Are you ready to transform your life through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)? Whether you're seeking fitness, self-defense skills, or a supportive community, Tennessee offers a variety of BJJ schools to suit your needs. From Nashville to Knoxville, Goodlettsville to Chattanooga, discover the academies that can help you achieve your goals.
Nashville BJJ Academies
Shawn Hammonds Jiu Jitsu Academy
At Shawn Hammonds Jiu Jitsu Academy in Nashville, they prove that Jiu Jitsu truly is for everyone! Their expert black belt instructors lead dynamic programs including BJJ for beginners to advanced levels, kids, men, women, and competitors.
The Nashville academy doesn't just teach moves-they build confidence, develop incredible fitness, and create a family that celebrates every victory together. From your first class to competition prep, their safe, encouraging environment ensures you'll fall in love with training while achieving goals you never thought possible.
- Programs: BJJ for beginners to advanced levels, kids, men, women, and competitors
- Additional Training: Personalized training and traditional Sumo Keiko (Japanese wrestling)
- Focus: Building confidence, fitness, and community
Our academy is led by experienced black belts with years of competition experience. We blend physical technique with mental discipline, teaching respect and perseverance that extends beyond the mat. Our spacious facility features premium mats and safety-focused instruction.
- Kids Jiu Jitsu program
- Women's BJJ
- Sumo Keiko program
Train with South Nashville personal trainer Caralyn Hammonds today!
Read also: Diverse Martial Arts Styles
Liberdade BJJ
Join Nashville’s Most Welcoming Jiu-Jitsu Community at Liberdade BJJ - a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in the heart of Nashville built on community, confidence, and championship-caliber instruction. Whether you’re just starting out or coming back to the mats, you’re invited to train in an environment where every student belongs.
Liberdade Jiu Jitsu is more than just a training academy - it’s a thriving community where students of all backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and inspired. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or returning after years away, you’ll find a space where champions are made and friendships are forged.
At Liberdade BJJ, they stand out through their commitment to technical excellence, authentic community, and lifelong learning.
WHITE BELT POSITIONAL GUIDE || a must watch for newbies
- Kids build discipline and focus while having fun.
- Adults develop strength, confidence, and practical self-defense skills.
- Adult BJJ: From day-one beginners to lifelong athletes, discover how adults grow with Liberdade BJJ’s supportive approach.
- Online BJJ: Access flexible Jiu-Jitsu training from anywhere through our online video library, built for all levels.
Knoxville BJJ Programs
In Knoxville, BJJ programs focus on building strength, athleticism, and self-defense skills. These classes are designed to accommodate all experience levels, providing a supportive environment for growth.
- Kids Martial Arts classes use the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to set students all across Knoxville up for success.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are helping people all across Knoxville build incredible strength and athleticism while also taking on the world of ground-based grappling and self-defense.
- The Self-Defense system is built on the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, helping you learn how to gain leverage over an opponent and stay in control of any real-world situation.
We combine the best aspects of mental, physical, and emotional development for all ages and abilities. We are proud to train people of all skill sets.
Read also: From Sitcom Star to BJJ Master
Goodlettsville BJJ Academy
The Academy is the premier place to practice Jiu Jitsu in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. They provide the perfect balance between a family environment and a competitive space. The community is rooted in growing closer with family while building a healthy competitive spirit. When you step onto the mat, you’re home. The Academy will help you become the best version of yourself among welcoming, like-minded peers and martial artists.
The Academy team strives to make students well-rounded individuals on and off the mat. As passionate instructors, we aim to guide and support you through every step of your martial arts journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our team is here to create a positive and challenging environment where you can grow. With years of experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and martial arts, our instructors are committed to fostering discipline, confidence, and strength in every student.
At The Academy, we take pride in providing expert instruction and a welcoming community that feels like family.
- BJJ program is designed for both kids and adults, promoting skill development, self-defense, and physical fitness.
- MMA program focuses on striking techniques and is tailored for students ages 12 and up.
The Academy welcomes nearby communities including Madison, White House, and Henderson to practice BJJ in Goodlettsville.
Training Facilities and Recovery
While you test your limits on the mat, we ensure comfort and strength within our state-of-the-art training facility. You’re in good hands at The Academy.
Read also: The Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
At The Academy, we understand that recovery is just as important as training, which is why we offer a range of muscle recovery services to support your wellness journey.
- Saunas to promote relaxation and detoxification
- Ice baths to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery time
- Compression therapy to enhance circulation and alleviate soreness
- Red light therapy services to help reduce pain and promote healing at a cellular level
Instructors and Philosophy
Ready to train under professional fighters?
Owner Jason Matherley began practicing martial arts in middle school and worked his way up as a teacher in 2013. His goal with opening The Academy was to alleviate the lack of spaces for the community to practice Jiu Jitsu in Goodlettsville. Before Jason opened The Academy, he would train an hour away. He needed a space to carry out his passion for martial arts, competition, and teaching.
Our goal is to teach more than just martial arts. We focus on helping students grow both mentally and physically, empowering them to become the best version of themselves. Through training, they’ll learn invaluable life skills like perseverance, teamwork, and self-discipline, all within a supportive community.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, The Academy provides the tools and training needed to thrive. Join us in building strength, fostering friendships, and competing at the highest level.
Chattanooga BJJ Academies
Gracie Barra Chattanooga
Welcome to Gracie Barra Chattanooga, a proud part of the global Gracie Barra network. We offer classes for all ages and skill levels, from kids to adults, beginners to advanced practitioners.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu is the only martial arts system that has proven it self effective over and over with regard to these four criteria. The fact is that most self-defense situations happen as a surprise, involve a larger attacker, quickly move to a very close range and eventually end up on the ground.
- The GBK Program introduces children to Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and age-appropriate classes - building confidence, discipline, and respect through structured curriculum. It focuses on self-defence, takedowns, and ground techniques.
- The GB1 Program is the foundation of Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra. Originally called the "Fundamental Program," it offers structured training in self-defence, core techniques, and the philosophy of Gracie Barra. Designed for beginners, GB1 builds strong technical skills and prepares students for progression to advanced levels.
- The GB2 Program builds on fundamentals with advanced techniques, complex drills, No-Gi training and live sessions - preparing students for GB3.
- The GB3 Program is the ultimate level of training at a GB school and challenges students, increasing the complexity of the drills, and the intensity of the training session. It is open to blue belts and above.
- The GBF Program offers a supportive and inclusive introduction to Jiu-Jitsu for women, focusing on core techniques while building confidence and preparing students to progress into more advanced classes like GB1, GB2 and GB3.
Chattanooga Jiu-Jitsu Academy
To teach the most proven and practical martial arts in the world in a positive, friendly, high energy, family environment. We want each and every student to be able to defend themselves in a real world attack regardless of size, strength, age or athletic ability.
The Chattanooga Jiu-Jitsu Academy located in Hixson TN boasts a brand new 5000 square foot facility. The academy is run daily by true black belt experts and a professional staff. We pride ourselves on having a super clean training environment and therefore clean and disinfect the entire school daily.
Summary of BJJ Schools in Tennessee
Here is a summary table of the mentioned BJJ schools in Tennessee:
| Academy Name | Location | Programs Offered | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawn Hammonds Jiu Jitsu Academy | Nashville | BJJ (Beginner to Advanced), Kids, Men, Women, Competitors, Sumo Keiko | Experienced black belt instructors, focus on confidence and fitness |
| Liberdade BJJ | Nashville | Adult BJJ, Kids BJJ, Online BJJ | Community-focused, technical excellence, lifelong learning |
| The Academy | Goodlettsville | BJJ (Kids & Adults), MMA/Striking | Family environment, competitive space, muscle recovery services |
| Gracie Barra Chattanooga | Chattanooga | GBK, GB1, GB2, GB3, GBF (Women) | Part of global network, structured curriculum, all skill levels |
| Chattanooga Jiu-Jitsu Academy | Hixson (Chattanooga) | BJJ (all levels) | Clean training environment, black belt experts, self-defense focus |