Bayou Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense

Bayou Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense is a family-friendly martial arts academy operating two locations in Louisiana—Baton Rouge and Central. The academy is affiliated with Ralph Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is led by head instructor Kevin Bellard, a multiple-time IBJJF champion Black Belt under Master Ralph Gracie. The academy was voted a 2023 Family Favorite by Baton Rouge Parents Magazine for Best Martial Arts Academy.

The academy offers comprehensive training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, MMA, and Self-Defense for all ages and skill levels. Classes are designed to be self-paced with group instruction that provides individual attention to help students advance. The facility emphasizes a clean, fun, and positive training environment where students can develop martial arts skills, improve fitness, build confidence, and learn practical self-defense techniques.

The instructor team includes Professor Kevin Bellard (Owner, Black Belt in BJJ and Judo Sensei), Professor Peygan LaFont, Professor David Lee, Professor Candice McDaniel (Black Belt), Instructor Jakson Santos, Judo Sensei Dane Grandt, and Judo Sensei/Jiu-Jitsu Professor Thomas Trantham. The academy's programs include Fundamentals classes for beginners focusing on leverage and technique, Advanced classes with combinations and live sparring, Kids BJJ for ages 4-7 and 8-12 with bully prevention training, and specialized Self-Defense instruction. Reviews consistently praise the instructors' teaching abilities, particularly with children, and highlight the spacious, clean facilities.