GRACIE JIU-JITSU ATHENS at American Black Belt Academy

I went to this school because of the the Instructor. The fact that they are associated with Rickson Grace and Pedro Sauer is just icing on the cake.This school is about self defense. All the others claim they are but it will take you a couple of years for you to find out that you are participating in a sport and that it has minimal application to self defense. The best way to see if you are at a school that teaches self defense is to watch how they train. At American Black Belt Academy they put on head gear and gloves and you get to see just how many of the great moves from the sports schools DO NOT WORK when someone is punching you in the face.The sports schools are fun and build a great set of friendships as well as get you into great shape. If you want a tool kit that you can use when things are really not going well and you have been placed in a bad spot you better be going to a school like this. The team that runs the training at this school is the best I have ever seen. They realize that different body types need different solutions to self defense problems. After being a Police officer for nearly 15 years and barely surviving a lot of encounters, This is the only school I would send my wife or Kids. I feel comfortable that they would learn real self defense in a safe and clean environment.If you are serious about learning self defense, you might as well go to the real deal.K.E.

Winning Jiu-Jitsu competitions may be fun but winning a violent act of aggression is priceless. I could speak on the ego-less training partners at the academy, the great facility and the knowledgeable instructors who always go the extra mile to ensure everyone understands the techniques. To me the most important aspect of American Black Belt Academy is their focus on self-defense. Anyone in law enforcement, the military, or corrections owes it to themselves and their families to obtain additional training to stay safe in their profession. American Black Belt Academy does an excellent job at offering this training.

You know a man is truly a professional when he can teach a grandmother who has never handled a firearm before how to do so safely and effectively in a relatively short period of time. Randy McElwee is an excellent firearms instructor who helped me acquire the skills and confidence needed for self-defense. I appreciated his emphasis on safety first and his patience helping me feel comfortable with my gun. He even helped me decide what type of firearm will best meet my needs in the future. I highly recommend him to anyone who is concerned about personal safety issues but really doesn't know where to begin. Thanks, Randy!

As I searched to get the address for ABBA to share with a friend who is moving to Athens, I looked at the reviews and felt compelled to share my experience. I've trained with ABBA since 2000, long before they had a facility in Athens. I can't speak to others' experience but mine has been great. I do not study martial arts, specifically Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, to gain belts or put on demonstrations nor for competitions so I may have a different view point. My Martial Arts background has multiple facets beyond hand to hand. I look for the ability utilize what I learn in real world scenarios-beyond bar rooms and octagons. I have trained with Randy McElwee and his team over the last 17 years, and my training goals were and are based on my specific professional needs, not the progression of a belt. I personally have had a great experience and his training is both professional and realistic for adults. His professionalism and dedication to his students is evident. I truly appreciate that he is open to face to face feedback and treats me with the same respect when he has feedback for me.Having worked with Randy probably longer than anyone that has posted other comments, I wonder if if those who posted lesser reviews actually discussed their feedback with Randy. I know that if any of those who've posted negative feedback would have first approached Randy directly, he would have been open to a dialogue and welcomed constructive feedback--likely resolving any issues. I have seen this first hand when at the facility training, so its not an assumption, its a testimony.I agree with other posters, get to know where you'll be training, but make sure you make a full assessment of what your needs are. I also encourage you to visit the Gracie Jiu Jitsu site and read their philosophy and approach to Jiu Jitsu. Gracie Jiu Jitsu has a distinctly different approach than mainstream Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, especially today as competitive tournaments are the goal for many participating in JJ. I think its important to point this out since another poster mentioned what should and shouldn't be taught in Jiu-Jitsu. There are different forms of Jiu Jitsu, and there is distinct difference between competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Gracie Jiu Jitsu. ABBA may not be for you--only you can decide, but I suggest that you have a direct conversation with the staff rather than write a negative review. If you know what you want, and understand what you or family members are signing up for, make sure that both you and the training staff are aligned on your goals for participating in martial arts.As I said, I can only state my experience-- its been great.Good Luck!

I've been training at ABBA for about a year and it has helped me become prepared for many situations that could arise in my age group. Great staff and customer service and a lot of fun in class. The instructors are always kind and willing to help out if needed. I constantly recommend ABBA to my friends because of how much it has helped me. Sport JJ is not my style, and I am glad they do not teach it here.

The American Black Belt Academy (ABBA) is a fantastic place for the whole family to learn and practice martial arts. My family had looked for months, off and on, for the right place to send our kids to learn martial arts and self-defense and couldn’t be happier than we are with ABBA.Our search turned into quite the Goldielocks experiment. Places were over-priced, or unorganized, dirty, or the staff just didn’t seem personable. We were very happy to find ABBA was just right. We came in and let the kids watch a class and knew immediately that it was the right place for them. There was a perfect balance of instruction, fun, AND EXERCISE! The instructors are committed to not only teaching our children martial arts, but to making them better people by involving the parents and the schools in the kid’s development. The kids love it and give us a hard time if they ever have to miss a class (sometimes you have to go out of town, sheesh…).It is also a great place for me! I had always wanted to learn Jiu-Jitsu and I was thrilled to find out that ABBA had an amazing Jiu-Jitsu program. The curriculum is very structured and the instructors are great teachers. The self-defense techniques taught at the academy are practical and VERY effective. Our teachers are also students. They are constantly traveling to other schools to see and learn what other people are doing and bring the best jiu-jitsu practitioners and teachers to our academy to ensure that our jiu-jitsu is second to none.I have been taking classes at American Black Belt Academy for about 11 months and I am a better person because of it. I am more focused at work and better able to handle stress in my day to day life. While I will always try to avoid conflict and physical altercations, I have no doubt that I am better able to protect myself and my family if the need ever arises… and that is a wonderful feeling. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much fun the journey has been. The training can be tough sometimes, but it is always interesting and enjoyable. I have met some great people and even competed in a local tournament.If you are looking for a place to learn self-defense, I highly recommend American Black Belt Academy… for the whole family!

I've been training at ABBA for almost 9 years. I have been teaching classes for about 4 years however I am not a paid instructor. I do it because I love it! I love seeing people's improvement and development. I love helping people reach the goals they set. This is a wonderful place with a wealth of knowledge from Randy McElwee. He has helped me achieve many goals in my journey. As I continue to grow as a jiu jitsu practitioner and instructor I look forward to the knowledge and support that he gives.

I started training at American Black Belt Academy about a year and a half ago. I didn’t know of anyone else who trained here, but was impressed by the training and military (Special Forces) background of the owner, so I decided to give it a try. Upon starting the jiu jitsu program, I was immediately welcomed into the community by both the instructors and my peers. In the past year and a half I have gained immeasurable confidence and discipline, and have developed jiu jitsu skills that I am confident in. In addition to our own curriculum, we are often exposed to excellent training with our affiliate schools, and have even had multiple opportunities to train with Master Pedro Sauer. The program is top notch, the school is immaculate, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about the progress of their students. I highly recommend ABBA if you're interested in training high quality jiu jitsu with an emphasis on self defense and real world situations.

My journey at ABBA started about 18 months ago. I was hesitant at first to sign up, because I did not know the impact it would have on my wallet. Looking back now, I wish I had signed up sooner. The amount of knowledge and skills attained is well worth your investment and honestly a small price to pay.If you want to learn self-defense, then you've come to the right place. Their curriculum is strategic and flows very well to give anyone the fundamental base needed to survive most common altercations.The owner, Randy, has really put together the best self-defense program around. His experience of over 20 years in Army Special Forces combat/training coupled with the many years of expertise of his team of instructors produce a wealth of knowledge that is difficult to match.These guys live and breathe the stuff. You would be hard pressed to find better quality and passion for jujitsu/martial arts anywhere in the Southeast. They are always learning and getting better which snowballs into always improving their programs and students. Now that ABBA is a Pedro Sauer affiliate you can expect even greater things in the future from their jujitsu program.I can honestly say that this place has changed my life for the better. I’ve gained confidence, discipline, a solid foundation for self-defense, and have met a great group of friends. So do yourself a favor and just try it out. You’ll be happy you did.

I have wanted to take self defense, kickboxing, and marital arts ever since I was young. I'm so thankful that I found American Black Belt Academy to facilitate these dreams! I love all of the students, the fun environment, and real world experience that the owner and Director, Randy McElwee, has integrated into the classes. If you're looking for a fun, safe, and clean environment to train in look no further. Also, they have great introductory programs so you can experience the classes first hand!