“Amazing BJJ academy, I take both my kids and they love it. Professor Vini is a great BJJ practitioner and teacher, he has a deep understanding of the techniques and carefully explains them step-by-step. 5 stars all the way.”
— Antonio Rodrigues
Your First Class Is Free.
No Experience Needed.
Join Calgary's most welcoming BJJ academy — built for beginners, backed by the Carlson Gracie legacy.
- No fitness required to start — you’ll get fit by training
- Ego-free environment where everyone helps each other
- Special approaches for different levels
You’re in!
We’ll reach out shortly to confirm your free first class. See you on the mat!
Trusted. Proven. Built on Legacy.
150+
Active
Members
Members
4.9 on Google
69 reviews
69 reviews
50+
Decades of Validated
Teaching Methodology
Teaching Methodology
4+
Years
in Calgary
in Calgary
What our students are saying.
“We just signed our 4 year old son up and the first few classes have proven we made the right choice. I cannot believe how attentive, patient and supportive the coaches are when they are working with the kids, especially the younger ones. I really appreciate the fact that it’s close to home, classes are a full hour, and we have the option of attending 4 nights a week. Definitely check them out!!”
— Devra McCoy
“It is a space for children and parents who need and want to learn BJJ. Thank you all for your dedication to making this place our second home.”
— Erica Britto
“The place is super spacious and everything is fresh since it’s brand new! They have great air circulation, that’s a must when you are pushing yourself during classes. They’ve got three dressing rooms conveniently located right next to the mat. Plus, everything is impeccably clean. The teachers are highly knowledgeable, and the entire group was friendly. Congratulations, guys!!”
— Amanda Araujo
“This place is more than just a BJJ gym. There are no egos and everyone is there to learn. I’m probably the smallest guy in the gym but I feel very safe when I’m rolling with others. I learn a lot from our instructors but I learn just as much from the other students. Everyone is constantly sharing knowledge and helping each other out. More importantly it’s a fun place to learn. I can’t see myself at any other BJJ gym.”
— Henry Tse
“Great place to work out and learn a new skill. I can see my BJJ getting better every day and I feel very much part of this amazing community, everybody is very respectful and I love how they treat my daughter with lots of care. Having a shower in the facility is also great when you have to go to work right after training.”
— Guilherme Oliveira
“10 STARS!!!! Great people, great training! The people there truly become family. I have only ever met more caring, hard-working and dedicated individuals in the Rugby community. The people at Carlson Gracie Calgary are concerned with your well being both on and off the mat. BJJ is about lifestyle, friendships, hard work, dedication and camaraderie. CARLSON GRACIE Calgary gets IT and it shows in how they treat people. OSSS!!”
— Brad McWilliam
“I have been looking for a program for my kids for quite some time where the coaches were not only knowledgeable but could speak to them in a way that would stimulate, engage and motivate them. Found it! Lovely, encouraging community. Can’t say enough and my kids can’t get enough!!!”
— Jennifer Cooke
“I can not say enough positive things about this gym! It has become a second home for our family of 4. They are so genuinely welcoming, and have created a truly comfortable and inviting environment for all. Young, old, male, female. It deserves a special note that they are especially good with children, a must see for yourself!”
— Sam Park
What training at Carlson Gracie Calgary actually looks like.
A safe place to be a beginner.
Our beginner classes run every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM — separate from advanced students, designed for zero-experience newcomers. No one is here to prove anything. Everyone is here to learn.
Real self-defense. Not choreography.
The Carlson Gracie lineage is one of the most respected in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history. What you learn here works — not just in competition, but in the real situations that matter. You’ll build skills, confidence, and calmness under pressure that carry beyond the mat.
A community that has your back.
The friendships you build on the mat are different. You train through struggle together — and that creates a bond you won’t find in a regular gym. You’ll come for the jiu-jitsu and stay for the people.
Don’t take our word for it.
Hear from students who were exactly where you are.
Testimonial
Male student
Testimonial
Female student
Testimonial
Kid student
Testimonial
Mother of two students
Testimonial
Male student
Testimonial
Kid student
Class schedule.
Find a time that works for you.
Monday
- 7 amGi / No Gi
- 12 pmGi
- 5:15 pmKids
- 6:30 pmGi
Tuesday
- 7 amGi / No Gi
- 12:30 pmNo Gi
- 5:15 pmKids
- 6:30 pmGi — Beginners
Wednesday
- 7 amGi / No Gi
- 11 amMuay Thai
- 12 pmGi
- 5:15 pmKids
- 6:30 pmGi
Thursday
- 7 amGi / No Gi
- 5:15 pmKids
- 6:30 pmGi — Beginners
Friday
- 7 amOpen Mat
- 12 pmNo Gi
- 6:30 pmOpen Mat
Saturday
- 11 amOpen Mat
New to BJJ? Join any Tuesday or Thursday at 6:30 PM — beginner classes run separate from advanced students.
Still thinking about it?
Your first class is completely free. The only thing you risk is finally finding something you love.
Book Your Free Class →Why Carlson Gracie Calgary — and not anywhere else.
Carlson Gracie Legacy
Direct lineage from one of BJJ’s greatest champions. You’re not just joining a gym — you’re joining a tradition that has produced world champions for decades.
Beginner Classes, Every Week
Structured Tuesday & Thursday 6:30 PM beginner program — separate from advanced students. You always know when to show up.
No Ego. Zero.
Our culture is built on mutual respect and helping each other grow. You’ll feel it from your very first minute on the mat.
Kids Program Available
Discipline, confidence, and self-defense for the next generation. Safe, structured, fun — and something parents notice fast.
Women’s Program Available
Exclusive classes for women who want to learn about self-defense.
Complete Facility
Our facilities offer a large training area, plenty of parking spots, private change rooms, comfortable lounge, high hygiene standards, showers, and a workout area.
Starting is simpler than you think.
Fill Out the Form
Enter your name and email above. We’ll reach out to confirm your free first class. Takes less than 30 seconds.
Show Up on the Confirmed Day
We’ll send you the details — just come with comfortable clothes and an open mind. We take care of the rest.
Train, Meet the Team, and Decide
One class is all it takes to feel the difference. If you love it (and you will), you’re already home.
Your instructors.
Leo and the Carlson Gracie Calgary team have dedicated their lives to the art — and to sharing it.
Leonardo Lopes
Gym Owner · Head Coach · Brown Belt
Awarded Brown Belt under Professor Pedro Lott in 2025. Leo has been training since childhood, with a background in Judo, Luta Livre and Kung Fu. A Firefighter in Calgary with a degree in Geology and Marketing, he heads the Kids, Beginner’s and Advanced classes. Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda › Carlos Gracie › Carlson Gracie › Eduardo Teta Rios › Pedro Lott.
Deuel Tavares
Head Professor · Black Belt · Carlson Gracie International
Deuel began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of 13 and has accumulated more than 15 years of experience in BJJ. A student of multi-time champion Felipe Bezerra, he trained with Checkmat before joining Really on Excellence (ROX BJJ) and is now proud to represent Carlson Gracie — a team he has long admired throughout his career as an athlete.
Renato Paz
Instructor · Black Belt
Awarded Black Belt under Professor Igor Martins in 2025. Renato began his martial arts journey with MMA in 2008, training Muay Thai before starting Jiu-Jitsu in 2009. He has been teaching since 2021 while actively competing and refereeing BJJ events. Lineage: Carlos Gracie › Hélio Gracie › Carlson Gracie › Ricardo De La Riva › Carlos Lima › Sebastian Lalli › Igor Martins.
Greg Pinheiro
Instructor · Black Belt
Awarded Black Belt under Professor Robson “Robinho” Moura in 2025. Training since 2008 with backgrounds in Capoeira, Boxing and Kickboxing, Greg is also an Engineer with a Masters and a PhD in Structural Engineering. He splits his time between industry and coaching on the mats. Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda › Carlos Gracie › Carlson Gracie › Andre Pederneiras › Robson Moura.
Lem Polinario
Instructor · Brown Belt
Training in Jiu-Jitsu since 2013, Lem brings over a decade of Law Enforcement experience to the mats as a certified Use of Force Instructor. He joined Carlson Gracie Calgary as a coach in 2023 and teaches a no-gi class focused on practical techniques with real-world self-defense applications.
Gui Oliveira
Instructor · Brown Belt
Gui began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in São Paulo at the age of 30 and has never stopped. A Brown Belt at Carlson Gracie Calgary, he has dedicated the past three years to kids coaching — helping students develop confidence, emotional control and discipline both on and off the mats.
Our facility.
Large training area, private change rooms, comfortable lounge, showers, and free parking — everything you need to focus on training.
Questions? We’ve heard them all.
Absolutely. Most of our students started with zero martial arts background. Our beginner program is designed specifically for people who’ve never trained a day in their life. Show up. We’ll take it from there.
This is the most common concern — and completely valid. Beginner classes are separate from advanced students. Our culture is ego-free: no one is trying to hurt you, everyone is there to learn. Injuries can happen in any sport, but our environment is built to minimize them.
No. That’s backwards. You get fit by training BJJ. Every person you see on our mats started exactly where you are. Fitness comes naturally as you train.
Adult membership is CAD $170/month. Kids membership is CAD $145/month. No long-term contracts required. Contact us at carlsongraciecalgary@gmail.com or (587) 836-2300 to get started.
Twice a week is all you need to make consistent progress. Our beginner classes on Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM give you a fixed, predictable schedule that’s easy to build into your routine.
Yes. Our kids program is open to all ages — no minimum age required. Classes run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 5:15 PM. It’s a safe, structured environment where children develop self-defense skills, discipline, focus, and confidence.
We’re at 7060 Farrell Road SE, Bay D, Calgary, AB T2H 0T2. Free parking available on-site.
This offer won’t last forever.
Your free first class is available now — but we keep our beginner classes intentionally small so everyone gets proper attention. When spots fill, they fill.
Book Your Free Class Now →Takes 30 seconds. No credit card. No commitment.
Zero risk. No strings attached.
Your first class is completely free — no credit card, no contract, no catch. Show up, train, meet the team. If it’s not for you, you walk away with nothing to lose. But we think you’ll surprise yourself.