Your Guide to Finding a Gym
- Start With Your Goals
- Check the Instructor's Credentials
- Visit the Gym in Person
- Ask About the Culture
- Review the Schedule and Location
- Final Thoughts
At Tackle Jiu Jitsu, we know what makes a jiu jitsu academy worth your time, energy, and trust. We have put together a straightforward and comprehensive guide in order to help you find the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym suited for your own personal goals.
Whether you're looking to get in shape, learn self defense, or compete in tournaments, jiu jitsu is one of the most rewarding martial arts you can pursue. But looking for a gym to attend for the first time can be overwhelming. For example, if you ever search for "jiu jitsu near me" while in Cleveland, Ohio, you will be surprised by the number of gyms that appear.
So how do you choose the right one?
Start With Your Goals
Understanding your "why" will help narrow your options. Some gyms focus more on competition teams, while others specialize in beginner-friendly classes, kids programs, or hobbyist training. For example, at Tackle Jiu Jitsu, we are more casual vs. traditional while also structuring classes that appeal to both hobbyists and competitors.
Here are some key differences that you will need to need consider:
- Are you focused on fitness and weight loss?
- How important is it that self-defense is part of the curriculum?
- Large kids classes vs. smaller kids classes?
- Traditional environment vs. a more casual environment?
- Do you want to compete?
The more clear your own personal goals are, the easier it will be to evaluate the gyms you are visiting!
Check the Instructor’s Credentials
A great coach can make all the difference. For beginners, your first coach will be the one to help get you started on your jiu jitsu journey and a bad first coach can often derail what otherwise could have been a very enjoyable experience.
There are often lots of factors, most of which are very subjective, that determine whether a gym and their instructors are the right fit for you.
Some things to consider when reviewing a gym's instructors are:
- Are there black belt or brown belt instructors?
- How long have the instructors been training?
- Do the coaches compete?
- Do they actively train with their members?
For example, at Tackle Jiu Jitsu our instructors actively train and bring more than a decade each of training, coaching, and tournament success.
Visit the Gym in Person
Photos and reviews only tell part of the story. Jiu jitsu gyms will often allow new members to try out a class or two for free so that you can get a feel for things before committing. So use a free day pass so that you can see what training is like first hand!
- Feel the atmosphere – Is it friendly, intense, welcoming?
- Observe a class – Are students learning, having fun, and getting better?
- Meet the staff – Are they professional and helpful? (Meet Tackle Jiu Jitsu's coaches)
- Do the coaches train with their students? - While not always a red flag if they don't, a great sign is that instructors will train with their students!
Don't be afraid to try out a few different gyms so that you can find the right one. Every gym will have a different culture so some gyms will naturally be more appealing to some people vs. others.
Ask About the Culture
The best gym culture is a very subjective topic. For some, a laid-back and more casual atmosphere is appealing while others prefer a more structured and traditional environment similar to other traditional martial arts like judo, karate, and taekwondo.
A gym's culture starts at the top, so another good thing to consider is that when a gym does not have a good culture, it is often a direct reflection of the leadership. The opposite is also true. If a gym has a culture that you really like, you can be more confident that the gym's leadership will be a good fit for you!
Other factors that can play into a gym's culture are:
- Instructors temperament - are they more laid back or serious in demeanor?
- Intensity of training - are the members training in a way that you would feel comfortable with?
- Existing members opinions - what do the current members like about their gym?
Remember, determining what matters is entirely your own opinion. No one should be pressuring you into joining a gym if you don't feel it's going to be a fun and safe experience.
Review the Schedule and Location
If you can't make it to class easily or frequently, then maybe there's a better fit! As with the rest of this guide, this is subjective. Finding a schedule that's convenient for you, at a location that's easy to get to, is entirely up to your personal schedule.
Some people find gyms that are closest to their home or work while others are willing to drive as far as it takes so long as the training is good. Both of these viewpoints are equally valid so it comes down to what's most important to you.
Make sure to look into how many classes a gym offers and whether or not their location is convenient for you to get to.
Final Thoughts – The Right Gym Is More Than Just “Near Me”
When people search "jiu jitsu near me", they’re often just looking for a convenient option. But convenience alone won’t keep you motivated, safe, or progressing in your training. The right Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym should feel like a second home—a place where you're challenged, supported, and surrounded by people who genuinely want you to succeed.
At Tackle Jiu Jitsu, we believe BJJ is more than a martial art—it’s a tool for personal growth. We see our students transform physically, mentally, and emotionally. Kids become more confident. Adults find strength they didn’t know they had. Families train together. Competitors push themselves to new heights. That’s the power of the right gym.
We’ve built Tackle Jiu Jitsu around those exact values. Whether you want to lose weight, build discipline, gain confidence, or compete, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Visit our gym in Middleburg Heights, Ohio for your free complimentary class!