat. Stuck with their plan, worked out 4-5 days per week and lost 17.34% body fat and now I am at 9.8% body fat. I am 43 and have never felt better mentally and physically. The coaches push and guide you towards your goal. If you don't set a goal you will never achieve it. Go after your goals!!! Love the Forged Fitness family.
Such a great positive enviroment at the is Gym. Jesse, John, Chad, Joel, Rebecca, and staff are very knowledgeable. I did their six week challenge and back at my college weight that was in the previous millennium!
I love this gym! The instructors are wonderful and encouraging. I participated in the 6 week challenge and am so happy to have lost over 7 percent body fat. I could not have done it without them!
I just completed the six week challenge and I lost 11.6% of my body fat and 14 pounds in that short period of time! I honestly never would have been able to do it without the backing of Forged Fitness and am super grateful to them! I highly recommend them to anyone that needs that push to get started working out or that push to exceed their previous working out abilities!
I was sketchy at first and the first week was tough but I lost 10% body fat during the first 3 weeks! I really enjoyed the comfortable environment, it feels like a family. The instructors were also amazing! They pushed you but also let you get over that mentality of you can not to you can do it. I loved it!
Awesome 6 week challenge program, great workouts, and knowledgeable instructors!
It was a great experience with great coaches that would push you to limits that you wouldn’t expect yourself to reach
Billy is a great teacher and a beast on the mats. I really like how they incorporate self defense with sport BJJ. This is where I would train if I lived in Raleigh.
Great facility with fantastic instructors and awesome people!
My 9 year old son started Jiu Jitsu a few months ago, and I can already see improvement.
BEST. GYM. EVER. Billy Dowey is incredible at his job and a great teacher. Gracie jiu-jitsu has changed my life for the better in many ways. All the guys i train with are like family and they're all really helpful. The guy below that gave this gym one star is an idiot. Glad to be part of this family!
went here a few years ago, Focus is more on defense than tournament style Juijitsu/on ground.
The 6 weeks challenge at forged fitness was amazing. I managed to lose 12% body fat and gain good muscle mass. The coaches there are awesome, supportive and really push you. The 6 week challenge involve a solid meal plan tailored for your goals, and you get to become part of a community that will keep you accountable all throughout.
Great workout without being to much. The coaches are very encouraging and will help tailor the workout to your specific needs.
Great workouts and the coaches are awesome. I successfully completed the 6 week challenge. With following the meal plan and working out I lost 16 pounds and 10% body fat! Love the accountability and motivation, just wish it was in my budget to stay on.
They have a bad attitude. Especially the customer service lady.
I’m leaving this review in hopes that the leadership of this studio takes note of a simple yet important issue with their initial vetting process for potential members: transparency with pricing. As a busy parent, my time is limited, as is the case for many families considering extracurricular activities like jiu-jitsu for their kids. I reached out to inquire about pricing over the phone and via text but was repeatedly told that I needed to come in just to get that information. Frankly, this approach is inefficient and frustrating. If the pricing is beyond my budget, I don’t want to waste my time—or yours—on a free trial, only to find out we can’t afford it. On the other hand, if it fits my budget, I’d be happy to schedule a trial and potentially become a long-term member. Being transparent about pricing from the start would streamline the decision-making process and show respect for your customers' time. I'm leaving this review not to be difficult, but to hopefully encourage better practices. I’m happy to remove the 1-star review if I can receive the pricing in a straightforward manner. It’s a simple ask, but one that can make all the difference in attracting new members.
They offered a "free" 6 weeks challenge. It costs you a 599.00 deposit. Very misleading and a huge waste of time. Time is valuable you wasted mine forged fitness. Shady!
The six week program seemed like a great option to jumpstart fitness goals. It is advertised as free, but what they don’t tell you until you arrive is that you have to make a $600 “bet” on yourself. I do understand the company invests money into the program, but instead of advertising it as free, it should be mentioned before you show up to do a consultation. Totally just wasted time, they should be more up front and honest.
They advertise a “Free 6 Week Challenge” but in reality, it’s $499. In order to get your money back, you have to lose 25 lbs or 6% of your body fat in those 6 weeks. It’s unrealistic and unhealthy to essentially lose 5 lbs per week and that’s IF you have a good week. Total scam.
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