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Carlson Gracie Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu powered by BFMMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Summerville, South Carolina
Plan your first class
- Drop-ins drop-ins run around $75 — many gyms also offer monthly memberships and a discounted first session, so ask about new-member rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule blackforcemma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (419) 957-4741
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The instructors are very detail oriented and work with people at all levels.”
“Specifically, it's amazing to see how passionate and patient all the coaches are with the kids (and adults, too) classes.”
“Best place to train for self defense and martial arts.”
Other martial arts here
“She now trains 5-6 days a week in Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and boxing and has full confidence in her coaches.”
“Highly recommend this school whether you are just starting you bjj journey or have been training for a while.”
“I can definitely say hand on heart they need to check out Black Force MMA Academy (it’s near the back of Best Buy in Summerville) The owner and head coach is incredible.”
“She now trains 5-6 days a week in Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and boxing and has full confidence in her coaches.”
What members say
“Great gym environment with knowledgeable instructors and all the good vibes.”
“The instructors are very detail oriented and work with people at all levels.”
“I recommend to any family or individual looking to train in martial arts, learn new skills or just wanting to work on personal fitness.”
“The cost is very affordable.”
“She now trains 5-6 days a week in Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and boxing and has full confidence in her coaches.”
From the reviews
Dropped in for a week. Initially I was lost because I’ve never been here, however, someone saw my blank stare and proceeded to help me with a smile on their face. They were extremely welcoming and friendly and glad to have me come in.
Best place to train for self defense and martial arts. Family environment with knowledgeable, kind and patient coaches. Everyone accepts you for you, no judgement. We play hard and have fun! Even give back to our veterans and their families. Thank you Coach Dwight and Michelle.
I can’t say enough good things about Carlson Gracie Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The coaches are not only incredible at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but they’re also amazing with kids. They teach discipline respect and confidence while keeping the classes fun and engaging.
A few months ago my son started Brazilian Jiujitsu. He takes his lessons very seriously and pays close attention to what the instructors tell him. Tonight he was given the honor of moving up a class by Coach Decker due to his training commitment and for taking the class so seriously.
New to muay thai? Start at Carlson Gracie Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu powered by BFMMA
Carlson Gracie Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu powered by BFMMA comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at Carlson Gracie Jr Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu powered by BFMMA
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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🥊 Free trial class — check their site