BJJ

10 Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Gyms in The World

10 Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Gyms in The World

The quality of a training facility can affect how much progress you make in BJJ. It is important to keep in mind that there are several gyms to choose from. All gyms won't offer the same level of difficulty. Many factors determine what makes a gym successful. You may see a list of the top BJJ gyms in the world further down in this article.

1. Factors of Ranking

Judging the best BJJ workout at home is subjective. Everyone has their biases toward certain lineages and academies. The following list was created based upon three simple factors.

2. Head Coach and Instructors

A gym's most crucial element is its head coach and the instructors who run it. The head coach is the one who sets the tone of the training. Many students become attracted to BJJ gyms if the instructors and head coach have good reputations.


The best instructors on this list are well-known in BJJ circles. They have shown an ability to organize and teach their students well and have been a great source of inspiration.

3. Notable Students

The quality of a jiu-jitsu gym is evident based on the number of students it produces. It is not a coincidence that the best gyms produce the best jiu-jitsu athletes and students.


 Students greatly benefit from their instructor's knowledge and the guidance of their teammates. Some gyms may not be competitively focused, but those who teach good jiu-jitsu techniques tend to have strong competitive teams.

4. Reputation

A gym's reputation is crucial to the success or decline of its jiu-jitsu program.


Having a good reputation in BJJ attracts more students to successful gyms. Many of these gyms have attracted students from other countries. This is evidence that such fitness centers are of a high caliber.


Nearly every gym listed below has several hobbyist grapplers. These gyms also welcome visiting students. An advantage of learning at a BJJ academy is the chance to train alongside some of the most respected fighters in the world.

5. The Best BJJ Schools in the World

5.1. Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu Academy - New York City, United States

The Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu Academy is located in the midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. It is an excellent yet underappreciated BJJ training facility. The school is widely acclaimed because of its highly skilled and supportive coaches. They will train and teach you like they would their own children. It has a relaxing environment where you can learn at your own pace and in your own place. The building does not have any signs or logos, so most people are unaware of this BJJ training school. You should consider a few things before choosing a school.

5.2. Renzo Gracie Academy

Renzo Gracie practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. He is the grandchild of Robson Gracie, the nephew of Carlos Gracie Jr., and grandnephew Helio Gracie. 


Many students at this academy were trained by the Gracie brothers, who continue to carry on the family tradition. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as we know it, was created through technical refinement and actual combat. Throughout the 20th century, the Gracie family made significant advancements to the martial art.


Renzo Gracie also competed in major mixed martial arts tournaments, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championships, Pride Fighting Championships, K-1, and RINGS. Additionally, he is one of the top jiu-jitsu coaches in the world.


John Danaher, the head coach, is the man behind Danaher's famous squad. This squad is composed of the most elite No-Gi grapplers that Danaher has trained. They have dominated the No-Gi scene with their innovative approach to training and leg locks.

5.3. Atos Jiu-Jitsu School

Atos Jiu-Jitsu School is highly recommended for anyone who lives on the West Coast. The illustrious Andre Galvao is the owner of this school, with the headquarters being located in San Diego, California. Andre is widely considered to be one of the top jiu-jitsu coaches worldwide. His impressive resume from taking part in competitions proves that he knows his stuff.


The school has trained many world champions over the past 10 years. Even if your home is not in California, you can still learn jiu-jitsu from this school. Registering with this school allows you to access over 6,000 videos and sessions teaching specific jiu-jitsu techniques. The school even offers a class for kids that teaches jiu-jitsu basics.

5.4. Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy Costa Mesa, California, USA

PM Tenore, the creator of RVCA and multiple-time champion of BJJ tournaments, established the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy (AOJ) in July 2012. Tenore founded AOJ to popularize jiu-jitsu and contribute to the local community.

  • 9.5/10 for the instructors
  • Training Partner: 9/10
  • Gym Atmosphere: 10/10

The school's mission is to provide world-class training in a traditional and attractive setting. Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy has remained a jiu-jitsu-only academy rather than becoming a mixed martial arts (MMA) school.


This gym is simply stunning and has received a 10/10 rating in terms of training environment. People who have seen or visited the gym or seen it in pictures online often call it "Jiu-Jitsu Heaven." The Mendes Brothers did a great job creating an environment that promotes training. They offer classes every day of the week. They also provide an online learning program for those unable to travel.

5.5. PSLPB Cicero Costha - Sao Paulo, Brazil

Cicero Costha opened his school in Sao Paulo, inheriting Marco Barbosa's black belt.


Soon after, he started a charity project to help kids growing up in troubled neighborhoods via BJJ. The objective was to provide children with a feeling of purpose and keep them off the streets. The project was titled "Lutando Pelo Bem" by Costa ("Fighting for Good"). Although the gym facilities may be essential, jiu-jitsu standards are high. The training is intense and students work hard to achieve mastery of jiu-jitsu.

  • Head Coaches: Cicero Costha
  • Notable Students: Miyao Brothers, Leandro Lo, Thailison Soares

5.6. Tristar Gym

Canadian residents can train at Tristar Gym in Montreal. Firas Zahabi manages this gym which is ranked high among the top MMA and BJJ training centers worldwide.


Zahabi received his black belt from John Danaher at Renzo Gracie Academy. Zahabi has graciously continued to teach jiu-jitsu techniques in Canada. Many internationally acclaimed fighters like David Loiseau, Denis Kang, and Miguel Torres have used this gym to train for competitions. Tristar Gym offers grappling lessons and will help you improve your fighting abilities.


Tristar Gym also provides training in Muay Thai, boxing, and wrestling. BJJ classes are offered every Monday through Saturday at noon. 

5.7. Nova Uniao Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Nova Uniao Jiu-Jitsu Academy is considered one of the top jiu-jitsu schools. It was founded in 1995 through the merging of two teams: Dede Pederneiras Jiu Jitsu (Mello Tenis Clube) and Dede Pederneiras Jiu-Jitsu (Dede Pederneiras Jiu-Jitsu). Andre Pederneiras and Wendell Alexander were the leaders of the respective teams.


They won the IBJJF World Championship and the CBJJO World Cup Championship twice.


The academy’s most renowned students are Vitor Shaolin, Robson Moura, Leo Santos, Fernando Boi, Bruno Bastos, Kiki Melo, Bernardo Pitel, Jose Aldo, Renan Barao, Jussier Formiga, Marlon Sandro, Thales Leites, Wagnney Fabiano

5.8. Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu - San Diego, USA

Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu is a school belonging to the renowned brothers, Saulo Ribeiro and Xande Ribeiro. Together, the Ribeiro Brothers have won 13 World Championships in Gi BJJ. Few grapplers have more BJJ experience than these two. Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu currently has 50 affiliates worldwide and the brothers frequently visit for seminars.


The brothers also own the BJJ library online database, updating it regularly with new content.

  • Head Coaches: Saulo & Xande Ribeiro
  • Notable Students: Rafael Lovato, Jr.
  • Online Channel: BJJ Library

5.9. East Coast Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Dublin

Thanks to East Coast Jiu-Jitsu Academy, one of the largest BJJ academies in the world, jiu-jitsu in Ireland thrives. This academy has been growing steadily for many years. Darragh O'Conaill became a purple belt in his gym after his coach was injured and he was offered the chance to lead the academy. Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu soon became O’Conaill’s business partner. O’Conaill began to train regularly in San Diego to get his black belt. He earned his black belt and was named the European No-Gi Champion in 2018.


O’Conaill competes with his academy's growing members every day, including children, teens, and adults. There is also a solid female squad that includes Ffion Davies, a Welsh grappler. They have won multiple Irish championships and were awarded the IBJJF Dublin Open Title in 2019. Their dominance is evident and were recognized as a significant gym by Flo Grappling at the 2018 Worlds Training Camp. O’Conaill have formed a competitive team and is now seeing its first black belts make a name for themselves in Europe. East Coast now boasts Irish affiliate gyms, now recognized as an impressive martial art success story.

5.10. Frontline Academy

Frontline Academy in Norway is the most highly qualified BJJ, SW, and MMA gym in the world. They have professionals of the highest caliber and are committed to creating a comfortable training atmosphere unlike any other. Frontline Academy has enjoyable martial arts classes suited for every skill level. They also provide group classes that are available day and night for your convenience.


According to reviews, learning martial arts at Frontline Academy is an excellent way to learn for all ages, whether you're looking to train, compete, or learn self-defense.

6. Which Jiu-Jitsu Gym has the Best Reputation?

This is an excellent point to bring up. But there is no right response to this question. All the gyms mentioned above can claim that they are the best jiu-jitsu gym worldwide. The gyms listed are top-notch when it comes to teaching jiu-jitsu, with world-class facilities, coaches, and excellent training partners. You can train at these gyms if you live close by or are willing to travel.

7. How Important is BJJ's Diet?

Because we grapplers don't have any place to store proteins in the body, they must get a variety. If you do not consume enough protein, your body may resort to consuming itself, which will result in a loss of muscular strength.

8. Last Words

You won't get better at BJJ if you don’t put in the effort when attending the best BJJ classes in the country. When learning at some of the most BJJ schools around, it is essential to work hard. You can't expect the best from any instructor if you're unwilling to try your hardest. However, it is not difficult to see that you can learn many essential BJJ skills by training at top-notch gyms.

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