GJJKY is a great place to learn self defense, meet new people and work on bettering yourself as a…read moreperson.

I dropped into a couple gyms in Kentucky. Overall, I've dropped in at over 10 gyms and this gym is…read moremy favorite so far. It is very similar to my gym of 9 years and that's probably because they're both Pedro Sauer Association gyms. If you are part of PSA, you'll understand. Even if you aren't, you will learn some high level jiu jitsu and have fun doing it over here. This school has multiple instructors, and they are all highly technical and their classes connect which gives you a great learning experience if you're a beginner or an experienced jiu jitsu practitioner. I reached out online to inquire about dropping in since I was in town. They answered me back quickly with the class times. Upon arrival, The owner, Professor Scott Smith (4th degree Black Belt), welcomed me and introduced me to some of the staff and other members. I was able to take classes under multiple instructors and it just blew my mind on the details of each technique taught. In regards to the facility, there is a huge mat area and everyone can comfortably train. When you walk in, there's the front desk and a lounge area. They have changing rooms for males and females and two restrooms. They keep the facility clean and sanitize the mats after each class session (morning/evening). Do yourself a favor and check out this gym if you want to learn Gracie Jiu Jitsu!

New location! Come see us and try a free class. Everyone is super friendly and the new facility is…read morebeautiful. If you'd like to try BJJ or if you want a new place to train I can't recommend Roughly Hands enough!

I have been a member of the Rough Hands family for over three years. I enjoyed it so much I joined…read moreas one of their yoga instructors. Jesse and Shelby have created one of the most welcoming and open training facilities you will ever encounter. The instruction in BJJ and Krav is second to none. The yoga is not what you typically experience in a yoga studio and I would say is a little more accessible for your average person. Give it a shot you won't regret it.

My family has been part of this Jiu-Jitsu community for the past 5 years, and the experience has…read morebeen nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning, we've been challenged to grow, encouraged when things felt tough, and inspired to push past our limits. Over time, we've gained not only strength and endurance but also confidence, discipline, and respect for the sport. It's not an easy sport by any means--it demands focus and commitment--but the rewards are absolutely worth it. Mr. Aaron Burgin, the owner and instructor, is a huge part of why this gym is so special. He is incredibly kind, patient, and intentional with every student, whether you're brand new or have years of experience. His teaching style is admirable--he balances encouragement with accountability and makes sure every student is learning the right techniques while also having fun. He has a way of meeting students where they are while still pushing them to their full potential. The culture here is also worth mentioning. It truly feels like a family environment where everyone supports each other. My kids have gained not only skills on the mat but also life lessons about perseverance, humility, and respect. For adults, it's an excellent workout and stress reliever, and for kids, it's a safe, structured, and uplifting environment that builds both character and physical ability. If you are looking for a place to train, grow, and be part of a positive and welcoming community, I cannot recommend Mr. Burgin and this Jiu-Jitsu program enough. It has been such a blessing to our family, and I'm confident it will be for yours too!

I had my first official class and it was a fun experience everyone there is nice Master Aaron is…read morevery kind and helps people at their own pace and the other people that is also learning they are also kind and help you out as well.And I can't wait to spend more time at the dojo and get to know the people there more I say that it will be the best experience to learn and grow at Oldham County Martial Arts Academy and you should check it out and I'm sure you will also enjoy your time there I know I did.

Rob is the coolest! I dropped in from out of town while working in Louisville. Rob was great, easy…read moregoing, and chained ideas of BJJ together flawlessly. Enjoyed the experience! And...The Grapple Chapel!??? Why wouldn't you want to visit??!! Awesome building with awesome people.

After college, I moved to Louisville by myself to start a new job. At first, I felt really lonely…read moreand isolated. Luckily, by a serendipitous coincidence, I encountered Criterion Jiu Jitsu on the web. I was always interested in the sport, but many times before when I attempted to join a club, I ended up talking myself out of it. For one, I knew I would likely be one of the few girls in class (which is an intimidating idea for me), on top of which I never believed I was athletic enough to be of any good. However, by a strange impulse, I went to a trial class at Criterion Jiu Jitsu. Immediately I was fascinated by the respectful atmosphere. There are people from all walks of life and different levels of experiences, yet strangely, no one feels out of place. I loved the friendly and inclusive environment. And as a designer, I cannot help but appreciate the beautiful stained glass and high ambient ceiling of the classroom. From that day on, I went to my second, third, and fourth class, and not before long, I embarked on an exciting adventure that is jujitsu... Rob is a great instructor, his class is so relaxing, interactive, and fun. Though I was one of the few girls in the class, and at the beginning I struggled doing some of the basic warmups. But I always felt a strong sense of support and encouragement from my instructor and classmates. Slowly I witnessed progress in my techniques and discovered new potentials of my body I never knew before. Above all, I had a blast! I met some of the most amazing people through Criterion. And being a shy person, I am proud to say that I made a lot of friends without needing to exchange many words. As I kept going for weeks, I also noticed positive changes in other parts of my life through jujitsu. I started to feel more confident in myself, more focused and thoughtful in my professional work. Jujitsu taught me a lot about humility, and it helped me resolve a lot of insecurities and fears in my life. I feel very fortunate to find this big family in Louisville, and Criterion Jiu Jitsu has made this new city feel like home.

My brother used to go there for a long time and then after a while left. He now works at the barber…read moreshop in the same complex. He says that he loved going there and he doesn't regret going at all. I'm thinking of going there as well. Thanks Master Brown!

My step daughters take classes here and they love it! They have learned so much from Master Brown…read moreand the other instructors there. Welcome atmosphere, friendly and supportive learning environment with great people! I highly recommend this dojo to anyone looking to learn traditional tae kwon do.

My kids love the classes here, and the coach is great he is committed to teaching boxing and…read moredoesn't let the kids play around. I like that, and it will instill discipline and respect along with self-defense. Go check this gym out if you're interested in boxing!

HMA is a great place to learn TKD & when you break a board it is all about bad hobbit. 1000%…read morerecommended!!!

Seems this place is a black belt farm. Their sales pitch is you or your child can earn a black belt…read morein about three years. really!?! My 10 year old can be a black belt in 3 years, for the right price of course.

Area 502 mixed martial arts is a local Lousiville mma gym located on the south side of the city…read morejust off strawberry lane. The gym is massive with a huge area for workout mats, rings/cages and a massive free weight room in the very back. They offer adults and children's classes for everything from jui jitsu, kickboxing, wrestling and boxing. I've trained here a few times over the years and one of my daughters attended a jui jitsu class and it's a top notch gym with quality and knowledgable trainers. Overall it's great to support all Local mma gyms and fighters and I can say with confidence from first hand experience and from friends with kids who are more active here that this is a top notch Lousiville mma gym.

I can't say enough great things about this gym! I attended the Gi Jiu Jitsu class as a beginner and…read moreI was welcomed and shown how to do everything. Everyone in the class is incredibly kind and willing to teach you. The teachers are incredibly experienced and very kind. I would highly recommend this gym to any first timers looking to try Jiu Jitsu!