Embrace Martial Arts

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The best martial arts training in Wake Forest

Embrace Martial Arts is a learning academy with dedicated instructors who teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and Kickboxing. Our classes cater to individuals of all skill levels and needs.

Kids in gis drilling with their coaches on the mat
Ages 3 to 13

Kids BJJ

Your child learns to move, defend themselves and keep calm under pressure, and builds focus, confidence and respect along the way.
Level 1
Mon, Wed, Fri 4:30 or 5:00pm
Levels 2 and 3
Mon, Wed, Fri 5:30pm
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Students in gis watching a technique, in black and white
Built for 40 and up

Godfather BJJ

A slower paced jiu jitsu class. A good place to ease in, come back from time off, or test an old injury before a more intense class.
Mornings
Tue, Thu 10:30am
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Two smiling students in white gis sitting together on the mat
Ages 14 and up

Adult BJJ

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Gi and No Gi: takedowns, control and submissions, taught step by step so beginners and experienced students both keep getting better.
Mornings
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30am
Evenings
Mon, Wed, Thu 6:45pm
No Gi
Tue, Thu 6:30am
No Gi
Tue, Fri 6:45pm
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Women sitting in a circle on the mat between drills
Women, ages 14 and up

Women Only BJJ

Jiu jitsu with only women on the mats, in the Gi and No Gi. Learn, train and get stronger alongside other women.
No Gi
Tue 6:00pm
Evenings
Thu 6:45pm
Saturday
9:00am
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Kids in gloves and shin guards working pads with a coach
Ages 6 and up

Kids Muay Thai

Striking for kids: punches, kicks, knees and elbows, technique first. Kids build coordination, fitness and confidence in a safe, coached class.
Evenings
Tue, Thu 5:15pm
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Two students in gloves and shin guards sparring
Ages 14 and up

Adult Muay Thai

Punches, kicks, knees and elbows, drilled on pads with a partner. A hard workout and a real skill, taught for all levels.
Evenings
Mon to Thu 6:45pm
Sparring
Sat 10:00am
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Kickboxing pad work
Adults

Cardio Kickboxing

A hard workout drilling combos on the bag. No partner contact, so you get the fitness of fight training without getting hit.
Mornings
Mon, Wed, Fri 6:30am
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Two kids smiling on the ninja course at the Embrace Kids Club
Kids

Kids Club

Camps, parties and play, right next door to our Wake Forest academy.
Camp days
Mon to Fri 7:30am to 5:30pm
Visit the Kids Club

Times shown are for Wake Forest. See the full schedule for Youngsville and Saturdays.

What our members are saying

Real Google reviews that you can find online.

4.9 / 100+ reviews

★★★★★
I can’t imagine anywhere better to be. … I joined recently as a beginner in my 40s. Every single person I’ve met from the instructors to students at every level and belt has taken time to help me … My son joined at 10 years old after a year at another gym. He has improved more over the last few months than in the year he spent elsewhere.
Austin A.
★★★★★
I started training in Brazilian Jiu jitsu at age 67 and I'm now 73. … The lessons learned during training will touch every area of your life. Age is not a limitation.
Richard O.
★★★★★
My daughter and I are both new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and we absolutely love training at Embrace Martial Arts! The coaches are fantastic, the culture is welcoming, and we truly feel like part of a family. … There are no big egos here.
Nicholas C.
★★★★★
I have never done bjj. Thus, I decided to give it shot with Embrace. … The professor sincerely cares about each student … If you are looking for a place to train and learn with respect and humility, this is for you.
Eugene C.
★★★★★
My husband started here, then our son, and now me. We all love our BJJ family at Embrace. We have an all woman's BJJ class taught by 2 amazing women. Come give it a try!
Tracie S.
★★★★★
Completed my first full week of BJJ and already feel as part of the group. … The group is very diverse in age, weight, height, ability, gender, and many other areas. Should have joined sooner because my areas of apprehension were not founded.
Ronald V.
★★★★★
Embrace Martial Arts has provided my son with an exceptional and healthy activity with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, in only about a month and a half he has thrived. … The facility itself is CLEAN, the instructors are patient but strict (as they should be) and they assist everyone no matter their level.
Ashley N.
★★★★★
Excellent place to start learning Jiu-Jitsu. Great camaraderie, great instructors, family friendly. BJJ is my favorite hobby, it's a lot of fun and you meet new people and stay healthy at the same time.
J M.
★★★★★
My daughter has been going here since she was 6 years old. … my daughter has gained confidence and discipline that is beyond her years. The instructors are great and the kids are well prepared for competitions
Frank C.
★★★★★
I am a 39 year old former wrestler with some old injuries from my wrestling days. … I didn't know what to expect but I found everyone so helpful and nice. … everyone was so friendly and would take time to better explain positions and guide me in learning the technique.
Russ W.
★★★★★
After contemplating for over two years if I should start learning martial arts, I finally signed up for Muay Thai … Both instructors and students here are very helpful and kind.
Sadh-ana R.
★★★★★
Embrace has a fantastic atmosphere for families and does a great job of youth development in the world of martial arts. The Professors and Coaches do a phenomenal job of teaching and holding the students accountable but are also approachable and offer safe environment for the kids.
Kevin F.
★★★★★
The facilities are new and clean. The instructors/staff are knowledgeable, helpful and attentive. My son (6) has enjoyed training here for over a year and we look forward to continuing as part of the Embrace community.
Jeff W.
★★★★★
My daughter has been enrolled for a few months now and I am tremendously impressed with the professionalism and instruction of this gym and instructors is top notch. I have no experience with martial arts other than this, but she is learning great tools that will transfer to the outside world.
Raymond W.
★★★★★
I’ve trained at many gyms and certain ones feel special. The team energy is incredible and great to be around. The techniques taught are thoughtful and clearly explained. Highly recommend for all ranges of talent
Dylan E.

Your first class is free

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Meet your coaches

Common questions

The things people usually ask us before their first class.

What do I need for my first day?

Just yourself and some gym clothes. For Jiu Jitsu, bring a gi if you have one; if not, gym clothes are perfect, and a rash guard works best for No Gi. For Muay Thai, bring gloves if you have them, and shin guards and a mouth guard are great too. Don't own any gear yet? No problem. We'll find you something to use, and nobody gets turned away for not having the right stuff.

What if I've never done martial arts?

Then you're in the right place. You don't need any experience to start. Beginners and people who have trained for years take the same classes, and our coaches make sure both get what they need. Everyone on the mat was brand new once.

What if I want to compete?

Lots of our members compete, and our team shows up at local tournaments and events. Talk to a coach and they'll help you get ready. And if competing isn't for you, that's fine too. Learning comes first here, and nobody will ever push you into it.

What if I have a shy child?

That's more than okay. Lots of kids start out shy and nervous, and they open up. Our coaches are great with quiet kids and know how to help them feel at home on the mat.

How early should I get there?

Come 10 to 15 minutes early. That gives you time to stretch, meet a coach, and grab loaner gloves or a gi if you need one. Everyone signs a short waiver, either online before you come or at the front desk.

Still wondering about something? Call us at (919) 777-3649 or book a free class and ask a coach in person.

Locations

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Get Embrace news by email

Schedule changes, events and what's new at both academies. About once a month.