A premier martial arts academy in Raleigh, NC, established in 2011. Features expert black belt instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi), Muay Thai, kickboxing, and youth self-defense, along with professional mats, heavy bags, and full shower amenities.
Gracie Raleigh, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Raleigh, NC
Gracie Raleigh is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai academy on Old Louisburg Road in Raleigh, North Carolina. The academy opened in 2011 and calls itself Raleigh’s longest continuously running jiu-jitsu gym. Owner Brandon Garner received his black belt from Royce Gracie that same year and now holds a third degree. Students train on roughly 2,600 square feet of mat space, with every program housed under one roof.
Who Teaches at Gracie Raleigh?
Five black belts lead instruction at the academy, and several earned their rank on these mats. Garner brings 25 years across kickboxing and wrestling plus a professional MMA record. He has also served as an Army Special Forces hand-to-hand combat instructor. Andrew Bitner and Chris Lewter teach jiu-jitsu with competition résumés that include US Grappling titles and IBJJF medals. General manager Karl Krebs holds a judo black belt and a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. Mark Davis and Collin Crawford run the Muay Thai side, with Crawford having trained in Thailand.
Gracie Fundamentals and the Beginner’s First Months
New adults start in Gracie Fundamentals rather than being dropped into advanced rounds. The curriculum builds on efficient movement and body mechanics. Those principles let a smaller person control a larger one. Classes pair technical drilling with live training against partners and coaches. Progress shows up off the mats too, in stress management and confidence. Beginners are told plainly that nerves before a first class are normal. Higher belts are expected to look after newer training partners during live rounds.
Muay Thai and No-Gi Grappling Under One Roof
Beyond the gi program, the academy runs no-gi grappling and a full Muay Thai curriculum. Muay Thai classes cover punches, kicks, knees and elbows, along with the defenses against each. Training moves through bag work, pad work and partner drills. Members who want striking and grappling do not need a second membership somewhere else. Morning, midday and evening sessions give shift workers and parents room to train. Adults chasing a fight camp and adults chasing a workout share the same room.
Kids and Teen Jiu-Jitsu Classes on Old Louisburg Road
Children start as young as four in a class built around attention, balance and coordination. Coaches teach through structured games that hide real technique inside play. From ages seven to twelve, the work shifts toward precision and problem-solving, described to students as physical chess. Anti-bullying skills and resilience sit alongside the technical material. Teenagers train in a blended format, splitting time between kids classes and adult fundamentals.
Gracie Raleigh’s Place in the Triangle Martial Arts Scene
Gracie Raleigh draws students from Cary, Wake Forest, Garner, Knightdale and Wendell as well as the city itself. Public reviews return to two themes: coaches who teach rather than simply supervise, and close attention paid to the kids. Competitors from the academy medal at local tournaments and at international events. After more than a decade in the same city, the gym still measures itself simply. The test is whether a nervous first-timer comes back for a second class.
