Welcoming and tough group of guys. In town for a business meeting and found this gym. Got in some great mat time. The owner Brandon is a Bjj black belt and doesn’t hesitate to jump in and train. Will definitely be stopping in again if I’m ever this way. Thanks again!

Over all instruction is good. Lots of attention paid to wrestling and boxing skills with not as much focus on bjj as I would have liked. Instructor appears to teach what he wants to work on personally and not what the students need to learn.Took a few private lessons. The lessons were not structured and the instructor basically asked so, what do you want to do.? This never gives fills me with confidence in someones teaching ability. Last private lesson was a beat down. For whatever reason, the instructor was in a foul mood and I was crushed for 45 minutes in a sparring match I didnt need or ask for. Ive been beaten and taken my losses , but this was probably personal given I was visiting other schools during their open mat times. This would allow me to roll with different people, since open mat is a sparring session and not a class. He was either ticked about that, or stressed from having a kid. Either way it was time to move onto a different school.Seems like the instructor is a good competitor but hes not there as a coach yet.

I have known Brandon for almost a decade and watched him grow from a beginner to a passionate practitioner and instructor. He dedicates himself to his students growth and understanding of all aspects of jiu jitsu and takes pride in teaching them the Carlson Gracie style and philosophy of fighting. Brandon is practical instructor with real world experience that can impart his teachings in a way that few can. His gym is inviting and friendly that is welcoming to both the first time student and seasoned practitioner.

I travel for work and whenever I am in Columbus I love getting the opportunity to stop in at Carlson Gracie Columbus for some training. Brandon runs a great school and is a true professional.

This place has great environment and an instructor who is one of the easier people to talk to in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community here in Columbus. It seems whether your a novice or pro Brandon teaches and treats people equal, which can be hard to find. Happy to soak up his expertise!!

I would highly recommend Carlson Gracie Columbus for anyone looking to receive great instruction in the art of Jiu Jitsu. The instructor, Brandon Willis, is top notch in providing great techniques and making sure you master it before moving on to the next. He caters to the needs of all students no matter what ranking. Also, the new location is GREAT for people living in Dublin, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Clintonville, and much more. Now is the best time to come check it out especially with the added class hours during the week. You dont know the best until youve seen it.. Come check it out!! :)

I was in town for work and searched for local BJJ academies. I found Carlson Gracie Columbus and reached out via e-mail because their class schedule was listed on their website. I asked if / when would be a good time to drop in, and if there was a mat / visitor fee. I received an e-mail back from Brandon Willis a few hours later; he told me to come in whenever, and not to worry about money. I cant tell you what a relief that was; I normally travel with my gi / nogi gear, and I was charged $25 at the last two schools I visited. That stuff adds up when youre paying a tuition at home.Carlson Gracie Columbus takes up a corner of FTW Crossfit. The mat(s) are rolled out and back up, before and after each class (and cleaned before being rolled back up). The first thing I noticed upon my arrival was there was no air conditioning. I thought I was going to die! Brandon was extremely welcoming and humble. We warmed up with some shadow boxing, a basic BJJ warm-up, and some wrestling drills. From there, we went right into rolling; (6) three minute rounds with 45 seconds rest in between rounds. Following the rolls, Brandon covered a few fundamentals, and one technique (transition from an armbar to a belly down armbar) which he had recognized some of his students having a little trouble with while rolling. I thought that was a great idea on how to decide what to go over.I was very appreciative of Brandon & everyone else (Alexandra, Stephanie, Chris, & Corey) for being so welcoming. I highly recommend checking them out whether you live in the area; or if youre just visiting and looking for a great academy, with a great instructor and great people, and a great sweat!

If youre searching for a new way to challenge yourself, look no further, youve found it. Jiu Jitsu is without a doubt the greatest way to test yourself physically and mentally, and with a great instructor like Brandon Willis, you will notice quick and effective progress. Brandon has studied under the great Carlson Gracie Jr. who is one of the baddest dudes to ever practice Jiu Jitsu. I highly recommend coming in and checking it out. All skill levels are welcome. I guarantee anyone the hardest part is just coming in. Once you get past that and start to learn, youll be addicted.

The instructor Brandon Willis is a a great jiu jitsu coach with years of experience and knowledge. Go check it out!

This is my first time to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Columbus. The teacher here is very enthusiastic. I think I am suitable for training here. All the students are very helpful and friendly. The facilities and environment are very clean. The location is easy to find. Exit 315 to Bethel Road. I will definitely come back to training again.