FORMER STUDENT This…read moreplace is far more about money than martial arts. Advancement here has very little to do with skill, effort, or actual improvement. If you want to "grow," you have to pay -- for every single belt, test, and step forward. Progress feels locked behind a paywall. The owner shows little genuine interest in developing students' abilities. Instead of coaching, mentoring, or correcting technique in a meaningful way, the focus is constantly on the next fee, upgrade, or payment. It becomes clear very quickly that your value as a student is tied to how much you're willing to spend. Martial arts are supposed to teach discipline, humility, and growth. What I experienced here felt transactional, manipulative, and discouraging. Students who question the system or costs are brushed aside, while those who keep paying move forward regardless of actual skill. If you're looking for a school that truly invests in its students and prioritizes ability over profit, I would look elsewhere. This academy feels like a business first and a martial arts school second -- if at all.

Family environment nurturing leadership, ethics, morals, accountability, bonds and most importantly…read morediscipline. Coaches are the type to invite you into their own homes and treat you like their own family. Paired with a competitive environment forging grit, hardwork, teamwork, skill, and a passion for martial arts. Coaches and senior students are aware and confident enough in their ability to ensure a safe place, they also are aware in the students' abilities as well and keep a watchful eye. Firm enough to ensure your development and success in learning how to defend yourself. 10/10 would highly recommend

This place is awesome. I have been wanting to try BJJ for a while and I finally decided to, I am so…read moreglad I picked Gracie Charlottesville. The community here is great and very helpful for all skill levels. Their facility is brand new, big, and has really nice amenities (shower, sauna, lockers, changing room, etc). If you want to give it a shot they also offer a completely free 1 week trial. Definitely recommend this gym!

Update! Their newest hire who is currently running the kids classes (including one for 4-6…read moreyear-olds), upcoming women's classes, muay thai, and other things, is Kristen DeBruycker who trained directly under THE Pedro Sauer and has trained in Thailand. Absolutely incredible instructor. Amazing school and soon to be the best!

As a long time combat sports practitioner, I have had the opportunity of visiting and training with…read morenumerous martial artists up and down the East Coast and even outside the US. On visits to the Roanoke area, I have trained with Dennis and co. at Hybrid and can say hands down, they have the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu / grappling program in the Roanoke area. Of course people seek different goals out of their chosen martial art, but if its BJJ or MMA that you're interested in, then Hybrid is your spot. Head coach Dennis is a legit BJJ black belt under Master Pedro Sauer (one of the few black belt level instructors in SW VA) and the school also has solid striking and judo programs as well. -Hybrid welcomes all levels of students from starter to experienced competition level. The environment was open and humble and head coach Dennis was professional and welcoming .

When I came off of Active Duty where I started my jiu jitsu journey, I searched for a place that…read morewould "fit". I contacted the owners at Hybrid and they were more than welcoming. What I really enjoyed was as soon as I walked through the door, no one turned their backs and pretended I wasn't there. Instead, every person made an effort to introduce themselves. Absolutely one of the most welcoming gyms I have been to. It contains an extreme wealth of knowledge through a number of black belts, who are all willing to help. The students here are the most detailed and technical I have seen. In addition to jiu jitsu, their judo program is legit. I have really enjoyed learning the traditional Japanese names for the techniques and the amount of detail again, is outstanding. The Muay Thai program is great! Very challenging and gives you a great sweat. I can't say enough greatness about this extremely well-rounded martial arts center. This is not a "fighting gym", and I like that. The concentration on the arts as they were meant to be is exactly what I was looking for. They welcome anyone traveling through as well. If you are looking for a great place to train, stop here!!

Absolute gem of a place to train. Stopped by to see if I could train a day or two while visiting…read morethe area from out of town; their morning crew and training vibes were so awesome I trained with them the entire week - even bought some merch to wear once my trip was done. Not only recommend this place to anyone looking for a solid gym to learn, but will be coming back if I find myself in the Charlottesville area again!!

My and my freaking awesome amazing boyfriend who's so good at jiu jitsu went on Saturday and it was…read morereally fun.

Brian Rose has done a great job with this school. They have a welcoming and family friendly…read moreatmosphere, clean facilities, unisex changing stalls, bathroom and shower, great BJJ technique, and a culture of mutual respect. I like to train here whenever I'm not training at my local BJJ gym. If I lived closer it would definitely be my first choice for places to train.

Excellent place to train. Brian is very knowledgeable and detail oriented. Safe environment to…read moretrain.