Rough Hands BJJ

Rough Hands BJJ was founded in Louisville as an independent, boutique training center with a focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling. The academy operates out of a 6,000-square-foot facility featuring three training floors, a weight room, and shower amenities, all located just minutes from Louisville’s airport and the city’s Bardstown Road corridor. The school was built on the idea that martial arts can change lives, and its programs are designed to welcome students of all backgrounds and experience levels. The curriculum at Rough Hands covers a wide range of age groups, starting with BJJ First Steps for children ages 4 to 6, where the emphasis is on coordination, confidence, and fun. Kids ages 7 to 12 continue to develop these fundamentals with added focus on leadership and skill-building, while the teen program (13–16) introduces sport jiu-jitsu fundamentals and athletic development. For adults 17 and up, the academy offers structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes tailored to fitness, self-defense, and competition interests. The school also offers a Core Game beginner program, women’s self-defense classes under the SHIELD series, and a SafeFall program designed to teach practical falling skills. Beyond regular classes, Rough Hands hosts open mats, private training, seminars, spring camps, and group or offsite training sessions. The academy is wheelchair accessible and supports students and families through programs like the RH Scholarship Fund. With a blend of technical instruction, diverse programming, and a facility built for serious training, Rough Hands BJJ has become a dedicated space for learning and growth in Louisville’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.

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