Ready to start Jiu Jitsu? Sign up for our Intro Program

Kenny Kim Jiu Jitsu, Ares BJJ Association logo

Jiu Jitsu Near Smyrna, GA

Kids practicing Brazilian jiu jitsu on the mats at Kenny Kim BJJ, a short drive from Smyrna

Searching for jiu jitsu in Smyrna? Kenny Kim Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is about 7 miles up the road in Marietta, roughly 15–20 minutes from the Smyrna Market Village. It's an easy trip from Campbell High, Osborne High and the neighborhoods around the Smyrna Community Center. Your first class is free.

A good fit for Smyrna families

Most kids' activities run in seasons. Jiu jitsu runs all year, and kids notice the progress: new stripes, new techniques, more confidence at school. Our classes are grouped by age, and the kids program is led by Professor Gazzy Parman, a 5th-degree black belt.

  • Little Champions (ages 6–8): Monday and Wednesday, 4:30 PM
  • Junior Champions (ages 9–12): beginners Monday and Wednesday at 5:15 PM, advanced Tuesday and Thursday at 5:15 PM, No-Gi Saturday at 10 AM
  • Teen Titans (ages 13–17): Tuesday and Thursday at 6:15 PM, No-Gi Saturday at 11 AM

Parents also like that we follow a written Minor Athlete Protection Policy, and that the mat room is wide open and kept clean. More on kids jiu jitsu and the teens program.

Classes for Smyrna adults

Parents can train too. Adults can start in Fundamentals (Monday 6:30 PM, Wednesday 7:30 PM, Friday 6:30 PM), train early with 6 AM classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or come at lunch for 11 AM All Levels on Tuesday and Thursday. There are Advanced and No-Gi classes in the evenings, and members have an open mat on Saturday. See adult jiu jitsu or the full schedule.

What you'll find when you walk in

  • Twenty years in one spot. We opened on Whitlock Avenue in 2006 and celebrated our 20th anniversary there in May 2026.
  • More than 20 black belts. With ten coaching alongside Kenny, beginners always have a patient, experienced partner, and nobody gets lost in the crowd.
  • Thousands of square feet of Fuji mats. New blue mats, no pillars, kept spotless. We think it's the most comfortable mat space in Atlanta.
  • Clean locker rooms with showers. Handy for the 6 AM crew and parents heading straight from class to work.
  • An experienced head instructor. Kenny Kim is an IBJJF 4th-degree black belt and a 2026 National Fighting Championship Jiu Jitsu Hall of Fame inductee. Meet all the professors.

Getting here from Smyrna

We're at 800 Whitlock Ave NW, Unit 141, Marietta, GA 30064. Approximate distances:

  • Osborne High School: 6.2 miles
  • Campbell High School: 7.2 miles
  • Smyrna Community Center: 7.2 miles
  • Smyrna Market Village: 7.4 miles
  • Jonquil Park: 9.2 miles

Most of Smyrna is 15–20 minutes away outside rush hour. Get directions.

Your free first class

Book online, arrive 10–15 minutes early, and wear athletic clothes. We'll lend you a gi. Bring water and flip-flops, because shoes stay off the mat. Kids and adults both start with a warm-up and a simple technique, and nobody rolls on day one. Read the FAQ or call (678) 398-7034 with questions. Driving in from further south? Here's our page for Atlanta.

Why Smyrna students don't shop for the cheapest gym

Everybody wants a deal. But when it comes to jiu jitsu, Kenny puts it plainly: "The cheapest option is rarely the best value." You're trusting a gym with your body, your kids and your safety, and a good academy costs money to run. Here's what that money pays for at Kenny Kim BJJ:

  • Clean mats, cleaned every day
  • Experienced, qualified coaches and professional staff
  • A safe training environment, insurance and structured programs
  • Continuing education for our instructors
  • Quality classes and a good culture, every week

A dirty gym with reckless training partners and unqualified instruction might save you a few bucks, until you get injured, burned out, or quit altogether. Jiu jitsu isn't just about learning moves. It's about your health, your confidence, your longevity, and the people you surround yourself with every week. Watch Kenny explain why quality matters.

20 years on Whitlock Avenue

In May 2026 we celebrated 20 years at the same Marietta address. The mission hasn't changed since day one: build better people through jiu jitsu. Students and black belts traveled from out of state for day one of the celebration. A small academy has grown into a community of thousands of students, families, competitors, professionals and first responders, and the next chapter starts with whoever walks in for a free class this week.

Authentic Video Testimonials from Our KKBJJ Members

"Every time I come on the mat, it's always love."

Kimberly

"This is the best cardio shape I've ever been in"

Michael

"Jiu Jitsu brings a lot of calmness to me off the mats"

Moise

"Jiu Jitsu just gives you a confidence that is so invaluable"

Derik

"Being on the mat teaches you to be humble and bounce right back"

Jason

Genuine Reviews from Our KKBJJ Community

I came to KKBJJ with no grappling experience of any kind. The instructors have always been talented, encouraging, and patient. It has now been 5 1/2 years and I have found the most enjoyable exe...

stars
Charles Pinkham

Iv been going to Kenny Kim BJJ for 9 1/2 months now and can't recommend it enough. This school is highly reputable with great instructors, a wide array of class times, open to age groups va...

stars
Spencer Gadbois

I began training at Kenny Kim’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in December of 2018, and it has easily been one of the best decisions that I have made not only in the past year, but in my entire lif...

stars
Michael Montgomery

Nothing but positive experience. The gym is very nice and the training/instruction is first class. The positive experience also come from the other students. It’s a great learning environment!

stars
Chris welchel

I started at Kenny's in September of last year and it has been a truly impact full experience. I have trained at a number of gyms and with some of the top instructors in the world. Kenny&#x...

stars
Jordan Blackmon

Great gym! So clean and modern. Spotless place to train.

stars
Mike C.

My experiences with this gym have been overwhelmingly positive. Professor Kim is an excellent teacher and all the other instructors are top notch. The community is very welcoming and the gym its...

stars
Mike Cahoon

Awesome atmosphere, professor KK rocks, and amazing training partners. After training at 2 different gyms I've finally found a forever home where I get the push and direction I've been...

stars
Rico Ramirez

Great place to train for all Belt levels. Knowledgeable brown and black belt coaches to help you get better.

stars
Robert Ashley

Kenny Kim BJJ is a fantastic place for BJJ l, fitness, and community. I drive past another BJJ gym closer to my house specifically to come to Kenny's. It's where I discovered my new fa...

stars
Brandon Supak

I knew as soon as I walked through the door at Kenny Kim BJJ that I wanted to be a part of this academy. Having no experience at all can be quite intimidating when engaging in a sport like BJJ. ...

stars
Nick Repas

I have been learning BJJ under the instruction of Kenny Kim for almost 6 months now. It has been a life changing experience. Kenny’s teaching and understanding of Jiu Jitsu is second to none. No...

stars
Marcus Freeman

I started at KK’s about 4 months ago after taking a hiatus due to covid and having a baby and I have been so happy with my choice! Being a woman bjj can be an incredibly intimidating environment...

stars
Marilyn Lesser

My son loves Kenny Kim’s Brazilian Ju Jitsu. He learned a lot and it helped him with wrestling. I highly recommend this place if you or your family want to learn martial arts.

stars
Lisa Gerrick Wright

Kenny Kim is one of the best in the country and there is a reason he is known for that. I asked multiple people where to go and that was the common theme. He takes his time to ensure you fundame...

stars
Scott Coley

Trained here while visiting family in the area and couldn't have asked for a better experience. Great coaching, great atmosphere, and CLEAN! Mats are packed but Kenny and his staff do a gre...

stars
Hammer Crashmore

From the day I started iv been shown nothing but love from kenny and the bjj family. The classes made me more confident the upper belts have a lot of patience and kenny is an outstanding teacher...

stars
Ty Nguyen

I've been training at Kenny Kim BJJ for three years now, I started my BJJ journey here and it's been phenomenal. The facility is clean, neat and well kept overall. The staff is welcomi...

stars
James Cole

Kenny Kim Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym is hands down the best martial arts gyms I've ever had the pleasure of training at. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I felt welcomed and part o...

stars
Abdou Daouda