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Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Self-Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 65 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Pelham, Alabama
Plan your first class
- 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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciebarraalabama.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (205) 637-5551
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–8:15 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7:15 AM, 11 AM–1 PM, 4–8:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–7:45 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7:15 AM, 11 AM–1 PM, 4–8:15 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4:45–7 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this gym offers an inclusive environment with plenty of opportunities to grow.”
“The kids classes are just as good with superb coaching staff that truly understand how to make well rounded little martial artists.”
“Our kids competed in locally hosted tournaments and participated in kids' camps.”
Other martial arts here
“I had stopped doing Jiu Jitsu for a while as the gym near me had not treated me well and I no longer wanted to go.”
“I would recommend this to anyone interested in Jiu-Jitsu or MMA.”
“There are other classes (Judo, Muay-Thai,) that I haven't had the opportunity to take yet but I am looking forward to one day.”
What members say
“Gracie Barra is not only the most welcoming, professional and compassionate facility but the entire staff is incredibly supportive and helpful.”
“Gracie Barra is not only the most welcoming, professional and compassionate facility but the entire staff is incredibly supportive and helpful.”
“They take the time to break down techniques step-by-step, making them easy to understand and apply, regardless of your experience level.”
“The gym itself is spacious, clean, and well-equipped, providing everything you need to train safely and comfortably.”
“Since then, I’ve learned extremely practical martial arts, made several great friends, gained physical and mental toughness, and gotten in the best shape of my life.”
From the reviews
Wow, what an awesome place. I have traveled all over and trained all over and I have to say this is one of the best BJJ gyms. Not only form the technical point of view, but as a group of spectacular people. There is quite a few black belts and brown belts that support all levels.
10 Stars if I could!! Very Clean! I just can’t say enough about this business. It all starts with the owner Professor Kaliffa Oliveria. He treats every student and customer with respect, understanding, patience and kindness. The Instructors and Professors are Amazing! Starting with Instructor John in GB1.
If you're looking for a place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this gym is hands down one of the best! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The instructors are highly skilled and genuinely care about your progress.
Gracie Barra is not only the most welcoming, professional and compassionate facility but the entire staff is incredibly supportive and helpful. If you are looking for a clean, safe and comfortable place to take your health to the next level and grow in all areas including community I could not recommend any other…
New to muay thai? Start at Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Self-Defense
Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Self-Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. 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 Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Self-Defense
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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