GRACIE JIU-JITSU ATHENS at American Black Belt Academy

My family and I have had an excellent experience at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Athens where we are all treated like family. My kids love their training and are disappointed if we cannot make it. Both Mr. Randy and Mr. Ryan are amazing teachers and great Role models.

This place is INCREDIBLE! I walked in three years ago with just a vague notion that I wanted to take martial arts classes, and now I take every adult class they offer. This is such a unique mix of genuine people who want you to grow, a real workout, and practical self-defense experience. If you are even slightly considering classes, don't wait! Their trial program makes it super easy to test out classes so that you know exactly what you're getting into - and once you do, you'll be hooked.

I’ve been at the gym for almost a year. Very professional gym with highly trained instructors. Randy and his son Ryan have helped me tremendously in improving my self defensive.The program is easy to pick up, and very user friendly for people at all levels. If you are interested in picking up a new hobby or feeling secure on the street this is the place to be.

Our son has been going to Gracie JIU-JITSU for almost a year now and he loves it. Mr Ryan is awesome with the kids. We definitely found our place!!!

I love being a part of this place! It’s a safe, family friendly environment where you learn self defense and other tactics from incredibly knowledgeable and experienced instructors! Randy and Ryan have created an amazing place to train, learn and grow. From day 1 I was hooked! My wife even said within the first month of BJJ training I was a different person, physically, emotionally and physically. Not only do you train physically but the mental aspect of the training is something you can take with you anywhere!My only regret: not starting sooner!!

My 8yo daughter and I both train here. It's a very welcoming environment. The instructors are great with the kids. Safety is always a concern as a parent and the instructors here do a fantastic job keeping the kid's class safe, while at the same time making it a lot of fun. The adult classes are also top notch. All of the instructors are extremely knowledgeable and do a great job spending time with each student to ensure they understand the technique being taught that day. If you're looking for a clean, fun, safe academy to train Jiu-Jitsu, I highly recommend Gracie Athens for both the kids and adult classes.

Gracie Athens is where you want to train if you're interested in street effective, self defense based martial arts in the Athens area. The father/son instructor duo of Randy and Ryan McElwee can't be beaten. They're passionate, knowledgeable, organized, and excellent communicators.I dropped in while traveling from Pennsylvania, and I would gladly train here full time if I lived in the area. This school has perhaps the most organized and well constructed curriculum that I've ever seen, and I've been to a good number of schools.The student atmosphere is second to none. All students are respectful and helpful. No need to worry about getting injured or pushed too hard, but on the other hand, the training is highly realistic and covers a broad range of real life self defense scenarios, giving you the tools to defend yourself and others.I could rave forever, but the bottom line is you need to book a class here and you'll see for yourself that this is an amazing place.

I am a lifelong martial artist with most of my life being devoted to Karate. For the last decade or so, I've had an interest in Gracie Jiu-jitsu and inquired at ABBA through the years to see if they offered classes at a time that suited me.Finally, the stars aligned. Daytime classes that I could make...sitters for my kids...the financial ability...it was cosmic.So I took my kids to ABBA to watch an open mat. Nothing serious...just look. Meet, greet.Randy was absolutely welcoming and answered any questions I had. He was very transparent about pricing, schedules, curriculum, and class structure. Most important, he was super-nice to my kids. I was asking about classes for myself...but being nice to my kids goes a long way.So I decided to take the next step and set up an intro class. Randy took me through the Intro and Ryan led the group class afterward. Both were patient and thorough in their explanations; they gave thought and consideration in answering questions; and they were attentive to detail in describing techniques.I mention my lifelong involvement in the martial arts to underscore that I know good instructors and a good program when I see them. I believe ABBA's jiu-jitsu program is the real deal as are Ryan and Randy.The culture of the school seems positive and encouraging. I went ahead and enrolled in a regular membership. I look forward to seeing what is to come.

Was in town for a week looking for somewhere to train and Gracie Athens welcomed me in. Super friendly and professional people. Very clean and nice facility. I only attended the fundamentals jiu jitsu classes but those were run very well, detailed and structured classes and the rolls afterwards were technical and fun. When I’m in Athens in the future I will definitely be stopping by again!

My daughter and I joined a couple months ago and we are absolutely loving it. Well put together program with very knowledgeable instructors. They take personal time with every person in every class and truly care about your success. The encourage camaraderie and are extremely friendly and welcoming.