Gracie United Hammond/Ponchatoula

Fantastic experience: Gracie United is an exceptional school to visit and an even better experience when you actually join the class. With beginners and advanced classes for JiuJitsu and MMA for young and old, men and women, it literally is a school for the entire family to attend. Unlike other gyms or martial arts, inhabited by instructors who are full of themselves and populated by "better than you" meatheads, Gracie United was welcoming to a newcomer like myself who had no prior combat sport experience or interest in MMA until I joined the class. Higher belts are encouraging towards those who are just starting out as opposed to simply demolishing them and patting themselves on the back. They take the time to instill instruction and teach proper technique--all under the instruction of Professer Rafael Ellwanger, who makes sure that anyone who sets foot in the gym is welcome. I cannot state how satisfied I am with my experience at this gym and I would recommend that anyone with a family sign everyone up for classes.

Fantastic experience: Outstanding tuition, I highly recommend this school if you want to learn the real BJJ, you're lucky to have them around!

Fantastic experience: The best place to train in south Louisiana. The instructors are of the highest caliber. I would recommend this gym to anyone looking to change their lives for the better.

Fantastic experience: Great sport and highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Love the atmosphere and the staff. Great class sizes and they are always learning new things! 100% recommend!

Fantastic experience: I brought my son Nicholas (8) to Gracie United today and I am so, so impressed. They offer one week for free to see if your child will like it. Raphael greeted us and started joking with my son to put him at ease. They worked with him on skills and also paired him with other kids who were patient and helped him. Overall great experience, and he can't wait to go back tomorrow.

Fantastic experience: The best around.

Fantastic experience: My son loves it here

Fantastic experience: Professor Cole and the other teachers are great!

Fantastic experience: I was in Hammond, LA on a business trip and looking for a place to training jiujitsu. I’m glad I could find Gracie United. This was my first time visiting another gym and I was a little nervous, but they are Very Welcoming and Friendly, they make you feel at home. High level jiujitsu on a clean and safe environment. I can’t say enough thanks to Professor Rafael and the whole Team Jucão south. I Highly Recommend Gracie United!!

Fantastic experience: I was welcomed with open arms. The training was tough but a great workout. The owners are friendly people and family oriented.

Fantastic experience: Hands down the best gym in the city! Look no further if you want high level instruction with a family friendly atmosphere. Great Kids program and some of the best adults in the country train there. You gotta check this place out you won't be disappointed!!!

Fantastic experience: The best place to learn BJJ

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love it! Every instructor is very knowledgeable in their teachings, very attentive to each student, always positive and treats everyone with equal respect including the children. Do not expect your child to get coddled! This sport teaches you respect for yourself as well as other people, and that's what is expected out of the 4 year olds all the way up to the eldest person in the program. If you want a place for you, your child and/or your family to learn respect, self control and self defense then this is the place! I was thinking of giving 4 stars because bottom line it's a bit expensive, but they honestly work hard and deserve 5 stars.