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29 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Training in Bristol, TN
Established in 1997 by Dee Smith, Absolute Jiu-Jitsu Academy is the oldest and largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in the Tri-Cities Tennessee and Southwest Virginia region. Our academy offers a comprehensive curriculum in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, and mixed martial arts, taught by instructors with decades of experience training under world-class black belts. We maintain affiliations with the BJJ Revolution Team and Bang Muay Thai, ensuring access to cutting-edge techniques and seminars from global martial arts leaders. Our programs cater to all skill levels, from beginners to competitive athletes, with a focus on technical precision, physical fitness, and mental resilience. The academy fosters a supportive, ego-free environment where students of all ages and backgrounds can thrive.

Our instructors prioritize personalized instruction, adapting training to individual goals while maintaining rigorous standards of excellence. With over 600 grappling medals and 200 fight wins, we have established a legacy of competitive success unmatched in the region. Beyond physical training, we emphasize personal growth, confidence-building, and character development through martial arts. Our facility combines traditional values with modern methodologies, ensuring a balanced approach to self-defense and athletic performance. Absolute Jiu-Jitsu Academy remains committed to advancing martial arts education while maintaining a welcoming community for all students.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Muay Thai Kickboxing Mixed Martial Arts Kids Program Wrestling
Details
  • Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
  • We offer 25+ years of experience training under world-class black belts.
  • Our curriculum combines traditional techniques with modern competitive strategies.
  • We maintain a supportive, ego-free environment for all skill levels.
  • Our academy has earned over 600 grappling medals regionally.
  • We provide personalized instruction tailored to individual training goals.
Associations and certifications
  • BJJ Revolution Team
  • Bang Muay Thai
What people say
High caliber instruction Supportive training environment Patient with children Great sense of family Premier BJJ school
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program teaches grappling techniques for self-defense and competition. Students learn leverage-based submissions and positional control through structured drills and live sparring. The curriculum accommodates all belt levels from white to brown, with specialized instruction for competitive athletes.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Bang Muay Thai instruction focuses on striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Classes emphasize proper form, conditioning, and practical application for both fitness and competitive purposes. Periodic seminars from champion instructors enhance technical development.
Kids Program
Our youth programs combine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai fundamentals for children aged 5+. Training develops discipline, respect, and physical coordination through age-appropriate drills and games while maintaining a non-competitive, skill-based approach.
Mixed Martial Arts
The MMA program integrates Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and wrestling techniques for comprehensive combat sports preparation. Athletes receive specialized instruction in cage-specific strategies and cross-disciplinary skill application for professional competition readiness.
Wrestling
Wrestling instruction focuses on takedown techniques and defense for both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA applications. Classes include cage-specific modifications and advanced training for competitive wrestlers seeking tournament preparation.
People
Dee Smith
Founder | Head Instructor
Dee Smith is a 3rd degree black belt with 25+ years of experience training under legendary instructors including Julio Foca Fernandez and Andrew Judo Goat Smith. He established Absolute Jiu-Jitsu Academy in 1997 as the region's first dedicated BJJ school.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and wrestling programs for all skill levels.
Are kids' classes available?
Yes, we provide age-appropriate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai classes for children starting at age 5.
Do you offer competitive training?
Our academy has produced over 600 grappling medalists and 200 fight wins, with specialized programs for competitive BJJ and MMA athletes.
What are your class schedules?
Classes run daily with specific times for kids, adults, and open mat sessions. Detailed schedules are available on our website.
Are beginners welcome?
Absolutely. Our curriculum accommodates all skill levels, with dedicated fundamentals classes for new students.
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