Gracie Ohio Jiu-Jitsu Academy
About
Gracie Ohio Jiu-Jitsu Academy offers training in multiple martial arts disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Muay Thai, and Karate. The academy is led by Head Instructor and Founder Dr. Jeffrey Hudson, a black belt under Relson Gracie, with direct lineage and instruction from Relson Gracie himself, a 9th degree red belt from the Gracie family. The facility features a pro shop and a spacious, clean new location that members frequently praise. This combination of authentic lineage and modern amenities creates a comprehensive training environment for all skill levels.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the exceptionally welcoming and supportive community where everyone from complete novices to experienced practitioners feels included. They highlight the knowledgeable, friendly instructors who teach both technique and values, with specific mentions of Robin, Amanda, Mike, Allison, Eric, and Matt. Reviewers appreciate the practical self-defense fundamentals, good drilling sessions, and the spacious, clean new facility. Many report personal benefits like weight loss, increased confidence, and new friendships, with families especially valuing the positive kids' programs. No significant concerns are mentioned across the reviews.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Andrew
a year ago
Robin and Amanda are amazing. They are so helpful, kind, and have dedicated their lives to shring the art of Jujitsu. My daughter and I love the art and have just. It's been so welcoming even as novice in the art. The instructors, both Mike's, Allison, Eric, Matt, just all of them, bring their own color of the art to their respective classes. Then, one adds on the community, events, and top-notch facilities to round out one of the Midwest best academics, if not the best. One of the coolest other things is the history of this academy. The original owner was just promoted to be the first coral belt from America.
Ethan Veno
4 months ago
We have two kids in the jiu jitsu program—one in Juniors 1 and one in Juniors 2—and we couldn’t be happier with our experience! Both classes are always well attended, but there are still plenty of adults and instructors on the mats to give one-on-one attention when needed. Every coach is knowledgeable, friendly, and takes the time to teach not just technique but also the values and character behind the sport. There are a lot of jiu jitsu schools in Ohio, but this was the school we wanted to join, and it’s been a fantastic decision. Our kids are learning, growing in confidence, and having fun every class. Absolutely worth the investment!
R.J. Lowery
3 years ago
Love this community and the brand new, massive NEW LOCATION! When I finally decided to get back into Martial Arts and was considering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, many people suggested I meet Robin Giesler and his Relson Gracie academy. I found the Gieseler’s and their instructors to be quality people, with a heart to teach both kids AND adults the gentle art of JiuJitsu. After a year of training 4-5 days per week now, I personally have not only lost weight and gained muscle, but I’ve also learned self defense techniques and disciplines that could save the life of my loved ones, or myself. More than that, my 2 son in laws now train here and we’ve all gained new friends, and would strongly recommend other families looking to get more active (both parents and kids) come check out some of the beginner and adult and kids classes in this big, clean, new location!
Matt Butler
5 months ago
Dropped in twice while in town at the recommendation of my home-school professor - Communication via email was fantastic and when I arrived the instructors & students were welcoming & friendly - The facility is impressive. I attended two classes - The first, mixed level nogi class was fun and instruction was easy to digest with good drilling sessions. live sessions were great - I really like how sessions were broken up so you get to experience multiple partners. Second class was a self-defense gi class - not having as much experience in this area, Matt gave some really helpful tips for both self defense and general bjj. Live session was a good time & great cardio. Thank you, Gracie-Ohio - I strongly recommend & will happily visit when in Columbus.
Jeffery Muter
3 months ago
Complete Novice Review: I'm 1 visit in. I sort of wish I'd seen this review, so here's a concise list of tips & impressions: - a 'Gi' (uniform) will be provided, at least to newer members. - everyone is incredibly friendly, no one decided to choke me out just because I was easy prey - 'fundementals' will go through a single scripted set of techniques. The one I got felt very useful if a street fight ever got to the ground. Each day is a different fundamental concept. - I made every mistake in etiquiete. Every time, from many different people, they were addressed with kindness. I wore socks on the mats. I wore a necklace. I had on a bandaid which fell off while rolling. I also didn't know what a tap felt like, leading me to holding a choke too long - despite me being way too heavy, and being incredibly bad with coordination, the members I was intentionally paired up with were experienced enough to accommodate my clumsiness. As a more personal review, the gym is amazing. Everyone I would describe as just happy to be there, and learning for fun. Even though my pairings were told to go extra slow for me, I learned a massive amount. The main 'coach' also gave me attention, and gave me great corrective advice. I have almost no body awareness, since middle school, the most intense daily effort I have is putting my socks on. So I'm just trusting that the body-consciousness will return to me with more practice. I would describe it as the most childlike-fun I've had since wrestling friends as a kid. It feels like a real shame that martial arts aren't more normalized. I feel like most adults I know would have an absolute blast.
fitness_centerAmenities
Contact
285 N Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43081, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 7:00 – 9:00 AM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:30 – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 – 9:00 AM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 1:00 – 9:00 AM, 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Dr. Jeffrey Hudson
Head Instructor / Founder
Black Belt under Relson Gracie
Founder of Gracie Ohio. Began training with the Gracie family in 1990. Logged more private lessons with Relson Gracie than any other student. Original investor in the UFC.
Relson Gracie
Main Instructor / Lineage Head
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Red Belt (9th degree), Gracie Family
Primary instructor and mentor to founder Dr. Jeffrey Hudson. Key figure in the academy's lineage and history. Son of Helio Gracie.