Gracie United Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kenner & Metairie

Gracie United Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kenner & Metairie was founded by Mark Leeling, whose martial arts journey began at age five and later included collegiate wrestling, MMA, and high school wrestling coaching. Mark’s passion for grappling was reignited through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, leading him to establish the academy in July 2020 after taking over from its original owner. Building from fewer than 20 students at the height of the pandemic, Mark and his team have grown the school into a thriving hub for BJJ in Kenner, Louisiana, with over 200 students today. The academy’s teaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals and humility over flashy techniques. Classes are structured to break down grappling concepts clearly, focusing on consistent learning and discipline. Students of all backgrounds—kids, teens, and adults—receive individualized attention from a staff of dedicated instructors, including head instructor Rick Jarez and coaches Ethan Byrne, Kurt Cotton, John Kent, and Rebecca Frank. The instructors’ combined backgrounds in Jiu-Jitsu and other grappling arts shape a curriculum aimed at developing resilient, thoughtful martial artists. Training at Gracie United Kenner & Metairie includes gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults, along with fundamentals classes for beginners. Kids’ programs are divided by age group, with separate classes for ages 4–8 and 8–12, and also include self-defense instruction. Adult students can also participate in self-defense classes. The academy welcomes drop-ins and offers wheelchair-accessible facilities. Mark and his team maintain an environment where learning, discipline, and personal growth are at the center of every class.

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