Looking for the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in the world? Look no further!
We have compiled a list of the ten best BJJ schools in the world based on factors such as instructor quality, facilities, and student satisfaction. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist, these schools will help you improve your skills and reach your full potential.
So without further ado, here are the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools in the world.
List of the Best BJJ Schools in the World
1. Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu Academy, USA
Head coach: Marcelo Garcia
Location: New York, NY
The Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu Academy is one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the world. Marcelo Garcia is a five-time World Champion and is widely considered one of the greatest grapplers ever. Garcia became a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Fabio Gurgel of Team Alliance. The academy has produced numerous notable students, such as Bernardo Faria and Gianni Grippo.
2. Gracie University HQ, USA
Head coach: Carlos Gracie Jr.
Location: Torrance, California
Gracie Barra is one of the world’s most famous and respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies, founded by Rener and Ryron Gracie. The academy is best known for popularizing jiu-jitsu using web-based distance learning programs. The academy has over 1000 students and many more online students who are learning the art of BJJ from the best of the best. The academy has produced many notable students, such as UFC fighter Brian Ortega.
3. Alliance Jiu-Jitsu, USA
Head coach: Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti, Fabio Gurgel, and Alexandre Paivas
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Alliance Jiu-Jitsu is one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the world. The school is the current World team champion, having won the titles at the World Championships from 2008 to 2016 and a few years prior. The team was, in total, thirteen times World Champions.
It was founded by Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti and his students: Fabio Gurgel, Alexandre Paiva, and Fernando Gurgel. The academy has produced many notable students, such as Marcelo “Marcelinho” Garcia, Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles Maciel, Sergio “Serginho” Moraes, and Demian Maia, amongst many others.
4. Atos Jiu-Jitsu, USA
Head coach: Andre Galvao
Location: San Diego, CA
Atos Jiu-Jitsu is one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the world. It was founded in 2008 by Prof. Andre Galvao and his friend Prof. Ramon Lemos. Atos Jiu-Jitsu is linked to the evolution of the 50/50 guard, leg drag, and berimbolo. The academy also has 20 affiliate gyms all around the world. The academy has produced many notable students, such as Michael Liera Jr., Michael Carbullido, Lucas “Hulk'” Barbosa, JT Torres, Anderson Silva, Carlos Diego, and many more.
5. Evolve MMA Far East, Singapore
Head coach: Chatri Sityodtong
Location: Singapore
Evolve MMA Far East is one of Singapore’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) gyms. The gym is headed by the world-renowned instructor and Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee Chatri Sityodtong, who has help from other world-renowned fighters such as Demetrious Johnson and Rafael dos Anjos, Roger Gracie, Marcus Almeida, and many more. While the gym doesn’t only focus on BJJ, it offers great classes from some of the best BJJ coaches the world has to offer.
6. Monsoon Gym & Fight Club, Thailand
Location: Koh Tao, Thailand
Monsoon Gym & Fight Club, nestled on the idyllic island of Koh Tao in Thailand, is a unique and memorable place to train Jiu-Jitsu. For over 15 years, this unique gym has provided an immersive training experience, offering a range of fitness classes and martial arts instruction for all skill levels, including the renowned 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system.
The gym regularly brings in distinguished names such as Geo Martinez, Nathan Orchard, Ben Eddy, Marvin Castelle, Frank Barca to run training camps and events.
They have training holidays available to book now:
- 1 Week All-Levels Muay Thai and 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Training Camp in Koh Tao
- 1 Month Muay Thai, Fitness, and 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Camp for All Levels
The gym made our list due to it’s unique location which creates a contrast to an otherwise intensive training regimen, creating a fitness experience that perfectly marries physical rigor with the serenity of Thailand’s picturesque landscapes.
(PS. You might also be interested in our guide to Muay Thai training holidays in Thailand)
7. Nova Uniao, Brazil
Head coach: Andre Pederneiras
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nova Uniao is one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the world. It was founded by multiple-time World Champions Andre Pederneiras and Wendell Alexander, who has won the World Champion (IBJJF) two times and the World Cup Champion (CBJJO) 2 times. The academy has produced many notable students, such as Bruno Bastos, Jussier Formiga, Marlon Sandro, and many more.
8. Renzo Gracie Academy, USA
Head coach: Renzo Gracie and John Danaher
Location: New York, NY
The Renzo Gracie Academy is one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the world. It was founded by legendary grappler Renzo Gracie, the grandson of Carlos Gracie and grandnephew of Helio Gracie; talk about a legendary heritage. The academy has produced many notable students, such as current UFC champion Chris Weidman and ADCC champion Ricardo Almeida.
The gym is great for perfecting your BJJ skills and your Muay Thai and MMA expertise since Renzo Gracie has competed on some of the biggest fighting stages in the world, such as K-1 Pride and the UFC.
Another huge component of the academy’s prestige is the legend John Danaher, a 6th-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Renzo Gracie. He is also the person responsible for developing many accomplished martial artists, such as Georges St-Pierre, Chris Weidman, Jake Shields, and Gordon Ryan.
9. Tristar Gym, Canada
Head coach:
Location: Montreal, Canada
Tristar Gym is a world-renowned mixed martial arts training facility located in Montreal, Canada. It was founded in 1993 by coach Firas Zahab. Tristar is home to some of the best coaches in the game, such as Georges St-Pierre, Firas Zahabi, and Conrad Pla. The gym has produced numerous champions in multiple disciplines, making it one of the world’s most successful MMA training centers.
What makes Tristar Gym special is its commitment to excellence. The coaches and fighters at Tristar are some of the best in the business, and they’re always looking to improve. This dedication to greatness has helped Tristar produce some of the sport’s biggest stars. Some of its most notable students are Rory MacDonald, Kevin Lee, and Johnny Walker.
10. Team Lloyd Irvin
Head coach: Lloyd Irvin
Location: Camp Springs, MD
Team Lloyd Irvin is one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the world. Lloyd Irvin, a 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Leo Dalla, founded it. The academy has produced many notable students, such as Mike Fowler, JT Torres, Shane Jamil Hill-Taylor, and Mahamed Aly.
11. 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, LA, USA
Head coach: Eddie Bravo
Location: Los Angeles, CA
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu is one of the world’s most famous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools. Eddie Bravo, a black belt under Jean Jacques Machado, founded it. The academy was quite unique because of its “unconventional” head coach Eddie and because it was one of the first high-ranking academies that abandoned the gi from the very start. The academy was also notable in the fact that it developed the rubber guard. The academy has produced many notable students, such as Ben Saunders, Alan Jouban, Tony Ferguson, and Kevin Gastelum.
What Makes A Good BJJ School
There are many factors that go into making a great Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school. For one, the instructors need to be experienced and knowledgeable in the art. They should be able to teach the techniques properly and effectively.
The school should also have a good curriculum. It should cover all the basic techniques and concepts of BJJ. Advanced techniques should also be taught in a progressive manner.
The students should be able to train in a safe and supportive environment. The facilities should be clean and well-maintained. There should be plenty of space for the students to train comfortably.
The atmosphere at the school should be positive and friendly. The instructors and students should get along well and support each other. The school should offer good value for money.
The school should have active competitors who are always trying to improve their game. They should be able to provide feedback and help the students learn. As they say, “iron sharpens iron.”
The school should have some notable students or alumni as well as experienced coaches. This is a good way to gauge the quality of the school.
In short, a good BJJ school should have experienced instructors, a comprehensive curriculum, supportive students and staff, clean facilities, and active competitors. These are just some of the things that make a great BJJ school. Look for these factors when choosing a school for yourself.
