The choice of Jiu-Jitsu gym is a very personal one. You’re going to spend a lot of time there with your coaches and fellow students. These are people you’re going to show your weaknesses so you better be comfortable with them! This is a fantastic group where everyone trains hard and responsibly. Everyone has a job to go back to and doesn’t want to leave all busted up. Don’t misunderstand though. This is Jiu-Jitsu, you will get bruised, and I’m assuming you’re okay with that if you’re looking at a sport of any kind. It’s important to note that Gracie Lake Norman is not all sport. The #1 focus is being street applicable. This isn’t the case with all gyms.

Instruction – 95% of the time there’s one Black Belt and one Brown Belt teaching the class. Ranard and Mike (Black Belts under 7th degree Coral Belt Luiz Palhares) alternate teaching classes, which is a good thing because they have different teaching styles that helps to see techniques from different perspectives. Matt (Brown Belt) is a great asset as well. We’re very fortunate to have this much hands on instruction each class.

Cleanliness – This is a clean gym. The mats are thoroughly cleaned after class, alcohol spray is always available for hands, feet, whatever you want to spray down.

If you’re interested in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, come check it out. The only true way to know if it’s a fit for you is to meet everyone and try a few classes.

Google Reviews

I have been training for two months in Pennsylvania and was in Lake Norman, NC for a weekend getaway. I called ahead to see if I could train at the gym. Laurie called me back and said that would be fine. I arrived ahead of time to get the lay of the land and stretch out, and the kids’ class was wrapping up. The kids were having a great time, laughing, and also clearly had a good rapport with the instructors – good sign.

I was warmly greeted by Mike and Renard, then Laurie. My class focused on several things: grappling, breaking grips, and, interestingly, remediation of weaknesses of people in the class. The methods were unconventional (close your eyes???) but VERY helpful (close your eyes and use your other senses to anticipate what’s next). The other students were great to roll with – knowledgeable, patient, and good-natured. I think the spirit of a gym starts with the people who run it, and it’s clear that a focus on helping each other is key here. I learned a LOT in the two hours I was there, and I suspect it would be a great place to train daily.

If you’re thinking about training at a BJJ gym, and want a place you can learn AND have fun, I recommend a visit to the gym. And, if you’re looking for something for your kids, I’d recommend stopping here, too!

Google Reviews

Nothing makes me feel better than knowing the training I am receiving from Ranard and Mike is the best around! To all of my fellow law enforcement officers please come learn from the best. The training is tough but it should be that way. Ranard and Mike’s training may save your life one day.

Google Reviews

They will motivate you, be polite, and never withold information. If someone gets a good move on you, they will be more than happy to show you how they did it. A great group of people and a fabulous martial arts gym, I highly recommend it.

Google Reviews

Amazing facility, and staff! Everything they teach applies to real world encounters as well! Helped me advanced in my career as an infantryman as well in the army! As well as made life long friends and training partners! Defiantly my second family!

Posted on Facebook

I’ve been to numerous schools both in NYC and LA and I can confidently say that Gracie Lake Norman is the most legit place I’ve ever trained. The atmosphere is so welcoming and friendly; I felt right at home from the minute I stepped in. Ranard (one of the owners) gladly took 3 hours out of his day to train with my brother and me individually. If you’re someone who wants to learn Jiu-Jitsu, the school’s unique style of self-offense, or just improve your self confidence and ability to work under pressure, then look no further than Gracie Lake Norman. I will train here every time I’m back in town.

Posted on Facebook

I never knew there was such a great Jiu Jitsu training spot so close. My brother and I went in hoping to train and were welcomed so warmly into what is undoubtedly the best and most professional training center I’ve ever rolled at. Gracie Lake Norman has extraordinarily knowledgeable instructors, and the most friendly students I’ve ever come across. Training here will be the highlight of every trip I take from now on to Mooresville.

Posted on Facebook

Enjoyed the self-defense class. Thanks to all the instructors. Great class

Posted on Facebook

I have known Ranard Brown for many years, his martial arts academy is the premier academy around. I would encourage anyone looking for Authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and Self-Defense in general, to check out his academy, they are top notch, and nice people.

Posted on Facebook

After moving to Mooresville I visited several places to find some where to continue training. I was welcomed warmly and had a great first class. I find that these guys take the time and teach on a level that you understand! Real and relevant, the way it should be.

Posted in Facebook

I love training here. I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of their jiujitsu class once and I’ve had several self defense classes with Ranard and I can’t begin to explain what a powerful feeling it is learning how to avoid situations and how to deal with them if you’re in them. I genuinely believe everyone should take the opportunity to learn, at the very least, some self defense. You never know you need it until you need it. No one should have to be a victim.

Posted on Facebook

I was in the Lake Norman area for two months for an internship and wanted a place to train while I was here. I stopped by for a couple free trial classes and got to meet all the trainers and ended up spending the summer training here. Renard, Jake, Matt, and Mike are all fantastic coaches who did everything they could to improve my game even though I was only here temporarily. They treated me like one of their regulars and really pushed me. I learned A LOT and would recommend Gracie Lake Norman to anyone in the area looking to learn or keep training.

Posted on Facebook

My boy is gaining confidence, and feeling good about himself! After being bullied all last year, it is a blessing to see him gain confidence!

Posted on Facebook

After taking up and training jiu jitsu for 6 months at college, I moved back to the Lake Norman area and decided to try Gracie Lake Norman. I was worried it wouldn’t quite match up to my previous gym, but after a week of classes, I realized just how wrong I was. Gracie LKN honestly feels more like a group of close friends than it does a gym. All the instructors and students go above and beyond to help you learn, and they genuinely want to see you get better. I seriously can’t say enough good things about Gracie LKN. Whether you’re new to jiu jitsu, or you have been training for years, give Gracie LKN a shot. It’ll be the best decision you’ve made in a while.

Posted on Facebook