I was visiting the area for the holidays and wanted to get some mat time in. I reached out via text…read moreto Star Jiu Jitsu and got the okay to drop in on a morning class. A handful of guy there of varying skills and belts. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. Had a great time with some great people. Thank you for the hospitality and rolls!

Star Jujitsu has been such a gift for our family! In just 2.5 months, my 4-year-old daughter has…read moreabsolutely blossomed. Her confidence has taken off, she's learning so much, and the discipline she's picked up is showing in the sweetest ways at home. She loves Coach Cain, Coach Yousef, her classmates, and looks forward to every Tuesday and Thursday like it's a holiday. And let's be honest -- teaching a room full of 4-6-year-olds is basically the martial arts version of herding caffeinated kittens. But these two coaches do it with so much patience, passion, and skill that it truly feels like magic. You can tell they love what they do, and it shows in the way these kids grow under their guidance. I'm beyond grateful we found this place, and I'm so impressed I'll be joining soon myself! Thank you, Coach Cain and Coach Yousef, for everything you pour into these little warriors. You're making a real difference, and we appreciate you more than you know.

Cmon, the Legend Carlos Machado in Texas? This is the source of BJJ right here in the USA. Not only…read moreis he a master at BJJ, but a great teacher who cares and is an amazing human. I can't say enough great things about this academy. Just go!!!

I was able to attend an open mat on New Year's Eve. I saw a post on instagram and reached out via…read moretext. I heard back quickly and was able to attend. It was a great open mat, I wish I was able to stay longer. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, the level of Jiu jitsu is very high at this academy. Got beat up a bunch and enjoyed the learning experiences. Thank you to Michael for beating me up but also taking the time to teach me as well - inside camping lesson both during the round and after. There aren't many academies that have a master walking around and mingling with their students. I was so lucky to be able to talk with master Machado and take a pic with him. He is a true legend and is such an ambassador as a master of Jiu jitsu. Thank you for the hospitality and rolls!

If you're looking for high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Carlson Gracie Team stands out as one of the…read morebest. The instruction is technical, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the focus on fundamentals builds real, effective skills. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, the coaching, discipline, and team culture make it a top-tier place to train.

I wanted to share what a positive impact my time at Carlson Gracie (formerly Gracie Barra) has been…read moreon my life. I have always had an interest in Jiu Jitsu, but felt intimidated getting started. Although I played sports, I had no martial arts experience prior to starting. After the birth of my son and maintaining a stressful job, I knew I needed a outlet for stress. I finally decided to give it a try. Professor Andre, Camila, Patricia, and Gary all were so welcoming from the moment that I first walked into the gym. I tried one other gym before Carlson Gracie and it was night and day the difference in atmosphere. You can tell that everyone at CG is passionate about BJJ and the positive impact it can have on your life. One aspect of the gym I really want to emphasize and was unexpected was the social element. I can truly say that I feel like I have bonded with many of the other members and have made many friends through jiu jitsu. The culture is very encouraging and fun and it is not uncommon for people to stick around after class to talk and have a good laugh together. Before starting, (based on stories I read online about BJJ in general) I was concerned about more advanced students engaging in intimidation or hazing practices. I am happy to say at CG the complete opposite is true. The more advanced students have clearly had good training and go out of their way to make people feel welcomed and to teach to your ability. Professor Andre, Patricia, and Gary are all actively competing which means they are at the top of their game. Professor Andre was been ranked in the top three nationally for his weight class (something I didn't know until I got started). Despite this, they treat everyone who walks in with dignity, respect, and care. The coaches are very attentive, focused, and dedicated to helping you be the best you can be no matter your size or athletic ability. During warm ups, drilling, and rolling they are enthusiastic, excited, and incredibly perceptive concerning giving precise feedback that can help you improve. You can tell considerable thought goes into maintaining a culture that mixes fun and competitiveness which really makes you want to keep getting better. In addition to the culture, training, and atmosphere being top notch, this is also a great option for getting into shape. Over the course of four months I lost about 30 pounds from going to train consistently. I can honestly say at age 37 I am likely in the best shape of my life in terms of cardio and flexibility. This is not something I thought I would ever say as I was nearing 40. Concerning the facilities, the gym is very clean and you can tell great care goes into maintaining a professional and sanitary atmosphere. I have never been concerned about cleanliness and compared to others gyms I have visited while out of town, this was by far the most well maintained. Personally, I find this element to be important as it adds a level of comfort to the setting. Professor Andre makes a point to say that the gym is a family and thats what it feels like. The training is great and it really makes you appreciate the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I look forward to going to the gym everyday. I cannot recommend Carlson Gracie of Carrollton enough!

My son has been training BJJ with Coach Hicks for about a year and a half now. The dedication and…read morecommitment that all the coaches show is unmatched. Great environment, clean, and extremely welcoming. So glad to be apart of the Hicks family.

It's been over a year that our son started his jiu-jitsu journey with Coach Hicks and we are so…read morehappy he did! Not only was he welcomed with open arms, but we were as well. The gym provides a family environment that promotes encouragement and growth from all levels. Coach Hicks and other staff members are extremely knowledgeable and truly care about each person's development and success. The gym is always very clean and well maintained also!

We absolutely love this establishment. Our son trains here and he is hooked. The professors are…read moreworld class and some of the best in my opinion. They offer a great after school program and will even provide transportation. Very friendly and fair. If they had 10 stars I'd be clicking all them. Go check it out. Great discipline and self awareness going on with the art of jujitsu being taught.

I encountered and watched some of the student campers from this school today at a Splash Water Park…read moretoday in Frisco Texas, and I was so empresses with how well and kind the students were with my 2 yo granddaughter They treated her with kindness and love and made sure she was safe and not harmed while playing in the splash area. I commend the teachers. Too bad my oldest granddaughter isn't old enough yet to attend the school. I recommend the school.

A great place to train. I love it! Lots of classes, great instructors, and a great facility…read more I train MMA for love of sport, cardio and exercise generally. I'm a novice. This place is good for that but is great for the young guys that are truly making a go at a career in the sport. The young thirsty guys add to energy and vibe of this place. Instructors are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and above all supportive. Makes me smile thinking about the instructors walking around during sparring with direction and positive energy and feedback. This place has been open for a while and has been producing champions and professional grade martial artists. My guess is that many more champions will be born here over the years and that this place will receive more and more recognition globally as an MMA institution that produces the best out there! Come out and have some fun, or make your go a being a champion. This place is great for all.

My niece is extremely serious about her wrestling, and visiting me for a couple weeks in Frisco,…read moreTX. Even on vacation she really wanted to get her practice time in. We are SO thankful for this establishment!! They are so warm and welcoming! My niece is so happy to be able to get her practices in, while enjoying quality time with family! She said it feels like her "home away from home"!

​If you are looking for a place to simply "buy a membership," there are plenty of commercial gyms…read morearound. But if you are looking for a place to sharpen your character while you sharpen your skills, Sharpen Iron Academy (SIA) in Plano is in a league of its own. ​At SIA, you aren't just a number; the professors know you by name and are genuinely vested in your success both on and off the mat. This is a culture of discipline, accountability, and mentorship where the "iron sharpens iron" philosophy is lived daily. ​Whether it's the kids' classes, the youth program, or the specialized women-only classes, there is a deep level of trust and a guaranteed safe space for every student. It is more than a gym--it is a community and a family where you are pushed to grow in a supportive, high-level environment.

My kids started their BJJ journey in the winter of 2022 when they were four years old. My…read morebackground of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was virtually non existent, but several coworkers sang its praises and how it worked wonders for their children by teaching discipline, focus, work ethic and confidence. Their Godfather helped me research studios and after reading the CV for their head instructor Professor Henrique it was time to give it a shot. They had a lot of fun during the trial class, but they were nervous to start, not wanting to be away from Mom even though I was only three feet off the mat. Thankfully SIA instructors are not only skilled at keeping students engaged during training, but are very family centered, patient and caring. They were able to connect with each one of my kiddos so that they felt comfortable training as I looked on. By parent teacher conferences in February their preschool teacher let me know that both had grown so much in maturity and confidence and was curious to know what I was doing differently. Almost two years later the twins are well adjusted, focused and always happy when they step off the mat after an hour training session. Professor Henrique, Professor Lucas, Professor Matheus, Coach Queila, Coach Enrique, Coach Ian, Coach Ella, and Coach Anthony have become family and there is no other place I would have my children be twice a week. They offer adult classes in the morning and evening and several of the parents after seeing the transformation in their own children have started to earn their stripes as well.

I use to train with Ricardo. And I learned so much. Unfortunately, I got busy and had to stop…read moretraining and now I live way out but i definitely recommend him as a coach! He is very knowledgeable in MMA and all the works. If you don't know already he use to be in the UFC and have had real life events where he had to defend himself. His experience is something you don't want to miss.

Unbelievable coach. Super cool and his technique is insane! So cool he is in plano. Great with…read morekids also.

This place is as good as it gets when it comes to learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I have learned so…read moremuch from them in such a short period of time. The instructors are top notch and very professional. They are also very patient for simpletons like myself. You would be crazy not to come here to learn BJJ because you will love the welcoming environment and you will learn so much. You will also create great friendships!

From the owner: Our goal at Risen Jiu Jitsu and Fitness is to provide you and your family first and foremost a safe…read moretraining environment that is welcoming and enjoyable while at the same time challenging you to levels you didn't know and to press forward through them to the next level. We will help take you to new places with the goal of teaching you to be comfortable being uncomfortable. We want to develop champions not just on the mat but in whatever it is you do in life to where the transition on and off the mat becomes seamless. A champion on the mat gets their hand raised, a champion off the mats raises other's hands.

We signed up my 6 year old and so far it's been great even the young kids teaching the class for…read morethe little ones do a fantastic job making your the kids are learning and having a great time. I recommend this place to anyone who has kids and wants them to learns confidence and self defense at the same time. Thank you Synergy!!

I started this program a few months ago and it was the best decision I have ever made. Master…read morePechacek, his wife Susan and Instructor Jeff Shelton have made a definite impact in my life physically and mentally. I have lost alot of unwanted pounds, built confidience in myself and have learned to respect and help others. We are one big family and everyone, no matter what rank helps and respects others. If you are looking for a great program to get in shape, learn discipline, respect, self-defense and to make great friends, Lewisville or Carrollton ATA is the place to be.