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Total Self Defense Academy

Total Self Defense Academy

Affiliation: Gracie
519 reviews
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About Total Self Defense Academy

At Total Self Defense Academy, we are passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and dedicated to helping students of all experience levels discover the transformative power of this martial art. Located in Tennessee, Tennessee affiliated with Gracie, our academy welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced grapplers.

Our experienced instructors bring years of dedicated training and a genuine love for the art to every class. We emphasize strong fundamentals, technical precision, and a supportive training culture where every student is encouraged to grow at their own pace.

We offer Adult programs designed to serve our diverse student body. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, competition, or simply the challenge of learning a complex martial art, Total Self Defense Academy has a class for you.

Come experience the Total Self Defense Academy community for yourself. Your first class is on us — we look forward to welcoming you to the mat.

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Reviews

5
19 reviews
Mack Shelton
2024-08-14

I've been training off and on for a year now, with my little one going almost full time. From the owner to the rest of the instructors, it's an extremely welcoming and family-friendly environment. Joe will meet your child on their level to help them build confidence and gain a strong foothold on self-defense. It's always an amazing tike training here.

Victoria Wojtas
2022-08-23

We love the academy! The first day I brought my 10 year old son in, Coach Joe sat down with him, looked him in the eye, and talked to him about his interests, about jiu jitsu, and just got to know him. He is a fantastic coach - very encouraging, patient, and fun to be around. He trains my son alongside the adults, but still manages to give him plenty of one on one time. He makes him feel included in the Team Rhino family.

ZZBLAZEZZ
2022-04-11

My Daughter (6 yrs old) and I started training here around the beginning of the year. We live in Johnson City and make the drive to Kingsport 2-3 times a week. Its so worth it. Her class is full of talented and well behaved kiddos. She asks everyday if she can go to jiu jitsu. As far as the adult class goes.... it has been an amazing experience. So many knowledgeable instructors and students here and every single person is willing to help each other. I always look forward to training days.

Blake Danner
2023-08-24

Finished my first day of training for adult jiu jitsu. Everyone was welcoming from the moment I walked in! Class was instructional and thoroughly detailed. One of the best classes I have been a part of. Would highly recommend coming out and experiencing!

Melissa Brickey
2018-03-13

My 15 year old son started the program at TSDA approximately a year ago and the instructors and students have welcomed him like family. Starting at this point in his life was intimidating at first but the TSDA family have been encouraging not only in his training but also motivating him to succeed in his education and personal life. The pricing of the Academy is more than reasonable, students gain far more than what they pay for. Safe location, convenient hours with multi age levels. I cannot praise this Academy enough, their program has helped him to see his self worth as well as helped to build his self confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

IS THERE A FREE TRIAL CLASS?

Absolutely. We invite all prospective students to try their first class free at Total Self Defense Academy. It's the best way to experience our training environment, meet our coaches, and see if BJJ is right for you. No experience or equipment needed — comfortable athletic clothing is fine.

DO I NEED ANY EXPERIENCE TO START?

No experience necessary! Total Self Defense Academy welcomes complete beginners. Our instructors break down every technique step by step, and our community is known for being welcoming and patient with new students. Everyone starts as a white belt, and that's exactly where you should start too.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY FIRST CLASS?

For your first visit, comfortable athletic clothing works perfectly — a t-shirt and shorts or athletic pants. Once you commit to training regularly, you'll want to invest in a gi (kimono). Our coaches can recommend quality options at a range of price points.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TRAIN?

Most students at Total Self Defense Academy train 2 to 3 times per week and see consistent progress. Showing up regularly matters far more than training intensely once in a while. We offer multiple class times throughout the week so you can find a schedule that fits your life.

DO YOU OFFER CLASSES FOR KIDS?

Yes! We offer dedicated programs for children and teens at Total Self Defense Academy. Our youth classes focus on discipline, respect, confidence-building, and the fundamentals of BJJ in a safe, fun environment.