GRACIE JIU-JITSU ATHENS at American Black Belt Academy - Bogart, Georgia

Tony White

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.

Heather Elder

Took the womens self defense class today. I walked in feeling nervous and vulnerable. I walked out feeling strong and empowered. Thank you for a great class! The trainers were nice, funny, and very clear in their instructions and demonstrations. Also met some really nice people in the class. Everyone should take this class!!

Jaelynn Bochat

The instructors were so welcoming and made me feel empowered to try to learn how to defend myself. I was beyond nervous to come to class, but they exceeded my expectations! I love their passion for teaching and think that I learned so many beneficial techniques to keep myself safe! Please try a class with them 🙂

C P

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.

Kevin Schreibman

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.

Julie Quinlan

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.

Ivey Tenny

The SAFE self defense class for women was great. The instructors made everyone feel comfortable and made the atmosphere fun! They did not overpromise what the class offered, but we learned some great self defense strategies and got to practice a lot. Highly recommend!!

Catherine Hagerty

The people truly make this place a gem! The people are passionate about their art and engage their classes with instructions that everyone, at all levels, can understand. If you are thinking about taking Jiu Jitsu or self-defense classes, do it and do it here.