DAY 1 NO-GI BASICS
New here? This 30-minute No-Gi intro is just for white belts in their first 3 months.
Start No-Gi BasicsPick a path. Get on the mat.
BJJ FUNDAMENTALS
Build your foundation. Gi and No-Gi fundamentals classes daily.
Book Your Free ClassCJJA KIDS
Kids ages 4-12? We've got them. Lil' Pups (4-6) and Bulldogs (7-12) learn confidence, discipline, and Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, supportive way.
Kids ScheduleOPEN MAT
The Southeast's best Open Mats. 2 Days. 5 hours. No politics. Just rolls. Previous experience required.
Drop In This WeekendBuilt different on purpose.
Unaffiliated
Train with anyone. No politics, no drama.
TRAIN 7 DAYS A WEEK
4-5 classes daily plus weekend open mats. Morning, noon, and night.
Transparent Pricing
No contracts. No hidden fees. Cancel anytime.
Free First Class
Try before you commit. No pressure.
Hear it from the mat.
Google Review"I've trained around the world. California, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, England, Australia. Charlotte JJ is world-class. Everyone has the same values: be clean, be respectful, and have fun."
Google Review"They've somehow managed to create an environment that's simultaneously world-class, friendly, and ridiculously addictive. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and occasionally sadistic."
Google Review"John is the man. Despite being busy and having tons of students, he always takes the time to show he cares. He's genuinely welcoming and creates an environment where everyone feels like they belong."
Welcome to Charlotte Jiu-Jitsu Academy!
Charlotte Jiu-Jitsu Academy isn't your average martial arts school. We're unaffiliated, no politics, no cliques, just real training with good people. You don't need to bow at the door or memorize a family tree, unless you want to.
We're here to teach Jiu-Jitsu that works, in a way that makes sense and keeps you coming back. Whether you're rolling for fun, fitness, or gold medals, and whether you're brand new or coming from another gym, you'll feel at home here.
World-class instruction. Every class.
John Piper
Head Coach
Owner and head instructor. IBJJF Masters World Champion in Gi and No-Gi. The culture behind everything CJJA.
Eli Knight
Coach: Gi/No-Gi Fundamentals
3rd degree black belt. 30 years of teaching. YouTube sensation and BJJ Fanatics instructor.
Dr. Jen Case
Coach: Gi/No-Gi Fundamentals
15× IBJJF Masters World Champion. 3× Pan Champion. PhD in Human Nutrition. Former pro MMA fighter. A literal legend.
Lance Breeden
Coach: No-Gi Fundamentals
IBJJF World Masters gold medalist. No-Gi Worlds medalist. Competing and coaching at the highest level.
Here's exactly what happens.
No surprises. No weird rituals. Just Jiu-Jitsu.
SHOW UP
Walk in, say hi. No gi required, no gear to buy. Wear a t-shirt, shorts or leggings, and bring water. That's it.
WARM UP WITH THE CLASS
You'll pair up and start moving. Our warm-ups are built around jiu-jitsu concepts and partner drills, not jumping jacks. You're learning from the first minute.
LEARN TECHNIQUE
Every coach brings their own style. Some break down 2-3 moves step by step. Others teach through live concepts and movement. Either way, you're learning real jiu-jitsu in every class.
LIVE TRAINING
Every class includes live rounds. You can jump in, watch, or stop anytime. We treat everyone like adults here. We're here to support your journey, not demand compliance. Move, sweat, learn, improve. That's the whole point.
You don't need to be in shape. You don't need experience. You just need to show up.
Book Your Free Class
Find Your Starting Point
Whether you're brand new or just new to us, we've got a class for you.
Start with a free intro, jump into fundamentals, or hit open mat if you're already training.
No pressure. Just come train.
Find us
Questions? Curious? Come on in!
2508 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205Class Times
- Monday - Thursday
- 6:45 am · 12 pm · 4:30 - 8 pm
- Friday
- 6:45 am · 12 pm · 4:30 - 7 pm
- Saturday
- 9 am - 12 pm
- Sunday
- 11 am - 1 pm
Quick answers.
Do I need to be in shape to start?
No. Jiu-Jitsu will get you in shape. Most people start with zero experience and zero fitness background. Come as you are.
Will I get hurt?
Jiu-jitsu is a combat sport, so things can get rough. That said, we train safely and respectfully. The most important person in the room is your training partner. White belts are friends, not food. We take care of each other on the mat.
What should I wear?
T-shirt and shorts or leggings. No zippers, no pockets, no jewelry. We'll talk about gis and gear after you've tried a class. No pressure to buy anything.
I'm over 30 / 40 / 50. Am I too old?
Not even close. We have members from 18 to 60+. Jiu-jitsu is the one martial art that's built for all ages and body types.
Your first class is always free.
No credit card. No commitment. Just show up and train.
Book Your Free Class