Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens, AL - STREET READY Self Defense®

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens, AL – STREET READY Self Defense® is led by head instructor Paul Serwatka, a retired firefighter and paramedic whose journey in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu began in 2000 at a Rorion Gracie Training Center in Chicago. Paul’s background includes training at the original Gracie Academy in Torrance with Royce Gracie, as well as extensive time at the Carlson Gracie Academy under Master Carlson Gracie himself. After competing in no-gi tournaments and entering the MMA arena, Paul shifted his focus entirely to reality-based self-defense, returning to the mats through Gracie University and earning certification as a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor under the direct guidance of Rener and Ryron Gracie. The academy’s core adult program is Gracie Combatives®, which teaches the 36 most essential techniques for real-world self-defense in a structured, safe, and cooperative environment. This introductory curriculum avoids competitive sparring, reflecting the school’s emphasis on practical protection over sport. Students who complete Gracie Combatives® can advance to the Master Cycle® for higher-level gi instruction. Private lessons and open mat sessions are available for adults seeking additional practice or individualized attention. For younger students, the Junior Grapplers® and Gracie Bullyproof® programs are designed to equip kids ages 5–12 with confidence and non-violent self-defense strategies. These classes focus on character development and empower children to address bullying situations without aggression. The academy also supports women’s self-defense through the Women Empowered® curriculum, which addresses the unique challenges women may face and emphasizes leverage, technique, and situational awareness. Visitors and drop-ins are welcome, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.

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