Jiu-Jitsu Classes Louisville
Louisville Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Louisville’s only Official Carlson Gracie Academy
Why it’s awesome: Jiu-Jitsu is great for fitness, confidence, & self defense. Beyond any physical improvements that come as a result of Brazilian jiu-jitsu are the mental improvements that are often overlooked. Self confidence, discipline, determination, focus, mental toughness etc.
Who its for: Youth 5+ & Adults

Jiu-Jitsu Classes Louisville, KY
Our Jiu-Jitsu Classes Are For Everyone
Area 502 is proud to be the Louisville’s only Official Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy.
Our head coach Phillip Perkins is a Carlson Gracie Jr. Blackbelt. He has taught and trained all over the world. He has spent over 2 months in Brazil training and teaching seminars. We are proud to carry on the Carlson Gracie Legacy at Area 502.Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the style of Legendary Grandmaster Carlson Gracie Senior is one of only four distinct styles.
Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is considered more aggressive and offensive in nature, and better suited for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition. Carlson Gracie made his name as a fighter in the era of Vale Tudo, and is considered the best Vale Tudo fighter of the ’50s and ’60s. His hyper aggressive style of jiu jitsu had a deep influence on the art and his students. Carlson’s school flew in the face of Helio Gracie’s tradition of reserving advanced techniques for members and teaching only basic self-defense to all others. Carlson taught his students everything he knew in the name of advancing the art.
Testimonials
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EXCELLENT Based on 204 reviews Leighton Chesser2025-01-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very fun place to learn. There’s a wide range of experience from beginners to competitive fighters. The coaches are awesome and very knowledgeable/helpful. Ruben Vargas2025-01-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love this place. 2nd home Noel Zamora2025-01-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The diverse range of classes, including MMA, boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu, ensures that there’s something for everyone. The facility itself is top-notch, with so much room, it includes a boxing ring, matted areas, and a fully equipped gym. I like to highlight how clean, organized, and well-maintained the space is. Area 502 MMA receives high marks for its focus on community, personal growth, and professional-level training. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, learn self-defense, or train at a competitive level, Area 502 MMA comes highly recommended. Donald Bishop2025-01-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. AMAZING GYM AND COMMUNITY! Area 502 MMA is top-notch! The coaches are skilled, patient, and truly care about helping you improve, whether you’re a beginner or experienced. The facility is clean and well-equipped, and the sense of community is incredible—everyone is supportive and motivating. Whether you’re training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, this place has it all. Highly recommend! Brandon Jaggers2025-01-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Area 502 mma is the best gym that I have ever stepped into. For one the experience and knowledge that’s in area 502 is really unmatched. Head coach Phillip Perkins who is a black belt knows just about everything you can when it comes to marital arts. And he has trained more fighters then probably anyone else in the state a lot of those fighters now coaching as well. So to sum it up if you want to learn marital arts there isn’t a better place to learn then area 502. But what really sets it off to me is the gym is really like a family. The staff the coaches so many diff students of all types come together to achieve similar goals together. Everyone wants to see you achieve what you set out to do and when you do are genuinely happy for you or if you fail there there to pick you up and go after it again. Best coaching best team great youth program great boxing program great prices as well Patrik Carter2025-01-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you’re looking to lose weight, or compete at the highest level of your discipline; Area 502 is the perfect choice. Best team and coaches in the city. Joshua WIlson2025-01-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great gym, great coaches. Can’t wait for my son to be old enough to train here with me
Jiu-Jitsu Classes Louisville, KY
What is Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu, often referred to as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. Its roots can be traced back to Japanese Judo and traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, but it was further developed and popularized in Brazil. The core principle of Jiu-Jitsu is to enable a smaller or weaker individual to defend against and, using proper techniques, overcome a larger and stronger opponent.
This is achieved primarily through the use of leverage, body positioning, and submission holds such as joint locks and chokeholds. Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes taking an opponent to the ground and employing ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and chokeholds. The strategy is to control and overpower the opponent, leading them to a submission.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training can be used for sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition. It is known for its effectiveness in real combat situations, which has made it a cornerstone of MMA. Beyond its combat effectiveness, Jiu-Jitsu is also regarded as a way to promote physical fitness and build character in young people, fostering principles such as respect, discipline, and perseverance.

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