First class was ok. Now there are so many kids and not enough instructors. The instructors need to spend more on-on-one time with the newer kids. The 8-11/12 yr old class needs at least 2 more instructors. Less

The staff is very attentive and engaged. The coaches know exactly what my kids need to hear. I couldn’t be happier with this gym and highly recommend it for anyone on the fence. Less

We love it here! I have 3 kids that have been im the aftercare program for the last 6 months. The coaches are wonderful and help build confidence in kids. Great place to send your kids after school if you are in need of child care. Facility is clean and well maintained. Less

Just as they said in class tonight - don’t hesitate - COMMIT! I send my son here. What a difference. He isn’t just learning self defense, but confidence. The coaches are bar none - a league of their own. Our kids aren’t just names to them, they become a family to the coaches. They size each kid up and partner them with a someone who will push them and grow with them. Less

if i could put more stars i would. My wife meet Coach Richards and he told her about the aftercare program and it sounded like a really good thing. So we signed her up and she couldnt wait to start! I will say within the first week she was hooked. Now we are about 4 months in and I can say my daughter didnt just join an aftercare program, she found a home away from home. Thank you everyone at NRJJ! Less

Awesome place to train! Super clean & welcoming environment. The staff and people here are very friendly and helpful. From beginners to competitors they offer a wide range of classes for kids and adults. I definitely recommend this gym 10/10! Less

Dropped in for a couple days while travelling. They have a great schedule with lots of classes that allow for multiple training sessions a day. Everyone was very welcoming and we had a great time training here. Highly recommend to anyone in the area! Less

I can’t say enough wonderful things about NRJJ. My son started a few months ago, and since then I have seen a boost in his confidence and physical abilities. Coach Kayla is great with the kids. She is able to lead her class with appropriate discipline and keep everyone’s attention. She is very hands on and makes sure that everyone is reaching their maximum ability. We love having jiu jitsu in our lives. My son is excited to come every day. I love seeing his progress. Less

I'm not really a "leave a review guy" and I'm trying to be as honest as possible after taking a few weeks to process it. We’ll start with, they kicked my kid out of their program for behavior in class. I'm not thrilled about it. That's fair. He struggles with listening/being silly, doesn't understand the sport, and is much better one on one, but the only way to improve is to put him in a group setting so he can learn. He hasn't been tested yet, but I can almost guarantee he has ADHD. I'm not asking to make exceptions for my kid, treat him like anyone else, but he is a 6-year-old. I brought him here for discipline and to learn self-defense. If he needs discipline, make him run, do pushups, sit out, etc. I'm fine with that. I'm not a parent that will complain if you're hard on my kid. I embrace it. The class started smaller, about 5-8 kids. They got an influx of kids and grew to 15-20 kids. Once the new kids came in, all the attention was paid to them. That's fine initially. They need to get acclimated. However, pairing kids up in a class that size only allows the two coaches to be able to see what 4 kids are doing at any given moment while 10-12 other kids work on their own. Well, while working on their own, apparently my kid in some way attempted to hurt another kid by putting his hands on their face/near or in their eye. Not appropriate. I understand. I watched for 30/45 minutes. I didn't see anyone get up and cry, run to their mom/dad, or stop practicing. And the main instructor only caught the tail end of what happened, so they didn't really see it. I didn't see/remember it either but I’m not disputing it. Protect the kids, that's a priority and I understand. Either way a parent complained and threatened to take their kid out of the program unless my kid was removed. Apparently, other parents complained prior to this, but it was never mentioned to me. So, they booted my kid, instead of disciplining him, or telling us to take a break and come back in a few months (which I asked for). Just your kid is a problem and he's gone. Because why do you need my kid or should you put up with him when you just got 8-10 new kids? So, while I may have missed this egregious thumb to the eye where no one cried or got hurt, what I did see was my kid cheering on his teammate during rolling because I've been encouraging him at home to be a good teammate and to cheer for others. What I did see was him trying to practice and get better, while his partner was running around, being silly, and not practicing to the point where my son went and told the coach, whose back was to him. What I did see was him giving his best effort and improving. What I did see was my kid walking up to the instructor after each class and making sure he said thank you. What I did see was me thank and encourage the instructor from time to time instead of complaining about other kids’ behavior because working with kids age 4-7 can be a challenge. What I did see was my kid learning to be tough if someone else did something that hurt him practicing or not. And then, what I did see was a class that was managed poorly once it grew. What I did see was you completely disregard my kid once more money walked through the door. What I did see was you cave to the threat of an upset parent. What I did see was that you didn’t take any responsibility for how the class was being managed or acknowledge that you needed to do something differently. What I did see was you dismiss my kid with no warning about giving him a last chance. What I did see was arrogance as it relates to your decision. What I did see was a lack of leadership. What I did see is you give up on my kid. I didn't give up on my kid, though. I gave him another chance in a similar program, and in doing that I got to see 20 kids in the same age range with an instructor who has control over the class, focuses on discipline, and teaches effectively. The dismissal was a blessing, because it's clear I don't agree with the teaching methods, values, and qualities NRJJ exhibited as it pertains to my experience. Less

Been training here for 3 weeks now and I love this school! Upper belts are very patient with me as a white belt and take the time to explain and demonstrate escapes and passes. There’s a real “family” feel and Josh has created an amazing culture and training environment at NRJJ! Less

They are very effective. If you want to work on something they will help you through it. Kids classes are dynamic for them to learn. All around awesome. Less

In just a few short months my son and his friends have learned so much. They also compete monthly in tournaments. I’m glad my son has found a passion for jujitsu Less

Great classes for kids and adults! Awesome instruction by knowledgeable staff! Fun, safe, family friendly atmosphere! Best place to go for jiu jitsu, cardio kickboxing, self defense and striking classes! Less

Josh is an amazing instructor, mentor and super talented! If your looking for a gym where you can get great instruction, make great friends and be supported in your goals and gains this is the place to be. Also as a parent you can can rest assured that your child will be part of a great program with really solid role models! Less

Moving from St. Louis over the summer, we were nervous about finding a good BJJ school. After visiting multiple schools in the area, we decided on North River. We felt at home on day one. Everyone has been welcoming, very knowledgeable in BJJ and they have a very positive environment. I highly recommend this school. Less

Very fun, welcoming and professional academy for people of all ages interested in learning martial arts and self defense. North River offers a multitude of classes including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi & No Gi), Judo, Stand up fighting (Striking), as well as Yoga! Would absolutely recommend this academy to anyone with these interests in the Bradenton/Parrish/Palmetto Area! Less

Everyone is very welcoming and the coaches are very knowledgeable and were able to help correct everything i was doing wrong for me to perfect my technique. I’d recommend this gym to anyone at any level in training. You can’t go wrong here. Less

Ive only trained there once sadly, i travel for work, so it was a short stay, but i will say the time i did spend there was very beneficial for me. Dont believe me, check it out yourself, just my two cents Less

When training Bjj...you realize you want to be around good training partners/people. You will find them here. Well rounded instructors with some serious lower body expertise (Josh-“guru”). This old black belt gives them 👍👍 up! Less

I've been training for several years and I've been at North River for about a month. I've enjoyed every class and learned a lot of new stuff in a short period of time. Great coaching, solid techniques, and a welcoming atmosphere. Top level jiu jitsu for sure. Less

Awesome place to train and learn Jiu Jitsu. Has a great welcoming environment along with eager and friendly coaching staff. I would highly recommend for anyone looking to start, or currently training in the art. Less

Great place! Fantastic coaches, comfortable atmosphere. Women, don’t hesitate to try this out if you’re a bit nervous! You’ll learn so much and feel much more confident with some dedication and training. Less

Been training for couple years under these great coaches. The moment they opened north river I came running. Very clean facility and always good training! Less

This place is truly unique. A beautiful, clean, welcoming facility with amazing coaches and teammates. My 2 daughters and I are extremely happy to be a part of the North River Jiu-Jitsu family. Come and join us! Less

The coaches deliver consistent classes to help people of all levels, whether you're a jiu jitsu hobbyist, looking for a new way to workout, or are an athlete. Coach Josh is always watching and breaking down matches and other athletes, and immediately applies that to his teaching; Josh evolves with the ever-evolving techniques and provides helpful details for different body types/flexibility levels/etc. All of the coaches bring a great energy to the mat and focus on jiu jitsu and not what's going on in their personal lives. They try to bring in other high-level coaches and athletes, and they work well with the kids! Members have access to some gym equipment, can stretch/do yoga, and warm up, there's plenty of space and the gym is kept clean. Less

My daughter takes private self defense classes with Josh. He is knowledgeable, patient, and thorough. He is tough and pushes her to be her best without crossing the line into being a bully or expecting more than she's capable of doing. The studio is clean and comfortable for parents and siblings to wait. Less

Best coaches! Whether you want to learn self defense, learn to compete or just trying something new this place will not disappoint. Drama free and great people! Less

Great set up with a good vision for the future. The Head Instructor/ Owner is very knowledgeable and will definitely help you improve your game. 20/10 from me Less