Carlson Gracie
Dayton H.Q.

Carlson Gracie Dayton is proud to be an affiliate academy of the Carlson Gracie Team. With a legacy dating back to the 1960s, Carlson Gracie Academy was a formative part of Jiu Jitsu’s history in the United States. By introducing innovative training formats and dominating competition for decades, the Gracie name is highly regarded worldwide.

In keeping with the Gracie tradition, the Carlson Gracie Dayton team provides the highest-quality Jiu Jitsu classes in Dayton, Ohio. Our decorated, certified instructors are determined to share the benefits of martial arts with the community. We know that BJJ is not one size fits all, and it’s reflected in our teaching approach. Every student receives professional Jiu Jitsu training that helps establish fundamentals while adapting to their personal strengths. Bring the entire family – no matter your age or experience level, Carlson Gracie Dayton can help make you better!

Born & raised in Indianapolis, owner Travis Haynes began training Judo and Karate around 1984 as a young boy before stopping due to a serious injury. Years later he’d find himself back on the mats, adding Japanese Jiu Jitsu to his training regimen. With the dawn of UFC and Royce Gracie’s prominence, Travis discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and was determined to try it. He sought out the only BJJ instructor within 100 miles and immediately began training.

As time went on, Haynes’ hunger to learn and improve continued to grow. He traveled all over the US to seek out black belt instructors, and even went to Brazil for more intensive training. Here, he worked with notable grapplers like Roberto “Roleta” Magalhaes, Anibal Braga, and later Ricardo De La Riva, a legend of the Carlson Gracie Team. It was during this time, nearly 25 yrs ago that Travis met and established his relationship with Carlson Gracie Jr.

Today, Haynes’ vast experience helps him provide a Jiu Jitsu academy experience unlike any other at Carlson Gracie Dayton. As a BJJ 4th Degree Black Belt, Judo black belt, Hayastan Grappling Black Belt, & traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu brown belt, students will benefit from his expertise. Ready to see for yourself? Visit Carlson Gracie Dayton today to start your Jiu Jitsu journey!

Kids (Ages 6-12)

Our Kid’s Jiu Jitsu classes focus on teaching your child the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu while also developing their physical abilities. We teach techniques that improve strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. We also incorporate drills and exercises that help improve their speed and agility.

Teens / Adults

Our teens and adults classes are designed to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to BJJ, covering essential aspects such as takedowns, leg locks, and escapes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all skill levels, ensuring continuous growth and development on your Jiu Jitsu journey.

Travis Haynes was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is a BJJ 4th Degree Black Belt, Judo Black Belt, Hayastan Grappling Black Belt, and traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt. Travis began training martial arts as a young boy in Judo and Karate, around 1984 before stopping due to a serious injury. It wouldn’t be until the age of 16 that he would find himself back on the mats training in a traditional form of Japanese Jiu Jitsu as well as Judo. This was before the very first UFC, when most of the world was still believing that high flying kicks and punches were the way to go. Once the UFC 1 occurred, and everyone, including Travis, became aware of Brazilian style of Jiu Jitsu, after Royce Gracie destroyed everyone in the original “ no round, no gloves, no weight classes” format of the UFC, many people flocked to any school offering legitimate instruction. This was the “Dark Ages” of BJJ. At that time there was only one person teaching BJJ within 100 miles of him, who happened to only be a blue belt but Travis sought him out and began intense training.

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