We took our, just turned 4, daughter for a trial class and signed her up same day. She absolutely loved it! I saw a bad review stating not a good place for children due to it being “demeaning” and a few other things. It did state not good for children on the spectrum in the review as well. I can not say on that part, but my daughter and the other kids I saw there seemed to love it! It is not a “play time” type place. It seems that it will teach structure, and the beginnings into Martial Arts(my daughter is in BJJ) which is good. It’s a martial arts place, not a play gym. My daughter is sensitive when she feels like she’s being yelled at or in trouble. And she never felt any negative feelings. She’s excited to go back. Now of course if anything changes, I will update. I just didn’t see any reviews based on a kids class except for the one really negative one. So wanted to share our experience!!

Where do I start? Embrace has been a game changer for me! I’ve always wanted to take martial arts classes, specifically BJJ, but never felt I was in shape for it. After losing 100 lbs and getting in what was the best shape I’ve been in since high school, I’m now 40 🤫, I decided to give it a try. Let me add that one year ago I had an extensive ankle surgery where I shouldn’t be able to run, jump etc… I nervously started class and realized that walking 6 miles a day, doing yoga, weight lifting, etc.. had not prepared me for this. The work out kicked my butt! Fast forward 4 months later and I’m now in the best shape I’ve been in physically, emotionally and mentally. I have made some amazing friends here. The staff and classmates are absolutely amazing! Everyone accepts each other at their ability and fitness level and helps each other to be a better them! I just wish I wouldn’t have waited so long to give it a try because you don’t have to be in shape to give it a try. You’ll get into shape. I’m so blessed to have found Embrace! Just an FYI, the location, class schedules, affordability, cleanliness, equipment etc.. is wonderful! I haven’t found anything I don’t like. Take a free class and see what you think, you’ll probably see me there ❤️

This place is amazing. They create an atmosphere of learning! I am middle aged with no background in martial arts, and the teachers take the same amount of care to teach me that they give every other student. There is a wonderful atmosphere among the students as well, the more advanced students help the newer students improve. It isn’t about showing off or beating anyone up on the mats. The place is very clean and pleasant, everyone is respectful and friendly. My confidence in being able to handle situations in life has definitely grown, and i get an incredible, full body workout at the same time. I am very excited to continue learning here as long as God allows.

Professor Joel and Professor Jeremy are extremely inviting and welcome you into the Embrace BJJ family immediately. They really care about you and want to make sure youre comfortable on your BJJ journey by checking in on you and offering feedback and observations.

I started at this gym 2 months ago. I am a 39 year old former wrestler with some old injuries from my wrestling days. Before starting I visited a few BJJ gyms. I found that this gym suited my needs. The professors are very knowledgeable and have helped me grow in my understanding of BJJ.I did the introductory class and was hooked from there. I didnt know what to expect but I found everyone so helpful and nice. I guess that maybe I was expecting the other guys to be standoffish or look down on me for being a no stripe white belt, but everyone was so friendly and would take time to better explain positions and guide me in learning the technique.Embrace has just started a new class specifically for white belts. This class is just what I needed to help build on the fundamentals of BJJ.They also have Muay Thai and they have BJJ classes for kids.

If your view of martial arts is a puffed out chest demanding your child look them in the eye and not question him, maybe this place will work for you. I highly DO NOT recommend this place for children on the spectrum. Save yourself and especially your child the demeaning experience.

I love it there it’s perfect for family and friends, #God First

I have trained for many years at different gyms in the area. Professor Joel brought a new a whole new type of gym to our area. Not only does it provide the absolute best instruction for those that want to compete, this gym also is great for the everyday person who just wants to learn a martial art and get in shape. You can feel the family atmosphere from the second you walk in the door. There are no attitudes or intimidation from the athletes. Everyone is welcoming! This really is the gym you want to be at to learn Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu jitsu or just get in shape with the cardio classes. You will not go wrong by trying out this gym.

Great family environment! Excellent all around atmosphere from the kids programs to the adults. Very welcoming to newcomers with the support for growing from everyone. Professor Joel and Professor Jeremy and Tiago are top notch instructors that lead by example and are dedicated to continued growth of the students.

I had the opportunity to train in Muay Thai and BJJ while visiting Wake Forest - professor Joel is a great person, all the instructors are great and the quality shows in all the students - I was treated like I was part of the family. I cant wait to join full time and look forward to seeing everyone again -oosh.

Embrace is an awesome place. I personally practice there and my daughter does too. Everyone is so helpful and driven to become better. Highly recommend!!

This academy is really like one big family, you feel welcomed as soon as you walk in the door. Everything is awesome, from the professors, to the students, to the actual academy itself. I love it there!

A great place to train for the entire family!My oldest daughter (13) had been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a few years with a gym that is now in Raleigh, developing a solid foundation in BJJ. She heard about this gym from a friend at school who invited her to come roll. After giving it a try, she made the switch in October. Then my youngest daughter (6) stepped on the mats at the beginning of this year after trying gymnastics which, in her words doesnt make you work hard and feel awesome like (her sister) does at BJJ, and I want that in my life. Professor Joel would often invite me to the mats while I watched my kids train, but I felt hesitant to do it. I was unsure if my kids would feel like I was stealing their activity or would be embarrassed by their old man, but I was also worried that starting a Martial Art at my age might be opening a door to more injury and issues than fitness. As I continued to watch my kids train and the adults, I realized I was sidelining myself for no reason. Fast forward to July 1, and 4 days shy of my 34th birthday, with no prior experience and only a desire to better myself (and both my kids begging me to try it out), I finally put my fears aside began training.The experience here is more than just being a member of a gym; Its more than a lesson; its becoming part of a family. Those that train as well as those who support their training (moms and dads, wives and husbands, significant others, ect.) are part of a community and it really makes this place special. Whether you are a BJJ or Muay Thai student, you will receive top notch training from instructors who really invest themselves in, and care for, their students.Are looking for a confidence boost for your shy child; a positive place to channel the energy of your wild child; a place to continue training (or to start again); or a new way to challenge yourself both mentally and physically? I cant begin to articulate enough what a great investment Embrace Martial Arts is for your family.

After spending 5 years at our first gym in florida we moved here to Wake Forest, unsure that we would find a new BJJ family like the one we left behind, we tried Embrace. From day one we knew it was going to be our new BJJ family. Joel and his staff are absolutely amazing to work with and I could not recommend a better place to train. My kids are there almost every night practicing the sport they love with a group of great students that are always great partners!!

Embrace is a place that I love to go. We (my family and I) enjoy our time here. This instruction is by far world class. I would recommend Embrace to the most novice to the most experienced Martial artist. Professor Joel is more than inviting he truly loves what he does and it shows. If there was 10 stars I would give it a ten. Come check it out it will be one of the best experiences you have ever had.

Professor Joel is dedicated, passionate, and above all; supportive. My husband and I both attend this academy and Ive never felt more welcomed by a group of people in my life. Even though I am a beginner I feel incredibly supported. Embrace is such an amazing academy. You will soon feel like family. Come try it out!

Both Professor Joel and Tiago are excellent instructors and anyone would benefit from learning from them.

What can I say, Awesome facilities .Amazing staff great instruction assistants was available when needed. Private classes, group classes, they have something for all ages and training levels definitely recommend trying it for yourself

Professor Joel makes Embrace like a second home to many of the people that go there. The instruction given for BJJ is amazing but it does not end there. He goes out of his way to ensure that his students are doing well both on and off of the mats, which in my opinion, sets this gym far above many others.

Professor Joel is a great man and the real deal (no snake oil here)! Taking BJJ here has been an absolute pleasure. The academy is awesome with tons of great people.If youre interested in going please do; you wont regret it!

I’ve been training at Embrace BJJ since it open and I love it. It’s a great place to train and everyone treats you like family. Professor Joel Garcia cares about the quality of instruction he teaches and even more importantly cares about his students well being. He is especially great with the kids class. I highly recommend Embrace Martial Arts if you are experienced and a beginner.

Embrace martial arts is a very very friendly and supportive place. Joel is a great teacher and not only know his stuff but also creates an environment where everyone is welcome.

Embrace Martial Arts is my favorite places to train BJJ. Professor Joel runs a great academy. He will not only help your BJJ, but make you a better person. I highly recommend Embrace!

My daughter attends and loves it! Instruction is the best! Great for all ages and a wonderful family atmosphere.

Great school. Immediately welcomed by everyone on day one. By day two had new friends that felt like family. Professor Joel Garcia sets the tone of the whole school. He is a really nice guy that wants to help you learn. Not just BJJ, but how the lessons learned on the mat can be applied to everyday life. His calm demeanor and respectful attitude is prevalent throughout the school in that it is emulated by everyone. Tremendous learning environment overall. 100% recommended.

Professor Joel Garcia is a very skilled and accomplished instructor in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai kick boxing. The adult and kid classes are exceptional and everyone has a lot of fun training!! The over all environment at Embrace is family friendly and very welcoming on and off the mats. I highly recommend Embrace Martial Arts!!!

After moving to the Raleigh area, I didnt even look for a new bjj gym because I didnt think another gym could match the gym I had been at for 8 years. I got invited to Embrace by a coworker who was trying to get me back into bjj after 3years off. I took the gamble, and Im so glad I did. This academy is everything I didnt think I could find. Amazing instruction, quality technique, and most important of all, and kind and friendly atmosphere welcoming to everyone. This place is a team that becomes very close to you and everyone is welcome to join.

Im not going to comment about how beautiful and clean the Embrace BJJ and Muay Thai academy is. I will comment on whether you’re a student at Embrace or just visiting, Professor Joel Garcia and his staff make you feel like family. He genuinely cares for the people who walks through his academy doors. So if. youre looking for a place to learn from one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated instructors and want to train with amazing partners, who make you feel like family from day one, Embrace BJJ and Muay Thai is for you!Go check them out.

I could not have made a better choice than Embrace Martial Arts! I moved down from New York two years ago and began to look for a place to train. I have been training in Okiawan Go Ju Ryu since i am 15 years old. I am now 57. I decided to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I was immediately welcomed by all the students at Embrace. Professor Joel is an amazing instructor. The training is top notch and the atmosphere is that of hard work and comradery. If you were ever thinking about trying martial arts but are a little intimidated or up there a little in age, Embrace Martial Arts is definitely the place to go. I not only have a great place to train, (which I thought I never have again after leaving New York), I now have people in my life that I love like brothers and sisters.

Joel is great instructor. Mats are clean and the gym looks great. I would strongly recommend going.

The culture at Embrace is one of mutual respect, learning and family.Was made to feel comfortable and part of the family right away.Ivyrain with my teenage daughter and she loves it.Scott Turkel

If you’re looking for top notch instruction in the triangle, this is the place for you. Whether you’re looking to get your hands right with muy Thai or improve your ground game through Ju jitsu, Joel Garcia’s extensive background in martial arts will get you there - the right way.

If your looking for great BJJ and Muay Thai Instruction look no further. Embrace Martial Arts instructor Professor Joel Garcia’s instruction is second to none! He is very detailed in techniques and Focuses on his students never leaving a question unanswered. Excellent place to start your journey or grow and advance deeper into your journey. Comfortable and welcoming environment. Come and Embrace the Arts of BJJ and Muay Thai @ Embrace. You’ll be glad you came.

Awesome place to study, everyone is very welcoming.

Excellent instruction... clean training mats.

Been to a couple other gyms and nothing compares to what you learn here. This is how martial arts should be taught!