BJJ Gyms in Louisiana, United States

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.

Black Arrow

Black Arrow Family Martial Arts was founded in July 2012 by Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Professor Jared Feierabend to bring world-class Jiu-Jitsu to the Brainerd Lakes Area. The gym has been voted Best Fitness Center in the Brainerd Lakes Area six times (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025), demonstrating its commitment to excellence and community impact. Black Arrow offers a traditional yet stylish training environment that is clean, family-friendly, and safe. The gym's philosophy emphasizes proper technique as a force to overcome potential strength disadvantages, making Jiu-Jitsu accessible to practitioners of all sizes and statures. Programs are available for both children (ages 3+) and adults, with classes in both Gi and No-Gi. The professional instructional staff includes Professor Jared Feierabend (4th Degree Black Belt under Dave Camarillo, inducted into Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu Elite in 2014), Professor Kyle Matuszak (1st Degree Black Belt, IBJJF competitor), and Professor Aidan Muller (1st Degree Black Belt, IBJJF Twin Cities Open Gold Medalist). All instructors are 100% committed to helping students achieve their individual goals and spreading the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle to the community.

AMMAGA

American Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) is a premier martial arts academy located in Cleveland, Georgia, founded by world-renowned coaches with decades of international competitive and coaching experience. The gym offers comprehensive training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Thai Boxing (Muay Thai), and Olympic Wrestling for both adults and children ages 7 and up. AMMA's training philosophy centers on building confidence through strength, providing hands-on coaching, inspirational mentorship, and earnest accountability to help students achieve their goals. Whether you're a complete novice or an experienced practitioner bringing your belt with you, AMMA offers a supportive community where athletes can pursue fitness, train hard, and dream big in one of the world's fastest-growing combat sports. The academy is led by two legendary coaches: Kazeka Muniz, a 6th degree black belt in BJJ with over 40 years of experience, 2x BJJ World Champion, and former Olympic coach who trained Royce Gracie and numerous UFC champions; and Alexis "Toto" Rodriguez, a 2x Olympic medalist in freestyle wrestling (Bronze 2000, 5th 2004) and 2x World Champion who has coached national teams for Azerbaijan, Morocco, and Ivory Coast. Both instructors trained together at ESPA Nacional in Cuba under world-renowned Coach Arturo Yanes.

BAMBJJ

Base Martial Arts USA is a premier martial arts training facility in Coconut Creek, Florida, offering comprehensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai programs for both adults and children. The academy provides a holistic approach to physical fitness and personal development in a welcoming and supportive environment. Led by Master Luis Santos "Sapo", a 5-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over 18 years of professional mixed martial arts experience, Base Martial Arts delivers world-class instruction. Sapo is also a black belt in both Muay Thai and Judo, and has competed in organizations including WEC, XFC, and ONE FC, with over 81 professional victories. He currently trains at American Top Team in Coconut Creek and brings his elite combat sports experience to every class. The academy's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs teach the art of ground fighting and leverage, empowering students with effective self-defense techniques while promoting discipline and mental focus. Training emphasizes fundamental principles and practical application, enhancing confidence and situational awareness for practitioners of all skill levels. The facility also offers specialized programs including Baby Jiu-Jitsu for children ages 2-3, youth programs for various age groups, competition team training, and women's self-defense classes.

5 Elements Studio - Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness

5 Elements Studio - Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness in Dallas, Texas, is dedicated to changing lives through martial arts, education, and coaching. The academy provides a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere where students of all ages and experience levels can achieve their personal goals through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Yoga & Movement classes. Founded and directed by Gerardo Mulas, a black belt under coral belt Carlos Machado, the studio combines expertise from multiple disciplines to help students live healthier, more balanced lives. Gerardo has over 25 years of experience teaching and is an active competitor, earning multiple medals at IBJJF competitions including gold at the 2025 IBJJF Waco Open and bronze at the 2024 Abu Dhabi World Master Championships in the Master Black Belt Division. The instructional team includes Sydney Hlebik, an MMA fighter with four years of experience in striking arts trained under UFC veteran Charles Byrd, and Elio Gonzalez, a purple belt who won gold at the 2024 IBJJF Dallas Open. The academy offers comprehensive programs for kids (ages 3+), teens, and adults, including Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Yoga & Movement, women's self-defense, and specialized programs like the 5 Elements Teacher Training Program and Executive Training.