# Bayou Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense

> Baton Rouge, United States

## Overview

**Name:** Bayou Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense

**Description:** 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.

**Status:** Active

## Contact Information

**Address:**
9681 Airline Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA 70815, United States

**Phone:** +1 225-505-8500

**Email:** kevinbellardbjj@gmail.com

**Website:** https://bayoujiujitsu.com

**Social Media:**
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayoujiujitsuralphgraciela/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bayoujiujitsu/

## Instructors


### Kevin Bellard - Black

**Role:** Head Instructor

**Bio:** Multiple-time IBJJF champion Black Belt under Master Ralph Gracie. Owner and head instructor of Bayou Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense. Also holds rank as Judo Sensei.


### Candice McDaniel - Black

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Black Belt Jiu-Jitsu Professor at Bayou Jiu-Jitsu.


### Dane Grandt

**Role:** Instructor


### David Lee

**Role:** Instructor


### Jakson Santos

**Role:** Instructor


### Peygan LaFont

**Role:** Instructor


### Thomas Trantham

**Role:** Instructor


## Programs

### Kids BJJ (Ages 4-7)

**Skill Level:** Beginner

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for younger children (ages 4-7). Kids learn BJJ fundamentals, Judo, Wrestling, Self-Defense, and bully prevention techniques in a fun, controlled environment. Classes include warm-ups, conditioning, basic techniques, partner drills, and character-building activities.

### Kids BJJ (Ages 8-12)

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for children ages 8-12. Kids learn BJJ, Judo, Wrestling, Self-Defense, and bully prevention. Curriculum includes techniques, partner drills, grappling/rolling sessions, and belt progression system.

### Fundamentals (Adult Beginners)

**Skill Level:** Beginner

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** 60-minute beginner classes teaching how leverage and technique can be utilized to overcome larger and stronger opponents. Sessions include warm-up, technique practice, and supervised drills. Perfect for adults new to BJJ.

### Advanced BJJ (Adults)

**Skill Level:** Advanced

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** 60-minute advanced classes building on foundational knowledge with more advanced techniques, including combinations, variations, and transitions. Sessions incorporate technique practice, drills, and live sparring.

### Judo

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Judo training for all ages led by experienced Judo Senseis. Learn throws, takedowns, and grappling techniques from traditional Japanese martial art.

### Self Defense

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Practical, real-life self-defense skills using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo techniques. Learn to protect yourself and your family from common physical threats. Training emphasizes controlled application and safety.



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**Last Updated:** March 10, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/louisiana/baton-rouge/bayou-jiu-jitsu-self-defense)