Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Keego Harbor

Love this place. I struggled for several years to find a home I’ve trained at two other Gyms but kept getting hurt. Most gyms are competition gyms and if you’re older, getting into jiu jitsu like me, you Inevitably will end up hurting yourself. Plus most schools evaluate you on rolling and there is no consistent curriculum. It’s pretty much random on what they teach on any given day, but at Gracie, Keego Harbor Safety is the most important thing for them and self-defense first. You will not find another gym in the area that focuses specifically on self-defense. So the beginner program is called Combatives which Is designed specifically for self-defense on the street against an untrained opponent. Very structured you know what you’re going to learn every time you walk in the door. After you complete this program and earn your combative belt then you become part of the master cycle in which you learn more sport oriented techniques, and are introduced to open rolling. One interesting class they offer is something called fight simulation training. What happens is one opponent has gloves on and is throwing punches at you as if simulating a street fight and you practice what you’ve learned in combatives and master cycle. Can’t wait to do that class! I have never been to a Jiu-Jitsu place that did that type of training. The only other gyms I believe do that type of training would be a true MMA gym. If you’re someone older getting into jiujutsu this is a great place. My daughter trains here in the women’s empowered program and she loves it. I have definitely found a home here. All the instructors give you the feeling that they sincerely care about you and it’s not just a business to them.The instructors are top-notch are all certified through the California Academy. I do miss open rolling, but I know once I complete combatives that Will once again be a part of my training. You have to trust in their process and focus on self-defense. Some people might knock this academy for not open, rolling right off the bat, but this is why 90% of people quit other academies. Reason being is they are thrown to the wolves On the first day and expected to spar and they end up hurting themselves and will inevitably quit. I’m happy I found this place and I can see myself training well into my retirement years.

[please "like" if this is helpful] I just finished my first class, and I'm super happy I did it. During the drive to my first class I was feeling intimidated, but the coach made everything comfortable, interesting, and achievable. I will definitely return because I like the culture of the gym. It's not hardcore and people are friendly and patiently match the pace of your skill level, age, strength. This a game of strategy and physics rather than brute strength. It's the ideal healthy activity for breaking my mind away from the hectic stuff that goes on in everyday life. Very clean, hygienic. I recommend it!

Came here for a women’s empowerment self defense seminar and it was fantastic! Amber is an amazing instructor and great at making sure everyone feels comfortable. Dave and Craig were helpful too. Highly recommend if you are a woman looking for self defense classes. The mat seemed clean and there is a locker room.

Amazing place for everyone. They pride themselves on a welcoming and family atmosphere and there’s something for everyone. I am a pink belt here from the women’s class and we have a wide range of ages and ability levels and always make sure everyone feels welcome. If you are looking to try something completely new and fun, this is the place!

Love this place! Don is such a great instructor and the front desk ladies are wonderful! My son is 4 years old and he definitely needs the extra social interaction! His coordination has come so far since starting and every day he's asking if he has jujitsu 😊 Very happy to pay what we do for this class, also! More than fair for the attention and the skills my son is gaining! I'm excited to see this class grow for Don and for the kids! Such positivity and patience here!