Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Near Christiansburg, VA

Looking for serious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu near Christiansburg? Blue Gorilla BJJ is just a short drive away in Radford, and our members will tell you it is well worth the trip. We are a dedicated jiu-jitsu academy, not a general martial arts gym, and that focus shows in everything from our instruction to the culture on our mats.

For Christiansburg residents who want authentic, gi-focused BJJ taught by experienced instructors, we offer a welcoming home roughly fifteen minutes from home. Whether you are brand new to grappling or an experienced practitioner, you will find the right class and the right people here.

A Short Drive to a Serious Academy

Christiansburg sits about fifteen minutes from our academy on East Main Street in Radford. That short drive is the only thing between you and a training environment built specifically around Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rather than spread thin across many disciplines.

Our head coach, Coach Adam, earned his black belt under Professor Tim Mannon, a fourth-degree black belt under Master Renzo Gracie. That lineage connects every class we teach directly to one of the most respected names in the history of the art, giving Christiansburg students access to high-caliber instruction close to home.

Programs for the Whole Family

We offer a full range of classes for kids and adults at every level, so the whole family can train. Many households start with one member and quickly add others.

Kids Classes

Our kids program grows with your child across three levels, from beginner games and drills to advanced sparring and submissions. You can learn more on our kids BJJ page.

Adult Fundamentals and Advanced

New adults start in our Adult Fundamentals class, which is built to be approachable and technique-focused. Experienced grapplers can step into our Advanced classes, with both gi and no-gi sessions offered during the week. If you have never trained, our beginners page walks through exactly what to expect.

Law Enforcement Only

On the first Sunday of each month, we host a session reserved for current and retired law enforcement, as well as corrections and courtroom security professionals. You can read more on our law enforcement training page.

What Makes Blue Gorilla Different

Beyond the quality of instruction, families from Christiansburg choose us for the standards we hold. Every continual instructor is a current or former member of law enforcement or the United States military, has passed a thorough background check, and is trained in first aid and CPR.

Our facility is clean and well maintained, and our culture is genuinely welcoming. We work hard to create a positive, family-style atmosphere where students of every background and skill level feel at home. You can meet the full coaching staff on our about us page.

Why Christiansburg Residents Make the Drive

Our members describe the experience better than any sales pitch could. One member, Joshua, shared: “Blue Gorilla is setting a high bar for how a community-focused business should be run! It’s a place that should feel intimidating based upon its martial arts environment, but instead, as soon as you walk through the door, you’re treated like a neighbor, no matter who you are or what you believe. It has been phenomenal to watch my children discover new strengths within themselves and for an old dog such as myself to still be able to learn new tricks through the exemplary instruction of Coach Adam and his team. If I could give them 6 stars, I would.”

You can read many more firsthand experiences on our member reviews page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Blue Gorilla from Christiansburg?

We are located on East Main Street in Radford, about a fifteen-minute drive from Christiansburg. Many of our members make the short trip several times a week.

Do you offer classes for beginners?

Yes. Our Adult Fundamentals class is built for people with no experience, and our kids program starts with a beginner level. No background in martial arts is needed to begin.

What ages do you teach?

We teach children as young as 3 on a case-by-case basis, all the way through adults of every age. There is a class and a level for nearly everyone in the family.

Do I need a gi to start?

Not for your first few classes. Comfortable athletic clothing without metal zippers is fine to begin, and you can add a gi once you have settled in.

Start Training Near Christiansburg

If you have been searching for quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu near Christiansburg, the short drive to Radford puts a dedicated, lineage-backed academy within easy reach. Come see why so many of your neighbors already make the trip. You can review current class times on our schedule page.

Ready to roll? Contact us today to schedule your first class at Blue Gorilla BJJ.

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Simply fill out the form below and then schedule Your FREE intro session on the next page.

Shortly after we will be in touch with you to confirm your intro session.

We are excited to meet you!

Coach Foster

Assistant Kid’s Instructor

Assisting with the youth program at Blue Gorilla Jiu Jitsu in Radford, Virginia, you’ll find Foster Ridpath, a dedicated and enthusiastic kids coach whose life is a vibrant tapestry of community, family, and entrepreneurial spirit. Drawing on over 15 years in health and recreation at Radford University and 12 years successfully owning and operating CrossFit Radford, Foster brings a profound understanding of physical education and community building to the mats. His commitment to the sport is deeply personal, with his two sons, Canon and Jett, actively training in the program, and his wonderful wife, Kimberly, joining in whenever her schedule allows. Foster expresses immense enjoyment learning from Adam at Blue Gorilla and is particularly passionate about seeing the youth program continue to grow, fostering discipline and confidence in the next generation. Outside the mats, Foster’s diverse interests are evident; you may see him wearing many different hats across the New River Valley, whether fulfilling his cherished role as a homeschooling dad (his favorite), tackling landscaping projects, spinning tunes as a DJ, or cultivating his newest adventure with Riner Coffee.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 3 Certification
 Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master in Kinesiology, USA Weightlifting, CrossFit Kids, Adaptive CrossFit, Precision Nutrition, Cenegenics Nutrition

Coach Corbin

Assistant Kid’s Instructor

Coach Corbin began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2025 when Blue Gorilla BJJ opened. Soon thereafter, he began helping with instructing the kid’s program. Coach Corbin holds a White Belt under Coach Adam but has an amazing energy when working with the kids, and is one of their favorites.

Professionally, Corbin has two decades of service in Corrections and has spent 12 years working as a member of emergency response teams. Corbin also carries credentials to teach police recruits defensive tactics and firearms.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 3 Certification
 Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master in Kinesiology, USA Weightlifting, CrossFit Kids, Adaptive CrossFit, Precision Nutrition, Cenegenics Nutrition

Coach Brittany

Assistant Kid’s Instructor

Coach Brittany began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2023 when Coach Adam was teaching a small weekly group at Guardian Health and Performance in Radford, Va. Brittany instantly took to the art and began studying diligently. When Blue Gorilla BJJ opened, Brittany was one of the first members and quickly became an Assistant Instructor with the kid’s program. Brittany currently holds a Blue Belt under Coach Adam.

Brittany holds a Bachelor of Business Administration/Finance and a Master of Business Administration from Radford University. Beyond that, she holds Certificates of Study in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts from Al Pollard Culinary Arts, where she also taught for a period of time. Beyond that, Brittany also has experience working with youth through church volunteer activities like summer camps and classes.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 3 Certification
 Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master in Kinesiology, USA Weightlifting, CrossFit Kids, Adaptive CrossFit, Precision Nutrition, Cenegenics Nutrition

Coach Kenny

Assistant Kid’s Instructor

Coach Kenny began training martial arts when he was 15 years old, starting in Tae Kwon Do. He progressed through the ranks, earning a Black Belt, and assisted his instructor in teaching children’s martial arts. Later, Kenny became interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and began training in 2017 at Team Mannon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and obtained a Blue Belt from Professor Tim Mannon.

Kenny has nearly two decades of experience serving as a law enforcement officer, with the majority of those in the Criminal Investigations Division. Kenny currently heads that division for a local area law enforcement agency. He also holds an Associate’s Degree from New River Community College in Police Science. Kenny has extensive experience teaching defensive tactics to police recruits and holds Gracie Survival Tactics Level I and II certifications. When Blue Gorilla BJJ opened, Kenny was selected to assist with the kid’s program and has been a great help.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 3 Certification
 Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master in Kinesiology, USA Weightlifting, CrossFit Kids, Adaptive CrossFit, Precision Nutrition, Cenegenics Nutrition

Coach Austin

Assistant Kid’s Instructor

Coach Austin began helping Coach Adam with the kids’ program in 2022. Coach Austin has been training for over 2 years, and currently holds the rank of Blue Belt under Professor Tim Mannon.

Coach Austin proudly served in the United States Air Force and retired as a Military Policeman. Since then, he has been very active with Radford City Public Schools and heavily volunteers with the PSA.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 3 Certification
 Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master in Kinesiology, USA Weightlifting, CrossFit Kids, Adaptive CrossFit, Precision Nutrition, Cenegenics Nutrition

Coach Josh

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Coach Josh has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2010 and currently holds the rank of Brown Belt under Professor Tim Mannon. Josh has spent over two decades serving his community as a law enforcement officer and currently works as a school resource officer at a local area high school. Josh has a wealth of experience serving on SWAT teams for approximately 17 years; and has extensive experience teaching recruits defensive tactics as well as firearms skills.

Josh’s love for empowering youth is undeniable, and his passion is genuine and impressive. He truly enjoys and takes pride in helping children succeed in all areas of life. Once Blue Gorilla BJJ opened in 2025, Coach Adam brought Josh in to help with the kid’s program and saw he was an instant hit with the kids. Soon after, Josh began filling in periodically for Coach Adam and the feedback from adult students was fantastic. Josh is now an official Assistant Instructor and will be teaching some morning classes on a consistent basis.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 3 Certification
 Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master in Kinesiology, USA Weightlifting, CrossFit Kids, Adaptive CrossFit, Precision Nutrition, Cenegenics Nutrition

Coach Jamie

Assistant Instructor

Coach Jamie is a Purple Belt under Professor Tim Mannon as well. Coach Jamie has trained for several years and began helping Coach Adam with the kids’ program in 2022. Since that time, he has proven to be an invaluable asset to the program, and adds a dynamic with other instructors and kids that brings along a sense of friendship and fun.

Coach Jamie is also an active member of local law enforcement with over 12 years of service. He is also a member of his department’s SWAT Team, and is honored to serve as a school resource officer at a local elementary school. Coach Jamie has extensive experience on the SWAT Team and holds certifications as a D.A.R.E. Instructor.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 3 Certification
 Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master in Kinesiology, USA Weightlifting, CrossFit Kids, Adaptive CrossFit, Precision Nutrition, Cenegenics Nutrition

Coach Sherri

Women’s & Assistant Instructor

Coach Sherri has been training since 2018, and currently holds the rank of Purple Belt under Professor Tim Mannon. Coach Sherri began teaching the kids program with Coach Adam in 2022.

Coach Sherri’s background includes interacting with children during her tenure as a police officer, experience in K-12 classrooms throughout the New River Valley, and volunteer work at kid’s summer camps and after school programs.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 3 Certification
 Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master in Kinesiology, USA Weightlifting, CrossFit Kids, Adaptive CrossFit, Precision Nutrition, Cenegenics Nutrition

Professor Adam

Owner / Founder/ Lead Instructor

Coach Adam has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2015. He received his Black Belt from Professor Tim Mannon (4th Degree Black Belt under Master Renzo Gracie). Coach Adam began formally teaching adult classes under Professor Mannon as a Purple Belt and was the Lead Instructor for the Team Mannon BJJ Kids Program from 2022-2025. He also coached local middle school and high school wrestling teams between the 2017-2022 seasons.

Coach Adam is an active member of local area law enforcement with close to 15 years of service. He has served in several different roles, and currently serves as a resource officer at a local area high school. He is an active member of his department’s SWAT Team, and serves as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, Taser Instructor, Gas and Impact Munitions Instructor, and Firearm’s Instructor amongst several other duties. He also sits as a member of his department’s use of Force Committee.

Over his career he has received several awards and citations including the Award for Valor from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, departmental Combat Cross, and Shift Officer of the Year commendations, as well as various citations for DUI/Traffic Safety Enforcement to name a few. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration from Bluefield University.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 3 Certification
 Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master in Kinesiology, USA Weightlifting, CrossFit Kids, Adaptive CrossFit, Precision Nutrition, Cenegenics Nutrition

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