Learn practical self-defense, improve your fitness, build confidence, and develop a skill you can keep for life.
Forget repetitive gym routines.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu combines practical self-defense, full-body fitness, mental challenge, and personal growth into one experience you’ll actually look forward to every week.
In the earliest UFC events, Royce Gracie shocked the world by defeating much larger, stronger opponents using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Instead of relying on athleticism or brute force, he demonstrated that proper technique, leverage, and timing could overcome size.
Today, that same philosophy is taught through the official Royce Gracie curriculum, giving everyday people practical skills they can use for life.
Always assume your opponent will be bigger, stronger, and faster—so you learn to rely on technique, timing, and leverage
Helio Gracie
Learn how leverage, timing, and positioning allow a smaller person to control a larger opponent.
Every technique is designed for practical self-defense—not flashy tournament moves.
Train under certified Royce Gracie instructors using the authentic curriculum taught throughout the Royce Gracie network.
Royce Gracie jiu jitsu Academy of Cary employs a complete multi-level Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu curriculum developed by Royce Gracie that strictly follows the teaching of his brazilian jiu jitsu for all experience levels. It includes hundreds of techniques that could literally save your life during a real-world street confrontation. Self-defense, grappling, weapon defense, law enforcement/military, and a kid’s curriculum are all included in our programming.
Originally Grandmaster Helio’s self-defense system was only taught through private lessons. Royce Gracie developed our program to give students the opportunity to learn his father’s system through group lessons.
This is the only official curriculum of the Royce Gracie jiu jitsu Network.
Unlike many academies that focus primarily on sport competition, Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu teaches a complete system designed for practical self-defense, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy of Cary is proud to be the only officially affiliated Royce Gracie Academy in Cary, North Carolina, offering instruction through the authentic Royce Gracie curriculum taught by certified Royce Gracie instructors.
Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy of Cary is proud to be the only officially affiliated Royce Gracie Academy in Cary, North Carolina, offering instruction through the authentic Royce Gracie curriculum taught by certified Royce Gracie instructors.
Royce Gracie jiu jitsu instructors are unique due to their direct lineage to the Gracie family, which pioneered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
They emphasize fundamental techniques and self-defense, teaching methods that reflect Royce Gracie’s emphasis on efficiency, leverage, and practical application for all body types.
Their structured curriculum, rooted in traditional principles and the historical context of the art, ensures a comprehensive and authentic training experience.
A welcoming place to learn practical skills, build confidence, improve your fitness, and become part of a community that wants you to succeed.
Receive structured instruction from certified teachers following the authentic Royce Gracie system.
No previous martial arts experience is required. Beginners are introduced step by step and progress at a comfortable pace.
Supportive teammates help you learn, improve, and feel welcome from your very first class.
Classes follow a structured path that develops practical skills without throwing beginners into the deep end.
Age-appropriate classes help adults and children develop fitness, confidence, discipline, and useful skills.
A spacious, clean, and organized academy gives students the right setting for focused, consistent training.
Our students include complete beginners, busy professionals, parents, children, first responders, military members, and adults starting later in life.
You will not be expected to know anything before you arrive.
Come experience your first class. We think you will be glad you did.
Whether you are stepping onto the mats for the first time or working toward your next belt, you will be learning from an instructor with decades of experience in martial arts, military service, law enforcement, and community leadership.
Great coaches! It's hard enough to train adults, yet they do exceptional job training kids. Their blend of professionalism, patience, and teaching ability is exceptional.
Neil S.
Jeff began his Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu journey more than seventeen years ago and has spent decades serving others as a Marine Corps veteran, law-enforcement officer, firearms instructor, competitor, and martial-arts coach.
His teaching philosophy is simple: help every student learn practical skills, understand the details, and progress at a pace that builds confidence rather than intimidation.
Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, personal growth, or long-term mastery, Jeff is committed to helping you become more capable on and off the mats.
Years in Jiu-Jitsu
Years in Law Enforcement
Certified Black Belt
Marine Corps Veteran
Almost everyone who walks through our doors says the same thing: “I wish I had started years ago.”
Whether you are completely new to martial arts or simply looking for something different, we will guide you through every step. No pressure. No intimidation. Just a welcoming introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
We will greet you, answer your questions, and give you a quick tour of the academy.
No uniform yet? No problem. A clean loaner gi is available for your introductory class.
Practice a few beginner-friendly techniques with patient instruction and an appropriate partner.
Walk out knowing exactly what training feels like and whether Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is right for you.
Your only job is to show up with an open mind. We will take care of the rest.
Choose a convenient time, meet the team, and discover how welcoming Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be.
Whether you want practical self-defense, a challenging new way to get fit, greater confidence for your child, or focused one-on-one coaching, there is a program designed around your goals.
Build practical self-defense, full-body fitness, confidence, and problem-solving ability through structured, beginner-friendly training.
Help your child become more confident, focused, physically active, and prepared to handle difficult situations without becoming aggressive.
Work individually with an experienced instructor to accelerate your progress, improve specific techniques, or receive personalized self-defense instruction.
Book a free introduction and we will help you choose the best place to start.
Every student starts for a different reason—better fitness, practical self-defense, more confidence, or a positive activity for their child. These are the experiences that matter most.
Experience the academy, meet the team, and take the first step toward your own progress.
Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu teaches practical self-defense using leverage and technique rather than strength or athleticism. You’ll learn the same principles Royce Gracie used to change martial arts forever, in a structured, beginner-friendly environment.
That’s completely normal—most new students feel the same way. Our instructors and students are friendly, supportive, and understand what it’s like to be new. We’ll guide you every step of the way so you can relax and enjoy your first class.
No, beginners are not required to spar in their first class. You will first learn fundamental techniques before gradually participating in live training (rolling) after you master the basics.
Absolutely! Royce Gracie brazilian jiu jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts for real-world self-defense. Our curriculum includes practical self-defense techniques that are useful in real-life situations.
Yes! Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is designed to be a controlled and safe martial art. Our instructors emphasize proper technique, controlled sparring, and injury prevention. However, as with any sport, minor injuries may occur. We have many professionals training with us, from doctors to teacher and lawyers. We all need to show up for work in one piece, and prioritize training safely above all else.
No prior experience is required! Our classes cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Our instructors will guide you at your own pace.
Not at all. We have students who began training in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is based on technique rather than strength, making it a great choice regardless of age.
Not at all. In fact, many students starting in our adult martial arts classes would describe themselves like that before they started. So you will fit right in! Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at how much you improve! You’ll find that our very experienced martial arts instructors are trained to keep their teaching simple and easy to follow. So even the most uncoordinated person will develop complex skills over time! Come see for yourself!
We’ll contact you to confirm a convenient class time, answer any questions you have, and let you know exactly what to bring. When you arrive, we’ll introduce you to your instructor and make sure you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in.
Your first class is relaxed, welcoming, and designed for complete beginners. We’ll introduce you to your instructor, provide a loaner uniform if needed, and teach a few fundamental techniques at your own pace. You won’t be expected to spar or fight on your first visit. Our goal is simply to help you experience authentic Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a safe, supportive environment.
No. Many students join because they’re looking for a fun way to get in shape. You’ll improve your fitness naturally as you train, and you’ll work at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a t-shirt and shorts or leggings. We will lend you or your child a uniform for the first class! Be sure to bring a water bottle. You will find Royce Gracie Cary has martial arts classes for kids and adults that are a great workout and lots of fun!
No. We provide a complimentary loaner uniform for your first class, so all you need to bring is comfortable athletic clothing and a water bottle. If you decide to continue training, we’ll help you choose the right uniform.
Whether your goal is confidence, practical self-defense, better fitness, or helping your child thrive, your first class is the perfect place to start.
Take the first step today—we’d love to welcome you to the academy.
Join students and families who have discovered greater confidence, practical self-defense, better fitness, and a welcoming community through authentic Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.