Quality Excellent
Charles Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Reno is the best place I’ve ever gone to workout. Your welcomed the moment you walk through the door and every day after that. I was even welcomed back after 4.5 years away! As for there being mid 20’s meat heads, I don’t think that’s a fair assessment. I was a competitive body builder for many years, and in that environment are the ego maniac meat heads that have bad attitudes. In BJJ you can’t have that kind of attitude because it will be quickly put in check. The only thing I see is people eager to learn, willing to roll with higher belts to see where their weaknesses are and want to help lower belts. Sometimes as a lower belt you get a little beat up but I see it as part of trying to push yourself. I’ve also got my almost 5 year old enrolled in the kids program and he just earned his first stripe. It’s a great program that teaches respect, hard work and ethics. They do a good job of BJJ instruction then the kids get to play for a bit at the end of class. After all, kids attention spans are short! Keep up the great work Gary and crew. I’m glad I’m back, I’m glad my son is in the kids program and I’m glad to tell EVERYONE about the Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy of Reno.OSS.
Overall Excellent
This is the ONLY true BJJ gym in Northern Nevada. A lot of others say they teach BJJ but none are Gracie Jui-Jitsu. This academy has the highest over all skill level with 8 black belts to athletic beginners. If your interested in traditonal Mauy Thia its there as well. Some complain about prices but you get what you pay for…Try to buy a Mercedes at Mazda prices…It dosent happen
Overall 3 / 3
As a skinny guy weighing 145 lbs, i was intimidated to start training for fear of those typical gym meatheads w/ big egos, but that soon changed. Everyone, students & instructors, are willing to help you improve in a friendly, yet competitive way. The gym has people of all ages, sizes, genders, shapes, ethnicity etc. so you definitely won’t be alone. The gym also focuses on different levels of experiences for those who are looking for a hobby, or want to compete in tournaments/MMA. The gym also includes crossfit, muay thai & judo though each costs an additional fee. I recommend at least tryig it out, I myself have brought a few of my friends to come watch & even sign up…
A Google User
Overall 2 / 3
I started training BJJ with one of the top instructors in the world. When my work moved me to Reno I asked my instructor if he knew of any good instructors, he immediately mentioned Gary Grate of Charles Gracie. Since training with Gary I have found him to be a great instructor. In addition it is a complete No Attitude, No Judgement environment. My only reason for 4 stars is the lack of discipline. Being military and having previously trained with a very traditional Brazilian, I prefer a disciplined environment. This school has a very laid back environment that sometimes seem to get too laid back. Joking, talking, and pranks I believe tend to take away from the discipline that is martial arts. However, if you’re looking for a great place to learn BJJ with a great group of people in a playful environment this is the best Northern Nevada has to offer. You can try other schools in the area, but your instructor is likely a student of Gary’s. Why not go straight to the top and train with Gary himself.
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy Of Reno offers something for everyone at every level of the sport, from beginners with no experience in martial arts to experts wanting to cross-train and round out their game. Instructor Gary Grate leads most classes, and often tailors them to the needs of the group. He also offers a free week of classes to new and prospective students. Highly recommended!
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
I trained in Gracie Jiu Jitsu years ago in Southern, California and fell in love with the art. So when my youngest son (who was 5 years old at the time) expressed an interest in martial arts and grappling, I decided to bring him and his best friend in to this school for a few classes to see if they would like it. To my relief they did! After bringing them in and watching them train for a few months the “bug” bit me again. I signed myself up and started training. Considering that I was no spring chicken (51 years old), I was a little apprehensive about starting training again even though I had previous experience from quite a few years in the past (I was a Blue Belt). None-the-less, it’s been almost a year since I started and I feel great. I’ve lost about 20 lbs and my overall conditioning has definitely improved. Right from the get-go everyone at the school has been very friendly and helpful (instructors and students alike). There is definitely a strong feeling of camaraderie at this academy. My job can be very stressful at times and I love the fact that when I come in to train, it takes my mind off all the daily irritations of work and life in general (it’s hard to think about your personal troubles when you’re defending a properly applied choke…LOL)! I actually have a total of 5 family members (including my girlfriend) training here now and we all love it! It’s also given me a chance to reconnect with my teenage son who doesn’t live with me. I pick him up and we come in and train together 3 times a week. Gary Grate (the owner and head instructor) has laid out a very diverse schedule at the school that should suit anyone’s level of skill and personal schedule. The cost to train at the academy for unlimited classes is $99.00 per month. I have heard some people say that BJJ training is a little expensive but my philosophy is that you get what you pay for. For anyone that cares about legitimate self defense, follows UFC or martial arts in general, you know that Gracie Jiu Jitsu has proven itself time and time again to be the overall most effective form of self defense practiced on the planet. If your gonna learn a martial art… you might as well learn one that works! Best BJJ in Northern Nevada… period! Come down and talk to the instructors and sign up for a weeks worth of free classes. You won’t regret it!
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
The instructors are patient, down to earth people who understand that not everyone is on the same wave length. These guys/girls are incredible at what they do, and they make you feel comfortable while learning an amazing talent that could not only be used to protect yourself, but also helps get rid of the “spare weight” you’ve been wanting to shed. I highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn….you’re never too old or too young with this academy. – Shane Whitecloud
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
The Best Academy in Nevada It’s a very positive leaning environment for beginners. And for advanced students to take their game to a new level. The instructors are very knowledgeable and know how to get the best from you.
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
Impressively down-to-earth Brazilian jiujitsu! I have thoroughly enjoyed my 3 months at Charles Gracie in Reno. Everyone is respectful, helpful, and has their ego in check. There are classes for every skill level and instructors that instruct to your ability. I highly recommend this gym!
A Google User
Overall 2 / 3
By far, the best Brazilian jiujitsu gym in town! However, since all previous reviews have commented on the PROS, this review will stick to the CONS. First, this may not be the best gym if you’re looking for overall MMA or street defense. While the BJJ classes are excellent the muay thai classes are unimpressive. Plus, the continuous playback of the same 3 minute Thai music track during muay thai classes gets very irritating. Secondly, it is very expensive for the all-inclusive MMA package, at $150, it is easily $50 over similar packages around town. Third, the disciplines are taught separately without including all aspects of MMA (stand-up to take-downs to ground game) in one class. Lastly, the gym lacks a fitness class or pre-class workout that other gyms include. This review is intended only as constructive and objective criticism because I love this gym.
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
When I started with my free week, I thought I was going to hate it because it was going to be filled with testosterone jerks looking to show you how much better they are than you. That couldn’t have been farther from the truth! 2 months into it I still look forward to going to class everyday. The instructor and everybody in class is more than willing to help you out and everybody there is super nice and patient. The term “like family” seems to be over used a lot, but it truly does seem like everybody is family there. Whether you are an nonathletic guy like me trying to get into shape or training for your next MMA fight, this gym is definitely for you.
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
I recommend this place to anyone wanting to learn BJJ. Gary is a very good instructor, all the students are willing to help you out, beginner to advanced you will learn a lot.
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
THERE ARE NO OTHER BJJ GYMS IN RENO/SPARKS! This is the only Gracie Gym in town. Others may claim to teach BJJ but they are taught by people who have very minimal skill level. Just look at the belt rankings on the website. 8 local black belts, 15 local brown belts and a bunch below that. The best any other gym in town has is one brown belt. I rest my case. Also, the kids program is awesome.
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
Great Academy!! Huge facility all levels best place to train in Northern Nevada. They also have Muy Thai and Crossfit Highly recommend this Gym
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
This is the ONLY true BJJ gym in Northern Nevada. A lot of others say they teach BJJ but none are Gracie Jui-Jitsu. This academy has the highest over all skill level with 8 black belts to athletic beginners. If your interested in traditonal Mauy Thia its there as well. Some complain about prices but you get what you pay for…Try to buy a Mercedes at Mazda prices…It dosent happen
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
Best BJJ School in Northern NV.. Gary is a very down to earth guy that helps people of all ages and skill levels acheive success. The facility is the best around, and the pricing is very competitive. I’ve been to many other schools, and none hold a candle to this gym. Don’t waste your money anywhere else, try out BJJ Reno, and you’ll be hooked.
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
What more can be said, after one visit you’re hooked. All classes are taught on a professional level by the highest ranking Gracie instructor and most accomplished combatant in all of Northern Nevada. Also, offering the largest training facility with multiple avenues of fighting techniques, self-defense, and fitness oriented programs.
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
Best Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Nevada, Gary, Ady & everyone treat you like family, I absolutely love Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy Reno I recommend it to everyone!!
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
Great school! the instructors are down to earth and aren’t arrogant, the students are willing to give advice and are patient and there are tons of classes to take. My new school!
A Google User
Overall 3 / 3
I highly recommend this gym for everyone from beginners to advanced.