Home › North Carolina › Apex › Open Guard BJJ
Open Guard BJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Apex, North Carolina
Authentic Thai — reviews and the gym's own info point to coaching rooted in Thailand's muay thai tradition. If lineage matters to you, ask where the coaches trained and about their kru.
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 6) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule openguardbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 919-230-9583
Hours
| Monday | 5:45–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:45–8 pm |
| Thursday | 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 5:45–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:45–11:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“None of us (parents, two kids) had any experience with martial arts so we didn't know what to expect.”
“On my first day there one of the higher skilled guys pulled me aside and taught me the basics and fundamentals .”
Other martial arts here
“Both of my kids learned BJJ and kickboxing here, and I trained in the wrestling and BJJ classes.”
“I look forward to every training opportunity at Open Guard, as I'm sure anyone who is willing to give BJJ a go would be.”
“Both of my kids learned BJJ and kickboxing here, and I trained in the wrestling and BJJ classes.”
What members say
“Great instruction, coaches are great at teaching kids and keeping them engaged.”
“On my first day there one of the higher skilled guys pulled me aside and taught me the basics and fundamentals .”
“Everyone is so welcoming, the instructors are super personable, they have diiferent class levels.”
“On my first day there one of the higher skilled guys pulled me aside and taught me the basics and fundamentals .”
“Mats are clean and instruction is good with lots of friendly coaches.”
“Instruction for adult classes was excellent and focused.”
From the reviews
Starting going to classes as a family two months ago. A few things to note. None of us (parents, two kids) had any experience with martial arts so we didn't know what to expect. I was surprised to find myself on the mat ten minutes after walking in the door working on moves and submissions. My wife and I both loved it.
Fantastic place to take BJJ lessons. Everyone is so welcoming, the instructors are super personable, they have diiferent class levels. Even though it is a friendly enviornment it does still have the nature of a martial arts studio.
Great instructors with many years of experience. Best BJJ and kickboxing school I've been to.
Great facility. Very welcoming and awesome techniques. Even tougher rolls... Ossss!
New to muay thai? Start at Open Guard BJJ
Open Guard BJJ 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 Open Guard BJJ
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.
More muay thai gyms near Apex
Apex Martial Arts Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 136 reviews
🥊 Free trial class — check their site
Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 137 reviews
🥊 Free trial class — check their site
Connection Jiu Jitsu Academy - Apex, NC
5 ★★★★★ 87 reviews
🥊 Free trial class — check their site