Gracie Raleigh

11/01/2026

Proud of everyone who competed today! Lots of tough matches and everyone left it all on the mat (or on the floor, in Daniel's case 😂).

Competing is a challenging endeavor, and win or lose, you grow so much each and every time you step on that mat and make the intentional, daunting choice to test yourself against another person.

One of our most common fears is to measure ourselves and be found lacking. But in all my years of life, I’ve never met someone who willingly submits themselves to repeated scrutiny who doesn’t end up becoming a better version of themselves—and far better than average in the long run.

Team Medal Count: 🥇 4 Gold 🥈 4 Silver

Highlights:
Catherine Raemore – Double Gold performance in Gi & No-Gi (Adult) 🥇🥇
Daniel Adrian – Gold in Adult Blue Belt Gi 🥇
Maksim Yurkiv – Gold in M30 Gi & strong battles across No-Gi 🥇
Michael Kirkman – Double Silver in M40 Gi & No-Gi 🥈🥈
Corbett Cobb – Silver in Adult Beginner No-Gi 🥈
Rowan Carr – Silver in Kids Gi & relentless battles in No-Gi 🥈
Massive shoutout to Saif Joudeh and Rowan Ruano for leaving it all on the mats in the kids’ divisions! 👏

10/30/2026

For beginners and people new to then leg locks can be intimidating. Here are some basic tips defensive tips for the inside heel hook.

10/29/2026

You’re capable of more than you think. 🥋

Show up, step on the mat, and find out what you’re made of. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, challenge yourself, or find a team that pushes you to be better, it starts with one class.

Try your FREE class at Gracie Raleigh and discover what’s in you.

Your first step starts here. 👊

10/25/2026

We’re honored to be named Raleigh’s Best Martial Arts Studio! 🥇

For nearly 15 years, our students and staff have helped make Gracie Raleigh what it is today. Your hard work, trust, and support have shaped our culture and built a community we’re proud to be part of.

Whether you joined us at street level on Hargett Street, in the basement, on Davie Street, or at our current location, you’ve contributed to our story—and we appreciate you.

We’re always working to improve and create the best environment for growth, where everyone feels welcome, supported, and challenged to get better, both on and off the mats.

Thank you to our staff for your dedication, to our students for the effort and care you bring to training, and to everyone who voted for us. This award celebrates what we’ve built together.

10/21/2026

6 AM Jiu Jitsu hits different. 🥋☀️

There’s something powerful about starting your day by doing something for yourself.

You walk in half-awake and leave with a clear head, endorphins flowing, and a sense of accomplishment before the rest of the world gets going.

But the biggest benefit? Building the habit of showing up for yourself.

You’ll have busy days, long weeks, and plenty of reasons to hit snooze. Making time for yourself in the morning is a reminder that your goals, your growth, and your well-being deserve a place on your calendar, too.

And when you have a team beside you, pushing you to get a little better every day, those early mornings become something to look forward to.

Show up for yourself. Put in the work. Start your day strong.

📍 Gracie Raleigh | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
🥋 6 AM crew — see you on the mats!

10/16/2026

You’re capable of more than you think. 🥋

Show up, step on the mat, and find out what you’re made of. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, challenge yourself, or find a team that pushes you to be better, it starts with one class.

Try your FREE class at Gracie Raleigh and discover what’s in you.

Your first step starts here. 👊

10/15/2026

Life gets loud. The stress, the responsibilities, the worries that follow us everywhere. Sometimes you need to put all of that down for a little while, step onto the mats, and remember what matters.

Meet up with your teammates. Push each other. Sweat together. Laugh together. Find your center again.

Jiu Jitsu isn’t just about learning how to fight. It’s about learning how to keep going, how to grow, and how to show up a little better each day.

Whatever you’re carrying today, there’s a place for you on the mats.

More than a gym. A team. A community. A place to grow.

🥋 See you on the mats at Gracie Raleigh.

10/08/2026

“The whole time while I was going through radiation, I was going to Jiu-Jitsu.”

Tom Webb was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020. When it returned last year, and the rounds of radiation resumed, he never stopped training. This year at 52, Tom competed in his first Tap Cancer BJJ Open, winning gold in his division. With the support of his teammates at Gracie Raleigh, family, and friends… Tom stepped on the mats for himself and everyone else who is fighting for their lives. Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring all of us today.

10/05/2026

This is the last call for registration for the Kids in House Tournament. We are closing registration Tuesday night at 9pm.

What to know before you register

Divisions
Divisions are built based on weight, age, and experience.

Submissions
Submissions are permitted in the older children's divisions. They are not allowed in the 4 to 6 age bracket.

Membership status
Competitors must be active students with a membership in good standing and be training regularly leading up to the tournament.

Attendance
Students need at least 20 completed classes and consistent attendance leading up to the event.

Cancellations
If you register and can no longer attend, please let us know by email or in writing so we can adjust the brackets and format.

One thing we want to be clear about: this day is meant to be fun and empowering, not pressure. Competing is a choice. The real value is in the weeks before it, when a student has a goal to train toward and shows up with a little more purpose. Some kids are eager to test themselves and some aren't ready yet, and both of those are completely fine.

We'd love to see students there either way. Kids who aren't competing are welcome to come watch, cheer on their teammates, and be part of the day. Some of the best moments at these events happen on the sidelines.

Registration will close Tuesday night 10/6 at 9pm.

Please Fill Out the Form Below for the Gracie Raleigh In-House Tournament Date: Sunday, October 11th, 2026 Time: 12:30 AM Registered Competitors: Here - Cancellations: If you register but can no longer attend, please provide notice via email or in writing so we can adjust the brackets and tournament...

10/04/2026

A clip of Elliot hitting his tarikoplata this weekend. You can watch the full match and tons of more action on the The Carolina Copperheads YouTube