East Athens Jiu Jitsu - Martial arts school in Athens - 1040 Gaines School Rd #113, USA

A hidden gem in Athens, GA! The instructor comes from a lineage of some of the best jiu jitsu practitioners in the world (just look up Andre Galvao). He is excellent at articulating the techniques to students across all levels and you can tell that he genuinely cares for all of his students. Everyone is welcoming, friendly and the training environment is both safe but realistic. No matter if your goal is to be a hobbyist or a competitor, this is the place to be if you want to learn the best jiu jitsu in Athens, and possibly all of Georgia.

Coach JR is very skilled and thorough when it comes to teaching. Location of gym is great, parking spaces are easily found and facilities are clean. Classes are split between warm up. technique, drilling and rolling towards the end. Rolls are tough and challenging but there is a mutual hearty respect and competitive camaraderie that transcends from the coach to the very beginners. Myself coming from an Alliance gym in Iowa with an excellent teacher and pedigree, I am happy to have found this gem of a gym.

If you want to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Athens area, then this is the place to be. Head coach JR is a better teacher than most of my college professors were and has something to offer anyone of any skill level. Beyond the amazing technique the facility is clean and the atmosphere is welcoming to anyone. The lack of contracts is a huge plus which is not the industry standard. Additionally, to my knowledge you will not find a more cost effective gym in the area. It is for these reasons that if you want to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Athens area, then this is the place to be.

I'd always wanted to do a martial art. But as a woman who had never done any sport before, I was a bit timid about coming. JR was super welcoming and thoughtful about my comfort. I was also pleased that there are other women who train here. Everyone I've met is chill and and supportive. Would recommend to anyone who's curious but nervous about starting something new.

I had been wanting to start bjj for a while but I kept making excuses. Kept looking around at all the different gyms and couldn’t decide but this is it. This is the place. Coach JR is insanely knowledgeable about this artform. And he’s amazing at demonstrating techniques. There’s an ocean of knowledge at this gym. Also, Coach JR doesn’t ask you to call him sensei. He doesn’t even ask you to call him coach. But you’ll notice most people do purely because of the kind of guy he is. Knowledgeable, kind, welcoming, and DEADLY as hell. Seriously. His submissions feel like the force of God. There’s also a great community here and everyone will welcome you with open arms, and then they will fold you like fresh laundry. Come check it out

I've been going to East Athens for about 4 months now. JR is the nicest guy and he is an awesome instructor. But more importantly the culture that he has cultivated is so welcoming and friendly and fun. Whether you are brand new like me, or have years of experience, if you are looking for good people to learn and roll with, we would love to see you there!

Great place for the whole family. JR is very welcoming and also very Knowledgeable in the art of jujitsu. He find fun ways to train the kids and overall my daughter enjoys her self very much while learning as well. I highly recommend East Athens Jujitsu!

Best BJJ coach in town. His class setup focuses on one (maybe two) positions, where he expands incrementally, emphasizing the attention to simple yet high-level details that make the classes meaningful for all belt levels. He fosters a culture of lifelong jiu jitsu practice, so white belts can roll with any upper belt and not worry for their lives. I'm currently a purple belt.