Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Smyrna

My son is training here since he is 3 and he is doing awesome. He learned so much, you feel more comfortable as a parent sending your child to school. I was so impressed, that I started their women empowerment program, which is amazing as well. You have a short introduction to the new techniques in the beginning and then practice with a partner. The instructor are watching you and correcting you, if needed. I feel more confident being outside with my kids now, being able to protect them (or protect them better). Kudos to all instructors!

My son has been attending Gracie Jiu Jitsu Smyrna for the last year, beginning in the Mat Munchkins program and recently moving up to little champs. I have watched my son push and grow in his Jiu Jitsu skills and seeing the self confidence in him and his abilities has been wonderful to watch. I have been extremely impressed with Howard and Nick's ability to maintain the children's attention and instill respectfulness into all children. Gracie Jiu Jitsu Smyrna provides a safe atmosphere without judgement for anyone to learn Jiu Jitsu while providing a solid program that constantly evolves and keeps the kids engaged. I can not recommend it enough and am eager to enroll my second child.

My son and I enrolled in their Mat Munchkins program almost 3 years ago. From day one you are welcomed in as family. Howard is one of my son's favorite people, he lights up instantly when greeted by him. What was initially meant to be an energy release for my young 3 year old ended becoming a staple in our family. Since joining, my son has been promoted 3 times, I have earned my combatives belt and we just enrolled my youngest into Mat Munchkins. GU Smyrna has helped my son become more confident in himself, while learning discipline and respect for his peers. For me Gu Smyrna has helped me become confident in my ability to protect myself and my family if a situation warranted. I cannot recommend GU Smyrna more. We love our community.

I had been wanting to learn Jiu Jitsu for a while when I mentioned it to my son-in-law. I thought how cool would it be to one day have three generations practicing Jiu Jitsu? So my son-in-law started and I followed a year later after I retired. This past December my grandson (3 y/o) started mat munchkins and my daughter started her journey in the Combatives program. My dream has now come to fruition! Yes, I am retired and one of the senior members on the mats and sometimes I wonder, what in the heck am I doing? But Jiu Jitsu is a journey and it takes perseverance to get better. So I come, I learn and I keep coming back, even when my body says, “STAY HOME!”. I have a 20 year history with Howard Steele and he has created a culture of family, safety and learning. He emphasizes while on your journey there is never a time when you have to do anything you are not comfortable with until you are ready and comfortable! That has given me great solace every time I step onto the mat. I can’t say enough about the team of instructors that Howard has assembled here at Gracie University Smyrna. They all carry out the same philosophy and values for learning in a safe environment. I absolutely love being part of this Jiu Jitsu family. It has kept me active and committed to learning. Come give it a try!

I’ve been training at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Smyrna, DE since 2020, and the school consistently prioritizes safety over winning. Everyone shares the common goal of improving in Jiu Jitsu while preparing for real-world self-defense. The children’s program is outstanding—the Bullyproof curriculum teaches kids how to handle bullies and protect classmates. Coach Howard Steele is an excellent person and role model; he imparts lifelong lessons that shape young minds into better citizens, something regular sports can’t match. If you’re in Kent County, DE, I strongly recommend Gracie Jiu Jitsu Smyrna. 5 stars!