Carlson Gracie Dayton H.Q.

“I'm a purple belt from a gym in Massachusetts, traveled here for military. This gym is absolutely amazing. Professor Travis and his students are so welcoming, family atmosphere and the instruction is on point. You won't find a better school, if you want to train, learn and be part of a community this is the place. Oss!”

“I've been training various martial arts, mostly Judo for about 7 years. I have worked with some very, very skilled instructors. Travis Haynes is a meticulous and learned teacher. His knowledge of detail from every position, every technique is depth beyond belief. I have been impressed with the training curriculum in the first month. Its just enough information in each class so that its not overwhelming, starting from a core position we're learning variations with applications both in competition but also self defense scenarios. Each class starts with a brief warm up, largely exercises to get the blood pumping and maybe a drill or two targeted towards what we're going to work on. Then it's instruction for a majority of class followed by technical rolling or free rolling. The website says "Keep one foot in the streets, and one foot on the mats." and you can expect training to reflect that motto. While training is a serious endeavor and Prof. leads the classes in a serious manner, he also brings a good spirit of humor and levity to the class. The facility is brand new. Fresh mats, clean and welcoming. It's not a frilly setup, it's got what you need, a clean and safe space to train, front desk area and bathrooms. For those who know, you know that's enough. Don't sleep on training. Don't sleep on BJJ. Come to Carlson Gracie HQ.”

“I started training at this location when it first opened up. We started small but every week we get new faces coming in to train. This gym has a solid group of guys and girls. Professor Travis is Ohio's highest ranking Carlson Gracie black belt, and his teaching methods are just phenomenal. He specializes in teaching the students in a manner where each individual can learn and grow. He is great teaching both adults and children and is patient with the students. If you want to learn a self defense method that will work in the real world or if you just want to do it for fun, please come on in.”

“Top of the line instruction from professor Travis Haynes along with an amazing gym culture and support base that gives you the extra push to want to show up each class. If your gym lacks that togetherness, then check this one out.”

“I met Prof Haynes when he came and visited us at the Dayton Martial Arts Center. My friend Gunter introduced him to our school, and thus I returned in kind with a welcome and a hand shake. I was a brown belt then. Good sir held a genuine and humble aura about himself... but I could tell behind the humble was a rumble ready to pop off if needed! Prof is more than capable and versatile: Wrestling, Sambo, Judo black belt under Fritz Gross, Hayastan black belt under Gokor Chivichyan (Gene LeBelle lineage), Traditional Jujitsu, and of course Carlson Gracie Jiu-jitsu 4th Degree - A grappler's grappler, a warrior through and through. I remember encouraging my friend to study with Prof Haynes after he voiced frustrations "I've learned more under him in the last 4 weeks than the place I am at now" I told him that's all the proof he needs. He made the jump, his evolution since has been more than commendable, its admirable. It wasn't until Prof invited me to a friend and family class session that I fully understood the scope and philosophy behind "applying pressure". It is not just figurative. It is in every way literal, but done with such subtle grace that by the time you realize you're in danger, you're tapping. I have seen and experienced first hand (if only a sliver) the depth of the well; the fount of knowledge procured through a life lived well. I salute and celebrate Prof Haynes and all my friends at Carlson Gracie Dayton HQ. You're with a real one 🤙🏾 I am honored to know y'all.”