MARTIAL ARTS FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS!

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Monroe Proudly empowering Monroe families

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Monroe has beginner to advanced jiu-jitsu classes in Monroe for men, women, and children.

Who we Are And why You Should Train Here

At Gracie University, we believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for EVERYONE, regardless of age, gender, athleticism, or ability. We are proud to say we are continuing the legacy of Grandmaster Hélio Gracie who believed jiu-jitsu should empower the weak to be able to defend against the strong. This is why we offer structured martial arts curriculums specific to the self-defense needs for any demographic or skill level, with programs created for beginner adults, women, and children.

We take pride in creating a safe, comfortable, and welcoming learning environment for all students and family members in Monroe, NC, including surrounding areas of Union County. We are passionate about what we do because, simply put, we believe confident humans make kinder humans.

Paul Willis
Certified Instructor / Owner

Hello! Thank you for your interest in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu! My name is Paul Willis, I have been studying martial arts for over 25 years. My interest and focus has been in personal protection and self-defense.

Several years ago, I was introduced to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and quickly realized how incredibly effective this art is at teaching people to defend themselves in real-life situations. I want to share it with as many people as possible because I believe Gracie Jiu-Jitsu will benefit anyone, at any age, with their health, self-confidence, and ability to safely defend themselves on the street. I completed the Instructor Certification Program under the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA. Now, I am realizing my dream of teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at our Certified Training Center (CTC) in Monroe, North Carolina.

The culture of our Certified Training Center is one of safety, structure, and cooperative learning. We want you to leave every single class feeling better about yourself. We are all learning together, leaving our egos at the door, helping one another grow in technique and gaining street-ready confidence.

As a Certified Instructor authorized to teach the Gracie Combatives® and Gracie Bullyproof® programs, my focus is 100% on self-defense. Our school is proud to be under the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA. We maintain the same high level of structure, safety, and street readiness taught to us by our Senior Instructors, Rener Gracie and Ryron Gracie.

I have been married to my wife Heather for 28 years. We have one beautiful daughter who helps teach our children’s classes and loves to paint, read, and write. In addition to teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, I am the Senior Pastor here in Monroe, NC and have served as a Pastor for over 17 years in the Church of the Nazarene. Our family loves the mountains, visiting historical sites, great movies and books, working out, and of course Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

I look forward to meeting you in person! I am here to answer any questions you may have. I believe with all my heart you will enjoy Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as much as I do! It is life-changing!

Paul

Welcome To The Family

Whether it’s teaching you how to tie your first jiu-jitsu belt, or guiding you through your first technique, our team’s priority is to make you feel at home from the moment you walk into Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Monroe. Should you have any questions, call our number above to speak to one of our Student Experience representatives.

Get To Know Our World Class Instructors