GRACIE JIU-JITSU ATHENS at American Black Belt Academy

Just recently joined this jiu jitsu academy and I have nothing but positive things to say. Other gyms I have tried in the area are more competition or ego-driven, but the staff/owners here have worked hard to maintain a culture of humility and ensure all members are willing to work with and help everyone else, especially those starting out like myself. They also have an established curriculum and try to make it applicable to real life scenarios and self-defense. Randy and Ryan are awesome and I would highly recommend this gym to anyone wanting to start their jiu jitsu journey!

This is the first activity (out of many) that my 13 yr old has shown self motivation and interest in. It’s a wonderful, positive program that teaches the value of self discipline and builds confidence and character. Hands down, if your reading this, you should try it.

I highly recommend Athens Gracie Jiu Jitsu. My son has been taking lessons for about 3 years now and he really loves it. The Academy is impressive—very clean and well organized. They run a tight ship over there. The instructors are excellent. My son started in the children’s classes and is old enough now to move up to the adult classes, which he is very excited about. I am even going to pursue private lessons because he has enjoyed it so much. There is much to be learned there. A five star operation for sure.

If you’re looking to learn how to fight, the expert instuctors here can teach you an immense amount about self defense, realistic fighting, and the art of jiu jitsu and reality of combat. Thanks for everything guys!Stay in the FIGHT

This place is by far the best school that we have been to after a decade of training Jiu Jitsu. This guys and gals are the best out there.

Professionalism. Tradition. Dedication.Three words that are often forgotten in some Martial Arts Academies, Schools, and Dojos.Not at American Black Belt Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens, GA.I have trained at numerous academies and while at ABBA over the years, coming back home to train with Sensei Randy and Senpai Ryan McElwee is where I always find myself.The attention to detail, structure, and genuine desire to see their students grow in their martial arts journey is always the Gold Standard.The five years I have been training with these amazing gentlemen has been one of my life’s highlights.Traditional Gracie Jiu Jitsu for real self defense is not only taught at American Black Belt Academy- it is the way!

I had an amazing experience at Gracie Athens. I found the coaching staff fantastic and the members were also friendly and welcoming. I was able to raise my game to a level I was surprised to achieve. Thank you to the phenomenal team.

I love this place and you will too! Been coming here for as long as I can remember and have learned so much. Always a fun time at Athens Gracie!If you’re interested in learning the fundamentals of self defense, this is a GREAT place to start.

I started training in November at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Athens, and I wish I’d started sooner. I’ve felt welcome and comfortable every step of the way, from my first email interaction, through the generous trial period, and now as I’m about to test for my second stripe. Randy and Ryan are not only excellent martial artists, but great leaders and teachers. This is by far the best experience I’ve ever had at a martial arts school and I get excited for every training session.

They are great. There's a strong sense of community, and I felt welcomed from day 1. I am small and generally do not enjoy getting hurt. So I was a bit hesitant at first, but the instruction are broken down and explained well. Everyone is also helpful in breaking it down and explaining what you need to do. The owner and instructors are understanding and considerate and adjust to your needs. It only been a few months, but I'm loving it so far. Glad to be learning self defense even though I hope I won't have to use it any time soon.