Gulf Coast Jiu Jitsu

"I can’t recommend this academy enough! From the very first class, I felt welcomed, challenged, and inspired to grow—not only as a martial artist but as a person. Professor Corey Richardson is an exceptional instructor. As a black belt in Jiu Jitsu, he brings a wealth of knowledge, discipline, and passion to every class he teaches—whether it’s adult Jiu Jitsu, kids Jiu Jitsu, or adult kickboxing. He creates an atmosphere that encourages learning, respect, and personal growth. Watching him work with the kids is especially impressive—he doesn’t just teach technique, he teaches discipline, focus, and confidence. My husband Peter has been training here for three years in Jiu Jitsu and two years in kickboxing. He was the one who encouraged me to try kickboxing ten months ago, and I’m so glad I listened. Every class pushes me to be better. I’ve gained real self-defense skills, boosted my confidence, and discovered a deep sense of accomplishment that I carry with me every day. Jaylen and Peter assist with the adult kickboxing class and are fantastic assistant instructors in their own right. They bring energy, clarity, and constant encouragement that makes training both fun and effective. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this is a place where you’ll be supported, challenged, and empowered. The community is strong, welcoming, and full of people who want to see each other succeed. If you’re even considering starting martial arts or looking for a great place to train—this is it."

"My 6 year old son has been training at Gulf Coast Jiu Jitsu for nearly two years now, and I can’t say enough good things about the impact that it’s had on him. Beyond learning technique and discipline, one of the biggest changes we’ve seen is in his emotional intelligence. Jiu jitsu has given him an outlet to work through challenges, build confidence, and stay grounded in tough situations. Professor Corey has been an incredible mentor and coach, not just on the mat, but in how he invests in the kids’ personal growth. His approach is encouraging, structured, and always rooted in respect. We’re truly grateful for this academy and the community that it brings. I would recommend Gulf Coast Jiu Jitsu to anyone looking for a place to train."

"This place is truly a diamond in the rough — and the experience I had here was the last thing I expected to find in Mobile, Alabama. I live in Dallas and spent a week training at this academy. I left with a completely transformed perspective on Jiu-Jitsu. I’ve been training and competing for four years, and Professor Corey showed me a side of the art that I had either never seen before or had lost sight of. I had become so focused on competing and chasing medals that I forgot what it truly means to be a martial artist. During my time here, I was introduced to the self-defense side of Jiu-Jitsu — something that was incredibly empowering for me as a smaller female. I no longer feel intimidated when training with much larger and stronger men. What’s more, everything I learned had direct application to the sport side of Jiu-Jitsu as well. I returned to my home academy more technical and with a renewed love and appreciation for the art. Professor Corey also introduced me to the concept of “invisible Jiu-Jitsu.” I had heard of it before, but this was the first time I was able to feel and truly experience it. It’s something I now plan to continue exploring in my training, knowing I’ve only just scratched the surface. Professor Corey is the definition of a true leader and black belt. He has inspired me to grow not just as a competitor, but as a martial artist and leader. It’s clear that he continually invests in himself as a teacher and mentor. I witnessed how he was able to deeply connect with everyone — from a 4-year-old child, to a woman learning self-defense, to someone like me with years of competitive experience. I was especially blown away by how he works with the children. His kids’ classes are unlike anything I’ve seen — the way he engages and teaches is something I thought only existed in movies. To see it in real life was nothing short of magical. There is something for everyone here, no matter your goals or experience level. When I first started Jiu-Jitsu, I heard the phrase “Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone.” At this academy, I truly saw that in action. The community is warm, inclusive, and inspiring. I wholeheartedly recommend this place to anyone, whether you’re just starting or have been training for years."

"This is a wonderful academy. Corey is an amazing instructor and gives so much of himself to his students as well as the community. I have been training here for over 8 years now and it has been a pleasure to watch our academy and community grow. I am actually a psychiatric nurse practitioner who primarily works with children. Jiu Jitsu is a great martial art for children who struggle with adhd. There has been a study recently that shows a significant reduction in adhd symptoms in young boys who take Jiu Jitsu classes regularly. They learn discipline and self control in a very social and friendly environment. Young girls who know how to defend themselves are, I would imagine, less likely to become victims. With that being said, we also have the SAFE class on Mondays that focuses on self defense . You do not need to wear a gi for this class, just show up ready to learn how to defend yourself in basically any situation you could think of. This class can be extremely beneficial to women as well as men. People can learn to defend themselves and improve their confidence in themselves if they are ever placed in a situation that may be dangerous for them to navigate through as well. I believe this academy is a great place for people of all ages, no matter their physical abilities, to attend."