Practical Jiu-Jitsu
Real Life
Whether you’re looking to learn practical self-defense, build confidence, get in better shape, or give your child the skills to stand up for themselves, there’s a place for you here. Our programs are designed for complete beginners through advanced students, with structured training for adults, women, kids, and experienced practitioners.
Choose the program that’s right for you to get started.
WELCOME TO GRACIE JIU-JITSU GOODLETTSVILLE
Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or continuing your Jiu-Jitsu journey, our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming environment where you can learn practical self-defense, build confidence, improve your fitness, and develop skills that last a lifetime.
As a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center, we teach the official Gracie University® curriculum through structured, step-by-step programs designed for students of different ages and experience levels. Beginners don’t need to arrive athletic, experienced, or ready to compete. We’ll meet you where you are and help you progress at your own pace.
Your training also extends beyond the classroom. Students receive access to Gracie University’s online curriculum, where you can review detailed lessons at home, prepare for upcoming classes, and reinforce what you’ve already learned on the mat.
From a child’s first introduction to Jiu-Jitsu through advanced adult training, our focus remains the same: practical skills, quality instruction, and a positive training environment where people can become safer, healthier, and more confident.
Find the Right Program for You
Kids Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense | Ages 3–15
Fun, age-appropriate jiu-jitsu that builds confidence, character, and real self-defense skills. Four age-based groups ensure every child trains at the right level—from our youngest Mat Munchkins through Gracie Teens.
Beginner Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense | Ages 15+
Learn practical, real-world self-defense through a structured jiu-jitsu program designed specifically for beginners. No experience or athletic ability required—just a safe, cooperative environment where anyone can learn.
Women’s Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense | Ages 13+
Learn practical self-defense in a safe, supportive environment designed specifically for women. No experience or athletic ability required—build confidence while learning skills for real-world situations.
Advanced Jiu-Jitsu | Experienced Students
Take your jiu-jitsu beyond the fundamentals with advanced techniques, strategy, and live training. Open to students who have completed Gracie Combatives or hold a blue belt or higher.
Why Choose Gracie Goodlettsville?
We believe Jiu-Jitsu should be for everyone, regardless of age, experience, athletic ability, or fitness level. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was built on the principle that technique and leverage can give a smaller, weaker person the ability to defend themselves against someone bigger and stronger. That philosophy continues to shape how we teach today.
Our structured programs are designed around the needs of the people actually taking them—from complete adult beginners and women learning practical self-defense to children developing confidence, awareness, and the skills to protect themselves.
Just as important as what we teach is how we teach it. We work hard to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where students can learn at their own pace, challenge themselves, and enjoy being part of a community.
Our goal isn’t simply to create better Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. We want our students to become safer, healthier, and more confident—and we believe confident people make kinder people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers about our Children's Martial Arts Program.
Will my child become a bully?
Through our work, we have seen that confident kids make kinder kids. We teach children
how to not only stand up to bullies for themselves, but how to stand up for others. Our
Rules of Engagement teach children to avoid the fight if at all possible by first using
their words, and then telling an adult.
When they do need to resort to physical self-defense, we do not teach children punches
or kicks in the Gracie Bullyproof program, but rather, empowered by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
to neutralize, defend, control, and negotiate if possible.
What do I need to bring to my first kids BJJ lesson?
Upon arriving for your child's first jiu-jitsu class, we will provide a uniform, called a gi,
for them to wear. We recommend wearing comfortable undergarments or leggings, and a t-shirt or
rashguard that they can wear under their gi.
Someone will be there to help you tie your child's belt for the first time!
My child has ADHD. Will martial arts help?
My Child Has ADHD. Is jiu-jitsu for them?
Yes! One of the great things about martial arts classes is that it's an individual sport done in
a group environment. We find all our students improve in their focus, self control, discipline
and social skills. But the best part is…. They don't even realize that is what our highly trained
kids martial arts instructors are actually doing. They just think they are having fun!
The best way to find out for yourself is to take advantage of our limited time offer. You'll find
our team so helpful and dedicated to helping your child become the best version of themselves. If
you are concerned about group classes for your child, we also offer private classes until they
feel ready to take on the group class setting!
Kids karate classes vs. kids BJJ classes. Which is best?
Many parents ask, what's the difference between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate classes? While we
believe all martial-arts have value, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has not only been proven to be the
most effective martial art for a smaller person to defend themselves in a real fight for nearly
a century, it also can be the most gentile.
We don't want our kids or students turning into bullies themselves, and we also believe
self-defense should be scalable, depending on the situation. Whereas kids Karate lessons or
Taekwondo classes rely solely on landing punches and kicks, jiu-jitsu for kids focuses on
neutralizing a threat with verbal boundaries, distance management, body control, and
eventual negotiation.
Are parents allowed to watch?
We encourage parents to watch their children in their kids martial arts lessons. We love parents getting involved! Even better… you can join in our martial arts classes for adults, and have yet another thing in common with your little one. We love seeing the bond of families who train together!
My child is not athletic. Will they feel left out?
We believe jiu-jitsu is for children of all skill levels and abilities. Your child belongs here.
Through our kids martial arts classes, we have seen our students improve co-ordination, balance,
motor skills, focus and discipline. Plus, they make lots of great friends!
Our instructors are highly skilled in teaching martial arts to kids. It's their PASSION!
What are people saying?
