BJJ Swamp Academy, Gainesville FL

Incredible, challenging, and safe place to train jiu jitsu. They also have a big, supportive women’s program—lots of women in every class.

2023: Still Five Stars! Dropped in again and the culture is still the same. Thanks to Tobey and Ken for a great class and making me feel so welcome.

2019: Dropped into this excellent school. Ken and his students were more than welcoming. I love that they push one another but are very supportive. I never felt I had anything to prove, only be willing to learn. They have a great community and I will definitely join their classes again when I come home for the holidays. Thanks for letting me join!

Fantastic academy. I dropped in from out of town, everyone was hospitable - and tough! Next time I’m in town, I’ll be back for sure. 5/5

I attended a drop-in class at the Swamp with very short notice, it was a very good experience. Ken's accommodation to my last-minute request was excellent. The instruction provided was top-notch, with a focus on fine details explained in an easily understandable manner. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed, and the sense of camaraderie among participants added to the positive atmosphere. The rolling sessions were great, demonstrating the gym's commitment to quality training. If I lived in the area, the Swamp would be my go-to gym. Much respect and gratitude for the excellent experience. Thank you!

Hi paced, great environment, awesome coaches.

Recreational or competition, this is a great spot for both.

Was looking to find a BJJ gym to start for the first time, called a few places and checked them out, but once I walked into the Swamp it was clearly levels above anywhere else. Ken is extremely welcoming and always looking to help you improve whether you're looking to compete or just have fun as a hobbyist. All members help to foster a fantastic environment too. There are classes throughout all days of the week so no matter your schedule you'll be able to train as much or as little as you'd like. Without a doubt the best gym in the area whether it comes to the level of instruction, the rolls, the people, the price, and everything else. My only regret is that I didn't start sooner!

When I found BJJ Swamp Academy I was at a low point in my life. I was lost and not sure what direction I needed to go. The head instructor, Ken, was very welcoming, as were all of the students. I knew immediately there was something special about this gym. Ken has now become one of my closest friends and like a father to me. If you're looking for a school to learn quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, then this is the place for you. More importantly, if you're looking for a place to change your life for the better and make life long friends in the process, you couldn't find a better gym. Being a part of this school has changed my life for the better, and I am eternally grateful for everything this school and Ken have provided for me.

I have been going to this Gym since 2021. I am a female veteran with complex PTSD. I had a very successful career in Intel and I was set to retire from the Navy but had severe trauma having been assaulted multiple times on deployment. I gave up my career and left behind a nearly 100k annual salary.
As with most jiujitsu gyms there are slightly more men than women. Usually I feel very unsafe in such an environment but it is not the case here. ALL of the coaches are very understanding and compassionate. I rarely put myself in situations that even slightly resemble any of my traumatic experiences to avoid triggering a PTSD episode. Coming to this gym my first day I almost ran out when it came time to partner up, I panicked. There were many men in the room. I was having severe anxiety and was having flashbacks when one of the longtime trainers noticed and came straight to me and offered to be my partner and what she did really made a difference in my life. I now have a group of people in my life that I consider my family and I’m always excited to meet all the new trainees that come in and hopefully be that person for them.
All the men at this gym are super respectful and never inappropriate. I have a very keen sense for predatory men even to the degree of being hypersensitive sometimes but NO ONE at this gym has ever stepped over the line with me or made me feel uncomfortable. To the contrary, some of my favorite training partners are my male friends here.
I have read the 1 or 2 negative reviews on here and I honestly invite anyone male or female suffering from PTSD to reach out to me and have a conversation (I used my real name here just ask Ken for my number, I’ll even include my photo if you want to pull me aside for a chat without going through an intermediary).
I don’t want anyone to miss the chance to become a part of such a wonderful and supportive community of people like I almost did that first day. I have only recently started PTSD counseling but before that this gym was my only lifeline and I would love nothing more than to pay it forward.

If you are you a beginner I would not recommend this gym. First day we did not start with basics. I was wrapped up with men and women who had been training for years. I felt the coach was not eager for new people in his gym so I did not feel welcomed. The other trainees were very welcoming on the other hand and tired to help me as much as they could with learning techniques.

Joining Swamp Academy was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Right from the start, I felt like I belonged, and that meant a lot to me as a woman practicing jiu jitsu. Ken and fellow students were so friendly and made me feel completely comfortable. The gym's focus on technique, personal growth, and the way everyone supports each other is truly remarkable. I've gained so much confidence, strength, and skills that I didn't think I could achieve. If you're a woman looking for a jiu jitsu gym where you'll not only learn but also feel like part of an awesome community, this place is absolutely the way to go.

Not as inclusive as the reviews make it seem, actually fairly clique-y & the air is wrought with egotism, sort of like a high school gym class as opposed to an understanding learning environment. I have sensory issues & am dyspraxic due to the fact I'm Autistic and generally need more time to learn. I do not need to disclose this to be treated like I'm "not paying attention" because I'm in a new environment that is overwhelming me given it's my first time in it. Also given I did disclose I have C-PTSD & starting to have a trauma response I felt like that should have been enough. Not trauma-informed at all. I left feeling embarrassed and had a meltdown in my car. Pretty disappointed.

I always look forward to coming into class because of the wonderful environment that the staff makes, the teachers put in a real effort towards furthering your JiuJitsu goals and make you feel apart of the team. Very respectful members who are always looking to help others, great community of people with a strong passion and deep appreciation of the Martial Art. Their teachers are very knowledgeable and are competition tested, using up to date methods and techniques in submissions and in self defense.

Swamp Academy offers, by far, the best environment for adults and kids alike, who will benefit greatly from Ken’s experience and superior instructional skills, regardless of your martial arts goals.

The best gym in town, super competitive rolls and focused training. The style of the gym is great for anyone looking to get in shape, get ready to compete, or learn to defend themselves. Many gyms don't train situational live drills, practice takedowns, or even touch leg locks, but they do it all at the swamp and always in a practical way that is easy to understand.

Really skillful instructors, really good environment, I loved being part of that community.

I started BJJ after being harassed on public transportation. I tried out at almost every location in the area and Swamp Academy is by far the best BJJ gym in Gainesville. Ken is an amazing professor who really cares about each of his students and has an impressive archive of knowledge on BJJ, boxing, muay thai, and MMA. The environment is very friendly and welcoming. The students at the gym are amazing making new people feel right at home. If you are looking for a Gym to compete or are interested in learning how to defend yourself, Ken and Swamp Academy has it all. I would highly recommend Swamp Academy!