Walking into a Jiu Jitsu academy for the first time in Memphis can feel like stepping into a completely new environment. The hum of warm-ups, the rhythm of drills, and the focus of practitioners rolling on the mats create an atmosphere that is both intense and welcoming. Memphis is a city known for culture, community, and resilience. That same spirit fuels its martial arts environment, where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has seen steady, significant growth.
What makes Jiu Jitsu unique is its emphasis on technique over raw strength. This makes it accessible for men, women, and kids of all ages. And most importantly, it is not something you have to face alone! Memphis locals often seek out gyms that create an inviting space for beginners while still offering advanced instruction for experienced grapplers.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu History in 5 Minutes
Benefits of Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Training in Jiu Jitsu is a transformative full-body workout. Because most if not all hand to hand attacks end up on the ground, today's Martial Artist needs to grapple WELL if they expect to win. Perfect for newcomers, beginner classes focus on fundamental positions, escapes, transitions, and submissions. More experienced practitioners can take advantage of advanced technique sessions and structured rolling.
These classes refine strategy, efficiency, and conditioning. Children and teens benefit from structured martial arts programs rooted in discipline, respect, and confidence-building. Our Martial Arts classes' primary goal is to make sure our students have fun in a enjoyable, safe environment. Whether you are looking for a sports activity for your child or for an alternative from the boring gym fitness routine, martial arts is unlike any other sport because at the core of the training, the emphasis is on personal development.
Self-Defense and Real-World Application
For those seeking real-world protection skills, Pyramid Athletics integrates practical self-defense principles rooted in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Jiu Jitsu is a unique program that truly teaches Self Defense for the Real World. Our program is the perfect mix of traditional martial arts and modern self-defense skills applicable in the real world. With proper technique, a BJJ practitioner can overcome opponents of a much bigger size. New students are guided through the basics-from etiquette and safety to class flow and expectations.
Read also: From Sitcom Star to BJJ Master
What to Expect in a Typical Jiu Jitsu Class
Classes begin with purposeful warm-ups designed to build mobility and prepare the body. Students practice techniques with a partner before applying them in supervised sparring. The Jiu Jitsu culture in Memphis is known for being supportive and welcoming.
Jiu Jitsu classes offer more than martial arts instruction-they provide a pathway to improved health, increased confidence, and long-lasting community connection. Start Feeling More Confident, More Relaxed, Stronger, and In Control!
Memphis Jiu Jitsu Academies
Pyramid Athletics
Pyramid Athletics blends passion, expertise, and a commitment to personal growth. Under the leadership of founder Eric Ingram and co-owner Steven Combs, Pyramid Athletics offers a complete training experience featuring Jiu Jitsu, Fitness Kickboxing, CrossFit, Muay Thai, and more.
Midtown Krav Maga & Jiu Jitsu (MKMJJ)
Midtown Krav Maga & Jiu Jitsu (MKMJJ) offers a friendly community for anyone looking to improve their self-defense skills. We built an environment that focuses on hard work and self-improvement. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced competitor, you’ll find your place here among friends with similar passions and goals. Our combination of Krav Maga and Jiu Jitsu classes in Memphis, Tennessee has cultivated a unique and unified atmosphere.
MKMJJ in Memphis helps students master their strengths and achieve their goals. Whether you want to learn Krav Maga self-defense or become a Jiu Jitsu champion, our team will guide you. We provide individualized attention and feedback to truly understand each individual. From there, our professional, thorough coaches are able to train students based on their strengths and weaknesses.
Read also: The Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
We know that the physical training is only half the work, though. Owner Josh Metcalf opened MKMJJ in Memphis on July 3rd, 2021. At this point, he had taught and trained Krav Maga for 15 years and was confident in his passion for teaching. When the COVID-19 pandemic challenged small businesses, Josh took the opportunity to open a Krav Maga academy in Memphis. He wanted to create a place that provided top-quality self-defense training.
MKMJJ invites nearby communities including Bartlett, Germantown, and Arlington to train self-defense with us in Memphis. MKMJJ students and instructors are united by our passion for growth, self-defense, and martial arts. Martial arts training tests your limits to become your best self.
Midtown Grappling Academy
Welcome to Midtown Grappling Academy! Our world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is located in the heart of Midtown in Memphis, TN. Our adult gi BJJ classes offer comprehensive instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals and advanced techniques, combining movement, specific drilling, and live sparring. Our adult no-gi classes focus on fast-paced grappling without the traditional gi, emphasizing positional control, wrestling takedowns, and dynamic submission chains.
Our kids BJJ classes teach practical self-defense and grappling techniques in a fun, engaging environment that builds confidence, discipline, and respect. Why not make jiu-jitsu a family activity? Our kid’s class starts on the front half of the mats at 5:30pm and adults class starting at 5:45 on the back half of the mats. Rather than dropping your kid off for class, stay for the hour, join the adult’s class and get your own workout in.
Located in the historic Midtown neighborhood of Memphis, MGA boasts one of the largest mat spaces with the largest volume of jiu jitsu competitors. We live by the credo that “Iron sharpens iron”, and stepping into MGA, you will notice high level talent teaching and training here daily. We prioritize excellent technique, high level conditioning, and a competitive mentality for both those who complete around the world, and those looking for a healthy and fulfilling way to stay in shape.
Read also: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi in Black
Alex is the first grappler in Memphis to compete at IBJJF and to become IBJFF World Champion (No Gi brown belt absolute as a light weight) and 2x Pan Ams. He has worked and help develop other gyms in the area before opening his own in 2016.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Centers of Memphis
I'm the owner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Centers of Memphis. When I was a child, I began my martial arts journey and the positive impact it had on my life was remarkable. It was always my dream to someday own my own school in Memphis and create an enjoyable environment for students to improve their fitness while building confidence they can carry into their everyday lives.
Testimonials
- This place and people here have become my favorites. - Kamilah M.
- Josh’s gym is a place of excellent training, fun atmosphere, and a feeling of community. - Neile M.
- Everyone here, from teachers to fellow students, are super kind and helpful. - Adelina W. Brett S. Carolyn J.
- My daughter, Maddie, loves attending class. She has lost weight, gained confidence, and is prepared to physically defend herself if need be. - Rebecca W.
- I have been a student of theirs for 14 years. I love all the instructors and how kind they are and how much they truly care about helping me reach my goals. Also with the ways the instructors have been able to help me with self defense, they have also helped with life skills like public speaking, courage, respect, and team work.
- I've been a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 20 years and I've stuck with it for so long because of the great instructors and the great team that we have. Everyone is friendly and all the instructors are highly trained and will help you reach your martial arts goals wether it be for fitness, self-defense, competition or if you just want to get into something exciting and fun.
- I love this studio!!! Not only do they teach martial arts, but they teach morals and instill confidence in these kids. The instructors have been nothing but fabulous to our 9 year old and she can't get enough of it.
Benefits of BJJ
Joining the latest fitness craze usually leads to boredom & disappointment. However, as adults we have all experienced the initial enthusiasm for new workout routines, only to find ourselves bored or uninspired before long. Getting in shape and gaining confidence should not be a huge chore made up of boring gym workouts you dread daily.
Most people associate mixed martial arts with fighting, kicks and punches. While we definitely practice drills that you can expect during mixed martial arts classes, the truth is that confidence and stress relief are some of the biggest benefits our members report! Wonderful instructors who are very knowledgeable! This is the school to go to if you’re 4 or 80. Everyone is humble and the staff is world-class.
Absolutely not. I Love All the Benefits Such as Confidence, Self-Esteem, and Focus … But Is It Fun? Do I Need to Have Previous Experience or Any Particular Fitness Level to Enroll in Martial Arts Classes? No, our classes are a good mix of men and women of all fitness levels. This is a limited time offer!