Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk
About
Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk offers comprehensive martial arts training in both karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, creating a welcoming environment for all ages and skill levels. The gym provides specialized programs including women's empowerment classes, children's mat munchkins for toddlers, and a highly praised Bullyproof program that teaches conflict de-escalation, self-defense techniques, and body awareness. Members consistently highlight the warm, welcoming staff who genuinely share their passion for martial arts, making beginners feel comfortable and excited to learn regardless of prior experience. The facility fosters a family-friendly atmosphere where both children and adults can train together, with many families enrolling multiple members across different age groups.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and supportive community, describing the gym as feeling like an extended family. They highlight excellent coaching that makes beginners comfortable while providing effective self-defense training, with specific appreciation for the women's empowerment classes and Bullyproof program for children. Reviewers note significant improvements in confidence, discipline, and body awareness for both children and adults. No concerns or complaints are mentioned across all reviews, with members emphasizing the gym's value and their long-term commitment to training there.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
What Limits
3 months ago
My daughter has been going to it for 7 years she has become the best in her class she started when she was 3 and now she is 10 i love it
Jeni
7 months ago
I never imagined I would enjoy jiu jitsu this much. I first joined through a free women’s seminar, and I was surprised by how much I loved it. Even though I had never tried any type of martial art before, I felt comfortable and excited to learn. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in building confidence and learning how to defend themselves!
Emma HOOD
a year ago
I absolutely love this place! It is fun for the whole family. I decided to sign my son up and then I ended up signing up and taking g the women’s empowerment class. The staff is warm, welcoming, and genuinely love sharing their passion of karate and Jiu-Jitsu with beginners.. I would absolutely recommend Norfolk Academy for children and adults.
Maiga Milbourne
5 months ago
My 6 year old was going to summer camp with a boy with anger issues who kicked her, called her names, etc. We obviously worked with her and talked to the coach, but when I saw there was a trial of "Bullyproof" at the Jiu Jitsu studio, we decided it was a good opportunity! My 3 year old started mat munchkins, which is adorable. He loves it and "gets his wilds out." He's also around all these older kids and teens who are both really helpful to him and really respectful, so it's great modeling. I hope he'll be one of those kids in years to come. My daughter goes to Bullyproof and loves it too. She practices conflict de-escalation, using her voice, appropriate body language, and of course, jiu jitsu! The instructors are great and also really silly so it takes away any intensity from the subject. My husband wrestles with her and has already noticed that her body awareness is really changing. She keeps wanting me to look at her "strong muscles." :D It's a great thing to accompany her through her growth in childhood! I'm very grateful! When we have more time my husband and I want to take classes too! We're really enjoying everyone there and what they're offering our family!
Toieo Shamanstuff
5 months ago
This place started as a way to get the kids strength, motivation, accountability, discipline, self defense, etc and it’s become so much more. I’m grateful to have them involved in mine and my girls lives. They care beyond “teaching martial arts” and have become friends at least, maybe “extended family”, to the point that I may buy a home in the area just to ensure the girls can keep going. I appreciate all that they do and the cost is absolutely justified for what you get in return.
Contact
814-A W 45th St, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 4:30 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 4:30 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday: Closed