Athens Jiu Jitsu

“It pains me to write this review, because even now I still consider many here my friend. I trained here for 5 years. This was my family. This is where I received my purple belt, and also where I planned to receive my black belt one day. I'm a Navy veteran. I try to be a good Christian man. I also have no criminal record and never even been in handcuffs before. I served this community as a job coach for 2 years and now as an Employment specialist that gives adults with special needs a job, and serves them with everything they need afterwards. I taught classes here and there for this gym, and also co-taught a competition class here for months. I attended events and spent time with people and their families here outside of training. I have most people at this gym on social media and their personal phone numbers. I believe that regardless of your background or political views that we should all be able to train martial arts together and leave all of that outside the gym. I have been vilified for believing that, and kicked out of the gym simply for training with a man who has different views and a different way of life. I was told multiple times that it didn't matter who i trained with. Then, I was kicked randomly through a text one day. 5 years of my life at this gym, and I couldn't even be looked in the eyes and given a chance to explain myself or to talk about it even though I asked for that exact thing. All over simply training with a person who has different views and values.”

“Was my home gym for many years, fought amateur and professional MMA under its name 7 times. I have been banned, as well as several of my good friends, for possessing political opinions that are shared by the majority of Gen Z today. Opinions shared by many members of that gym, presently not banned, but far less vocal and associative, young, old, inbetween. These views are described as ne*-**zi, or white supr***cist, but this is not the case. I am simply an American Nationalist. My views are shared, and echo in mainstream media, on social media, podcasts, all of it, by many. I met all of these good friends here at Athens TN, as I transplanted here following my marine corps service('15-'19). My children have grown up on these mats, from day one to their first steps, in the case of my second. I intended for them to train here forever as they now approach training age, (3 and 5) but that shan't be the case now, as I am unwelcome. I truly believe that if we discussed these things at length, there would be far more agreement than disagreement, but I feel that ship has sailed. Perhaps not. I am always open to talk. Brave Men Dare to stand for their beliefs, for the truth, even in the face ridicule, persecution, and, at worst, ostracization. I fear none of it. Come whatever may. The current owner gave me an inhaler on my first day training, I returned the favor as a form of breaking contact. Good bye, man. I am not mad, disappointed, or inbetween. Wholly indifferent, and numb, to be honest. I just think differently, that's all. Semper Fidelis, devil dog. I shall always be that, ever faithful, to my nation, and to my people. I cannot serve two masters, and once you know the truth, there is no going back. Goodbye, AJJ. Insane to think of all those conversations regarding national events of the past 4 years, and the media manipulation, and the buzzwords, and the congruence of our opinions on such subjects, only to see you all heel. Immediately. Lol. I guess I should've known when I walked in an all your smiles turned to frowns. At least your kids ran to me, I taught them a handstand before we talked. Take my business card down, that we may have no further association. Sorry it ended as such. Sorry to low star you, exactly as you said you're sorry to ban me. No hate, not for any of you there. Sad, numb, idk. Wake up. Ave America I am certain you will respond by saying Brave Men Dare to stand against racism or ideologies that are exclusive, or a quip about supremacy, it is ok. I prefer that to the AI. Ultimately, a good gym for family and children. Decent in comp, a few hitters at all belt levels, a few improperly belted blues and purples. Excellent array black belts with varying styles. Decent amount of women students, for the ladies looking for self defense. Need a more takedown focused program. Good luck to you all, and God Bless, regardless of your race, creed, or politics. With love, apathy and confusion, idk.. -Thomas”

“Clean and Professional environment. Felt comfortable working with staff to improve and fine tune skills. Great location for BJJ, regardless of skill level. Highly recommend.”

“I always like to visit and try out new Jiu Jitsu gyms when I’m traveling. As a veteran with disabilities, it’s super important to me patronize a veteran owned gym. Ben was very knowledgeable, patient, skilled and funny veteran. Everyone there was friendly, accepting and good to be around. So if you need to sharpen your Jiu Jitsu skills, lose some weight or learn to defend yourself than head on into Athens Jiu Jitsu!”

“I am happy to see Athens Jiu Jitsu is a veteran owned business. Jiu Jitsu gyms used to be only accessible in very populated areas far from where I live. I am glad that the sport is growing. It is not only a great form of exercise, but it teaches important lessons to students of all ages about hard work and discipline. I realize that everything I am saying you probably already heard before from Joe Rogan. But I would recommend anyone reading this review to stop by Athens Jiu Jitsu and just try it. The owner Ben is welcoming and will answer all of the questions you will have as a beginner.”