Alpharetta Martial Arts & BJJ Academy
World-Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) & Martial Arts in Alpharetta, GA: Training Champions Since 2007
40+ Years Training
World & National Champions
Kids, Teens & Adults
Our Alpharetta Martial Arts Programs
Find our Alpharetta martial arts programs that best fits you and your family:
Kids
(Ages 6-12)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids
Our Young Warriors program is fun, engaging, and designed for kids aged 6-12 years old, focusing on discipline, self-confidence, and skill-building.
Learn MoreTeens
(Ages 13-17)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Teens
For teens (13-17 years old), our classes introduce more advanced BJJ techniques, competition training, and self-defense.
Learn MoreAdults
(17 and Up)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Adults
Every adult should have the knowledge and confidence to be able to defend themselves. Our adult programs range from Fundamentals to Intermediate and Advanced.
Learn MoreUnion Team BJJ is Alpharetta’s most established martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, proudly training kids, teens, and adults. Under the direct instruction of Grandmaster Ricardo Murgel, one of fewer than a dozen 9th-degree BJJ Black Belts actively teaching in the United States, our Alpharetta BJJ and martial arts programs deliver authentic, real-world training you simply won’t find anywhere else in Georgia.
Whether you’re searching for kids’ BJJ classes, teen martial arts, or adult self-defense training in Alpharetta, Union Team BJJ has a program built for your goals. Every class is taught using the Martial Jiu-Jitsu curriculum developed by Grandmaster Murgel — a system refined over four decades that combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, real-world self-defense, and striking fundamentals.
Whether you’re searching for martial arts classes in Alpharetta for kids, teens, or adults, Union Team BJJ has a program for kids, teens, and adults with a focus on practical self-defense, BJJ fundamentals, striking, and world-class competition training. We serve families throughout Alpharetta including neighborhoods like Windward, Downtown Alpharetta, Avalon, Westside Parkway, Bethany Bend, and the McFarland Parkway area.
Welcome to Union Team BJJ in Alpharetta
40+ Years of Excellence in Jiu-Jitsu & Martial Arts Training!
When you search for martial arts or BJJ in Alpharetta, you’ll find many academies. What you won’t find anywhere else is the expertise of Grandmaster Ricardo Murgel. Founded in 1985, Union Team BJJ is rated as one of the best jiu jitsu academies in Georgia and has affiliates worldwide.
We teach authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) which is an excellent mental and physical activity for anyone interested in learning practical, real-world martial arts for real-world situations. If you are looking for authentic martial arts training in Alpharetta for yourself, your teenager, or your child, there is simply no equivalent in the area.
Competition Jiu Jitsu Training & World-Class Coaching
Union Team BJJ also trains students for competition in sport-oriented BJJ, including high-level competitions across the globe. Union Team has many local, national, and world champions among our members and affiliates.
We provide our competitors with the best training in the world, helping them achieve their competitive goals in the sport of BJJ. Our competition program covers sport BJJ strategy, takedowns, guard development, submission chains, and the mental preparation needed to compete under pressure. Competing is never required, but for those who choose it, we provide world-class coaching and preparation.
What Members Are Saying?
Hey Alpharetta parents! Looking for the best martial arts school near me? Would you like your child’s activity to be fun AND teach them life skills? Here’s what some of our members have said after choosing us:
Carmen O.
We consistently get comments at tournaments of people thinking our son has been training longer than he has. As a parent it is reassuring to know our kids are not only getting a skill that could save their lives but having fun while doing it!
Eric Mun
Peter C.
Jennifer Rachford
Michael Lake
Anastasia Bagdasaryan
Chris French
David Altfeld
Charles Williams
inchshadow
Grappling, Striking, & Self-Defense Training in Alpharetta
At Union Team BJJ, we don’t just specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; we also offer striking and self-defense training, incorporating elements of Muay Thai, Karate, and real-world self-defense training.
If you’re looking for martial arts, karate, or jiu jitsu in Alpharetta, Grandmaster Murgel, an 8th-degree black belt in karate, has incorporated elements of his training into the Union Team BJJ striking programs to provide a solid foundation in practical self-defense, footwork, and striking precision.
✔️ Expert striking instruction based on karate and Muay Thai fundamentals.
✔️ Kid-friendly martial arts training that enhances coordination, focus, and self-control.
✔️ Adult striking programs designed to improve strength, flexibility, and combat skills.
✔️ A structured approach to self-defense, teaching effective techniques for real-world scenarios.
Our Alpharetta martial arts programs incorporate core elements of Karate, focusing on striking precision, defensive tactics, and combat awareness. This well-rounded approach ensures students develop practical skills for both sport and self-defense applications.
Get Started in 3 Simple Steps
There is nothing better than seeing the excitement on a young child’s face when they’ve learned to believe in themselves.
Step 1
Call Now or Click the Red Button Below
Step 2
Complete the Form to Schedule a Class
Step 3
See if Martial Arts Is the Right Fit for Your Family
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes Union Team BJJ different from other martial arts schools in Alpharetta?
Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu good for shy kids, hyperactive kids, or kids who struggle with confidence?
Yes. BJJ gives shy kids clear wins, gives energetic kids direction, and helps anxious kids build self-belief. Our classes for jiu jitsu in Alpharetta are small enough for instructors to give individual attention. Kids learn how to set goals, control their bodies, and stay calm under pressure. Parents often tell us they notice positive changes at school and at home within a few weeks.
Do kids and adults train together, or are classes separated by age?
Classes are organized by age groups so everyone learns at the right pace. Kids train with kids. Teens train with teens. Adults train with adults. This keeps classes fun, safe, and appropriate for each student’s size, maturity, and skill level.
How is safety handled during training?
Safety is the first priority. Techniques are taught step-by-step, students are always supervised, and drills are adjusted during class based on age and skill level. Kids never practice anything dangerous, and adults are taught how to control pressure and speed. The goal is to learn, not to hurt each other.
Is BJJ safe for small children, beginners, or people who are out of shape?
Absolutely. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was designed so a smaller or less athletic person can defend themselves. Beginners learn slowly and gradually. Kids start with basic movements and simple positions, and adults are never thrown into sparring without preparation. You don’t need experience or fitness to start—training will build that naturally over time.
Do I need previous martial arts experience to start?
No, you don’t need previous martial arts experience to start. Our classes for martial arts in Alpharetta are beginner-friendly, and techniques are taught in a way that makes sense even if you’ve never stepped on a mat before.
How long does it take to see progress or move up in belt rank?
Progress comes quickly. Most students feel improvement within their first month. Belt promotions in BJJ take time because they’re based on real skill, but students regularly earn stripes as they grow. Kids are encouraged with steady milestones, and adults progress at a pace that matches their consistency and effort.
What should my child or I wear to the first class?
You don’t need to bring anything special. A clean T-shirt and athletic pants or shorts are fine for your first class. After that, we’ll help you choose the right gi for training.
Do you offer trial classes or a way to try a session before joining?
Yes. New students can try a class to see how training feels and meet the instructors. It’s the best way to decide if this environment is right for you or your child.
Are there contract commitments or long-term memberships?
You won’t be locked into anything you’re uncomfortable with. We’ll walk you through all the membership options when you visit so you can choose what makes sense for your schedule and goals.
Do you have martial arts classes for total beginners who want self-defense but aren’t interested in competing?
Yes. Competition training is optional. Many students come for fitness, confidence, and practical self-defense. You’ll never be pushed into competing unless you want to.
How do competition classes work, and do kids have to compete?
Competition classes are available for students who want to challenge themselves, but no one is required to compete. Kids and adults who choose to compete get clear guidance, structured training, and world-class coaching.
What happens in a typical BJJ class?
Classes at Union Team BJJ follow the Martial Jiu-Jitsu curriculum, not sport-only BJJ. Training includes mobility drills, technical breakdowns, grappling fundamentals, partner drills, control positions, and essential strikes where appropriate. Students also learn situational awareness and practical skills for extreme close-quarters encounters. Kids’ classes include age-appropriate movement drills and confidence-building exercises.
How do I know if Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the right martial art for my child?
At Union Team BJJ, we teach Martial Jiu-Jitsu for Real World Self Defense, not sport-only BJJ. Children learn leverage, control, escape skills, and Essential Strikes (Atemi Waza) when appropriate for self-protection. Classes also include situational awareness, distance management, and how to stay calm under pressure. If you want your child to develop confidence, discipline, and skills designed for real-life situations, Martial Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent choice.
Is there a place for adults who are older, busy, or out of shape?
Definitely. Many adults start BJJ in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Training is adjusted to your pace, and no one expects you to be in perfect shape on day one. The goal is steady progress, not perfection.
What neighborhoods do your students come from within Alpharetta?
Most students live in Alpharetta neighborhoods such as Windward, Avalon, Downtown Alpharetta, Bethany Bend, Westside Parkway, Cogburn Road, Milton Avenue, Deerfield, and the McFarland Parkway corridor. We also have students who drive from Canton, Lawrenceville, Blue Ridge, and even neighboring states for regular classes and private lessons. Many families choose Union Team BJJ because of the high-level training and Grandmaster Murgel’s reputation.
What is Modern Taiho Jutsu, and who can join these classes?
Modern Taiho Jutsu is our reality-based program for students ages 12 and up. It integrates the full spectrum of Martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu, including grappling, control techniques, essential strikes, and scenario-based training. These classes prepare students for real confrontations, including multiple-attacker situations, and enhance the self-defense principles taught in regular classes.
Is Jiu Jitsu good for self-defense for kids, teens, and adults?
Yes. Our program teaches Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts in Alpharetta, a complete self-defense system combining grappling, positional control, escapes, essential strikes, and tactics for extreme close-quarters distance. Students learn how to protect themselves regardless of age, size, or gender. Training includes situational awareness, realistic scenarios, and pressure-tested skills designed to help you stay safe in real confrontations.
Union Team BJJ also offers adults-only seminars that cover how to stay safe in real close-distance encounters. These seminars teach practical skills for managing, controlling, and defending against high-stress situations. They’re ideal for adults who want advanced personal protection training beyond regular martial arts classes in Alpharetta.
Visit Our Alpharetta Martial Arts School
Searching for the best jiu jitsu gym near me? Union Team BJJ is located in downtown Alpharetta, GA, on Atlanta Highway, next to Anytime Fitness, a few blocks north of the McFarland Pkwy intersection. Come try a free class and experience the best martial arts academy in the area.