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Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 137 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Apex, North Carolina
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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 (ages 1–2) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's muay thai classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule apexbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (919) 753-6536
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–7 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–7 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–7 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“As a beginner, I was initially overwhelmed, but the welcoming environment and the instructors' genuine passion quickly eased my nerves.”
“My son, who also recently started, is equally thrilled with his experience and has become borderline obsessed with it even at his young age.”
“I learned several good details, both from the instructional portion and later while sparring with more experienced partners.”
“They have a great instruction balance between sport Jiu Jitsu and self-defense for children and adults.”
Other martial arts here
“It is rare to find a place where an 11-year-old girl feels both challenged and completely accepted, but the Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy provides exactly that environment.”
What members say
“Sean and the other coaches are very professional and great with communicating with how my son is doing in his classes.”
“As a beginner, I was initially overwhelmed, but the welcoming environment and the instructors' genuine passion quickly eased my nerves.”
“When I come to class I know that I can expect to learn good BJJ, train in a clean and safe environment, and see smiling, friendly faces.”
“Finding a place where an 11-year-old girl feels both challenged and completely accepted is rare, but Ji Jitsu Performance Academy has been exactly that for our daughter.”
“When I come to class I know that I can expect to learn good BJJ, train in a clean and safe environment, and see smiling, friendly faces.”
“This is more than just a martial arts gym; it is a supportive community that helps girls grow into strong, confident young women.”
From the reviews
We are very impressed with Spangler BJJ. Our 8 year old daughter has been attending weekly for a few months. She’s very small for her age and was avoiding physically challenging activities. We weren’t sure she’d go for this, but she LOVES it. I think we attended two trial classes before joining.
All the coaches have been great for myself and my two children. They have been able to grow physically, mentally and emotionally. Coach Spangler has been there for the children and adult for support, advice and coaching in tournaments.
Sean Spangler is an amazing coach. He's passionate, patient and knowledgeable. The thing I like about his style of teaching is that hes very detail oriented from the start. If you don't get the details right, none of the techniques will work. I also like this gym because it's really welcoming and friendly.
Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy is a truly exceptional place for learning and growth. As a beginner, I was initially overwhelmed, but the welcoming environment and the instructors' genuine passion quickly eased my nerves. The moment you step through the door, you're made to feel like a part of the community.
New to muay thai? Start at Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy
Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy 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 Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy
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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